As we age, we have to start thinking about where we will live out our retirement years. Many of us won’t even start looking at options until we have to make a choice. But, there is never a wrong time to look ahead. Offered to you by Harry Cline, here are six senior care options to consider based on your needs.
Buying A New Home: Best For Active, Healthy Seniors With Support
Buying a new home is an excellent option for seniors that want a more convenient location. Perhaps you no longer wish to rely on your own vehicle and want to live near public transportation or in walking vicinity of restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Before you get started, you’ll first need to know how much you can afford. Senior-friendly homes are often smaller and single-story. While they are usually affordable, you’ll want to calculate your potential mortgage payment based on the home’s listing price and how much you can put down.
Update An Existing Home: Best For Seniors That Want To Stay In Familiar Surroundings
If you love your current home and see yourself there long-term, there are plenty of changes you can make that make it a safer space as you age. Widening the doorways, adding additional lighting throughout the home, and installing a low-profile shower will all go a long way toward helping you keep your independence. Another option is to install a wheelchair ramp, which Networx estimates can cost you up to $8000.
Independent Living: Best For Seniors That Want Independence Without All The Obligations
Are you tired of grocery shopping, mowing the lawn, and budgeting for ever-changing utility bills? Independent living might be right for you. Brookdale Senior Living explains that independent living ranges in price, but has plenty of benefits, including low maintenance and freshly prepared meals each day. Plus, no laundry and lots of other active seniors to socialize with.
Assisted Living: Best For Seniors That Want A Community But Need Help With ADL
ADL, or activities of daily living, include things like feeding yourself, going to the toilet, dressing, and bathing. If you have mobility or dexterity issues that prevent you from doing these efficiently and effectively, assisted living is a great option. Assisted living gives you access to a staff 24/7 that can help with these, but you will also enjoy a community and some perks similar to assisted living.
Living With Relatives: Best For Seniors With A Very Close Family Structure
If you’re super close to one of your adult children or grandchildren – and their spouse and children – moving in with your progeny can be a positive multigenerational experience. Before you and your family visit this option, make sure your potential future caregiver will have enough time and that you all understand and agree on who pays for what.
Home Sharing: Best For Independent Seniors Looking For Security
Your home is already set up for aging in place. You’re bored. You’re lonely. You don’t want to pay the bills by yourself. Opening up your home to another senior can alleviate these issues. There are many services that can match you with the right roommate. Most offer screening, and you can vet your potential matches until you find the perfect house partner. Bringing in a roommate may help you avoid foreclosure and will ensure you have the money to pay for essentials, such as medicine, food, and clothing.
As you can see, there are plenty of options no matter your situation. Before you make a decision, give yourself a thorough evaluation, and then talk to your family and your doctor. There are lots of factors that determine where you live, including your health, budget, and lifestyle choices. Wherever you wind up, remember that you can always change your mind if you need to write a new chapter in your golden years.
Sell your home to the right buyer by utilizing the Laws Of Attraction. For more information contact Cindi today.
Harry Cline is a retired nursing home administrator, father of three, and caregiver to his ninety-year-old uncle, so he knows how challenging and rewarding caregiving can be. He is the creator of NewCaregiver.org and author of the upcoming book, The A-Z Home Care Handbook: Health Management How-Tos for Senior Caregivers.
