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How to Choose the Ideal Home to Spend Your Senior Years

As more Americans near retirement age, they are faced with the decision as to where to live as they grow older. There is no single correct answer for everyone. When grappling with this issue, you must consider your health concerns, caregiving needs, financial situation, and other factors. Let’s take a look at some of the most common living options for your golden years.

Move-in with Relatives

For some seniors, it makes sense to move in with their adult children. This arrangement can work out well for everyone involved, but it’s not without its pitfalls. Before moving in with your children or other relatives, have an open discussion about privacy, caregiving, and other concerns. An honest family meeting can help you come to the right decision.

Choose an Assisted Living Facility

Assisted living can be the ideal option for many older adults. These facilities or communities can provide assistance with meals, transportation, and daily living activities, as well as an opportunity to socialize with others your age. Many seniors choose assisted living because they can live a fairly independent life without the challenges of home and yard maintenance. The expense is the primary drawback of assisted living. However, if you have recently sold your home, those proceeds can help offset the costs. Some older adults also have difficulty adhering to assisted living policies and believe it thwarts their independence.

Buy a Senior-Accessible Home

The large house where you spent decades raising your kids and enjoying your life might not make sense now that you are getting older. Mobility issues may become a problem, utility bills could be too high, or the home might just be too big for your needs. If you have decided to make a move, downsizing to a smaller, one-level house or condo with lower costs and fewer maintenance responsibilities may be the answer for you. The problem is, according to SeniorAdvisor.com, only 5 percent of homes in America have the aging-in-place features to make them safe and accessible for seniors with mobility challenges. Therefore, you may need to use the profits from selling your larger home to make modifications to your new one.

Modify Your Existing Home to Age in Place

Most seniors would prefer to continue living at home as long as they can in order to maintain their independence in a place that is familiar and dear to them. Whether you are modifying your existing house or making changes to a new one, the renovations should be aimed at making life safer and easier as you age. Widening doorways and hallways are one of the bigger projects you’ll encounter, while ground-level entry is vital as well.

You should also have grab bars added in the bathroom and other safety updates to accommodate aging in place. According to a 2015 study at Repec.org, three million Americans ages 65 and older are treated for falls each year. Approximately 800,000 of those falls require hospitalization. Also, as Angie’s List explains, “Make sure hallways are lit with automatic night lights, which will assist in navigating your home in the dark.” Remove area rugs, worn carpeting, and other tripping hazards as well. Non-slip flooring made of vinyl or cork is a safer option.

Wherever you choose to live as you grow older, make sure you have access to nearby medical facilities, transportation options, and social programs. Social isolation is a serious concern for many older people who live alone. Isolation can lead to anxiety, depression, hoarding, and other emotional and mental health issues. Take your time when choosing where to live out your senior years to find the ideal location for your long-term happiness, health, and safety.

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