Retirement brings with it many changes. Your income has reduced, and your lifestyle has changed. Planning for future housing choices is a crucial part of aging well.
Whether you’re looking for senior housing due to a severe health issue or a desire to change your lifestyle, it can be difficult and stressful for you and your family. The earlier you assess your current and future needs, the more options and control you will have.
Obviously, every senior citizen is unique, so what works for one person may not work for you. The best housing choice is one that fits your health, financial, and lifestyle needs.
Making your own home comfortable and safer is one option. Another one is you can move to senior housing facilities with more support and social opportunities. Applying to be part of a compatible group of people to share specialized services or moving to an apartment building for older folks could be the answer.
By discovering the various senior housing options, you can make an informed decision. Then, you’ll ensure a fulfilling, happy and healthy home environment as you age.
Aging in Place
Before you put your home for sale, consider whether you genuinely want to relocate. Many homes can be made comfortable and safe for retirees by simply relocating a bedroom to the main floor. Also, fitting grab bars can be installed in the bathroom.
Aging in place is one of the good housing choices for almost any senior. Even those in poor health can stay at home with in-home care. Personal care workers do things like cook, clean, and run errands. Many agencies may be able to provide therapists and nurses to help with medication or other needs.
Moving in With the Children
Although it is not for everyone, living with a grown-up child or having them live with you can be a favorable situation. It has the potential to cut living expenses in half immediately. There’s also the possibility of mutually beneficial side effects. Busy parents might get built-in babysitting. On the other end, seniors, mainly single elder folks, benefit from an active home that prevents loneliness and health risks.
Setting clear guidelines from the start is critical to making these arrangements work. Make sure everyone is on the same page regarding bill sharing, personal space, and communal living.
Sharing a House
If you don’t want to live with your family, consider sharing a room with other elderly. Sharing a home with another person provides comparable financial benefits. Also, it doesn’t come with the relationship complications that accompany moving in with the children.
Seniors who still own homes may find that a housemate or roommate to cover a substantial portion of their day-to-day expenses. On the other hand, tenants may find that their monthly bills are cut in half.
Communities for Independent Living
Known as senior housing, active adult communities, or retirement villages, elderly residents get their own private living space. They also have access to on-site amenities, such as restaurants, golf courses, and theatres. Elderly residents may also be offered planned social activities and tours.
While retirement communities are associated with disorganized suburban developments, seniors citizens can choose to live in cities if they prefer. Downtown buildings, such as hospitals and old schools, can be renovated into new housing for seniors.
Assisted Living
Assisted living may be the top option for those who require daily assistance. Senior citizens have their very own apartments with communal dining and social areas. Staff can assist with personal hygiene, housekeeping, and medication reminders.
In other words, it’s another type of home that combines nursing home care and independent living. It’s for people who can do a lot on their own and don’t need constant care. Medicare doesn’t cover assisted living, but long-term care insurance may.
Life Plan Communities
A life plan community may not appear to be a low-cost housing option for many seniors. It is not a choice for senior citizens who don’t have a large sum of money to pay the initial entry fee. However, for those who may require professional nursing care in the future, a life plan community may be a more cost-effective choice in the long haul.
Life plan communities allow senior citizens to transition their lifestyle. They can move from independent living to supported living to professional nursing care on a single campus. Some communities include meals and other activities.
When it comes to different types of contracts offered by life plan communities, the top-level offer usually assures the best care at a fixed rate. Some communities have assistance or foundation programs to help senior citizens who can no longer afford that rate.
Choosing the Most Appropriate Senior Housing for You
It’s important to remember that you are not alone in this situation when it comes to housing choices. Most people over 60 will need some form of long-term care. It’s not a sign of weakness to admit you need more help than you used to.
Therefore, when deciding on the best senior housing plan for you, it is critical to consider your current needs and those you may have in the future.
