There’s often a sense of anxiety among retirees as they think towards the future. Like other seniors, you want to live comfortably and safely, but that may mean your current home is no longer conducive to a senior lifestyle. Luckily, there are options beyond just being stuck in a home. From aging in place to nursing facilities, these five housing options show the range of possibilities available to you.
- Home Modifications
If you prefer to stay home, you’re not alone. Statistics consistently show that over 75% of adults over 50 prefer to age in place rather than move to a facility. Staying at home helps maintain a sense of familiarity, independence, and control. However, to ensure safety, you should consider making modifications like upgrading to smart home technology, easy-to-use faucets and doorknobs for arthritic joints, and non-slip flooring to avoid falls. You can even customize what types of flooring you get to add personalization to your sense of safety. Reach out to Simply Oak to find out more.
- Home Sharing
Home sharing is an excellent way to ensure you have both help and companionship when you need it. Loneliness, which is prevalent among seniors, has been linked to various health risks, including depression, dementia, and premature death. Through home sharing, you can easily socialize while cutting out a major portion of your living expenses, including rent and utilities. Ideally, you could live with your children or other loved ones, but you can always find housemates using online databases or personal references. Just make sure your living styles mesh well.
- New Home
Maybe your current house isn’t senior-accessible. Purchasing a new house can be an ordeal, but you can start by making a wish list for your new home, including things like proper lighting, ramps, or single-floor layouts. Then, get estimates online or from real estate agents to see how much your current house may be worth so that you can budget accordingly. Selling your house can affect your pension, health insurance, social security benefits, and estate plans, so consult experts if you’re unsure. When you’re ready to move, downsize as much as possible, plan out each room, and hire outside help to transport your belongings.
- Independent Living Communities
If you prefer a communal lifestyle, independent living communities might be for you. Seniors can enjoy their independence with private living spaces and communal amenities in a residential area. Amenities differ depending on the community but could include catered meals, physical fitness classes, social events, and education opportunities.
- Assisted Living Facilities
Although more expensive, you should consider assisted living if you require additional care. Assisted living facilities provide a small degree of assistance with daily activities, ranging from dressing and administering medication to bathing and using the bathroom. Often, residents are those recovering from an injury who still want some independence and need that at-home feeling.
However, if you require 24/7 care for a medical issue or declining cognitive function, a nursing home would be a better option. Unlike assisted living facilities, nursing homes have licensed medical practitioners on hand at all times, increasing the costs dramatically. Make sure you research expenses and payment options, take a tour, and check out customer reviews before settling on a facility.
As you think about the future, weigh all your housing options. If you value independence, consider making modifications to your home. For sociability, try home sharing or a senior community. If you need help, assisted living facilities can be the safest option. Just know that there are plenty of choices available to you.
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