Weighing the Options for Senior-Friendly Living- Harry Cline

Health issues that many seniors face, including restricted mobility and reduced balance, can make the current home potentially dangerous. When it comes to finding the right living arrangements for older adults, there are three possible solutions to this problem. One option is to buy a home that’s been modified for seniors. There’s also the option of modifying the current home so that seniors can remain comfortably. Lastly, there is the choice of moving into assisted living. All three options have pros and cons; when making this decision, it is important to know all of the factors.

Buying a New Home

Buying a senior-friendly home makes sense in many ways. This is particularly true in senior living communities. The residents enjoy independent living while residing near their peers and vital services. The low-maintenance homes are professionally designed to accommodate seniors with physical limitations. Additionally, these communities often feature social activities such as parties, games and sporting events.

On the other hand, you can choose to buy a senior-friendly house in a non-senior community. However, you may not get that sense of community that you would obtain in a community dedicated to senior living. If you opt for a non-senior-friendly neighborhood, consider finding a home close to services you’ll need, such as doctor’s offices and public transportation.

The cost of senior-friendly homes varies from state to state. Before you begin your search, you must determine your home affordability. You can use an online affordability calculator to figure out your ideal price range and monthly mortgage payment based on a number of factors, such as your monthly spending, annual income, and type of loan.

Making Home Modifications

If there is great concern about uprooting your life for a new home, modifying the family home to be senior friendly may be a good idea. This way, you will remain in familiar surroundings. The home can be made senior friendly by installing railings in certain areas, a walk-in bathtub, lever style doors, widened doorways, a ramp at the entryway, and a chairlift on the staircase. When needed, you could sign up for a home medical emergency response service. In case of an emergency, you can call for assistance by pressing a button on a necklace provided by the service. Over time, you can get more assistance in the form of a home health care worker or a food delivery service.

Senior-friendly home modifications can be expensive, and professional caregivers can add another few thousand dollars to the expenses. Another con is aging individuals may continue to have mobility problems in a two-story house. However, if you can afford it, and you’re confident that you’ll be able to age in your two-story home, modifying your current home can be a great option.

Transitioning to Assisted Living

If you need specialized care, assisted living can be the best option for your needs. Assisted living facilities offer assistance in feeding, grooming, administering medications, and other day-to-day tasks. The structures can be free-standing cottages or apartments. Most offer social activities, classes and entertainment.

Some of the drawbacks to this option are the same as buying a senior friendly home. For example, assisted living can be costly. When the home’s equity is used to pay for assisted living, the move is usually final. You would also have to endure what’s likely to be a drastic change. However, depending on your health needs, this choice of living arrangement is usually recommended or ordered by a physician.

Regardless of your decision, making life safer for your golden years is a serious undertaking. However, knowing the ins and outs of each senior living option will help you make a wise choice and will help make the process smoother.

 

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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