Home sweet home – it’s a phrase that carries a different kind of weight in your golden years. When you’re deciding on lifestyle arrangements that will both meet your needs and allow you to live life fully, the choices can be confusing. We sorted through some of the top options to help you make this important decision. Read on for information to find your best fit.
A little help Many seniors are active and healthy, but need a small bit of help with daily life. This can add to the confusion of finding a great living arrangement. In this case, one viable choice is an assisted living community. These facilities provide support for activities of daily living, such as grooming, eating, bathing, and toileting. They also offer some great amenities, like transportation, common areas, and planned activities, but they allow you to come and go and do as you please. As far as structure, there is a variety of choices, such as studio spaces and one-bedroom apartments.
It’s important to explore potential assisted living communities to find the one for you. Consider things like how friendly and professional the staff seems, whether the facility is clean, and what features are offered that matter to you. Cost-wise, assisted living in the town of Saint Cloud runs anywhere from $1,500-$7,720 per month.
Modify your space Seniors who live independently and wish to keep doing so often opt to modify a house. If this is what you decide to do, it’s important to keep both present and future needs in mind. This could be your current home, or you might elect to downsize to a more senior-friendly home. As U.S. News points out, downsizing can equate to several other key benefits for seniors. You can pad your nest egg, cut living costs, lower your taxes, and reduce your maintenance burden.
Ideally, your home should have a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and laundry on the ground floor. On the outside, low-maintenance siding and easy-care landscaping cut the time and energy you need to dedicate to upkeep, can help reduce your expenses, and reduce the strain on your back and joints.
As far as appropriate home modifications, options abound. There are simple additions many seniors choose, such as installing grab bars in the bathroom, improving lighting, replacing door knobs with lever handles, and adding handrails to stairs.
Somewhat moderate home modifications might require a handyman to complete. For instance, many people add a ramp to an entryway to keep coming and going comfortably, widen doorways in the event assistive equipment is required, and have flooring exchanged for a more senior-friendly option.
There are more extensive alterations to consider, which greatly improve your living environment if mobility should become an issue. This would include things like a curbless shower and installing a laundry area on the ground floor. Some seniors add gadgetry as well, such as smart home devices and specialty kitchen tools.
Contemplate what would keep you feeling comfortable and safe, and what would promote your independence if health or mobility becomes compromised.
Think outside the box There are some creative ways seniors are handling their living arrangements these days, and if you can’t seem to find the perfect solution, they are worth consideration. CityLab explains some older adults are forming grassroots villages in which they pay fees, live independently, help one another, and enjoy assistance from community volunteers. Others are getting roommates Golden Girls-style, or renting rooms in their homes to younger people. It’s a great way to maintain a social life, share responsibilities, cut workload, and offset finances.
Finding an ideal living arrangement for your senior years requires some thought. Consider your circumstances and sort through the various options. With a little exploring, the right solution will come your way, and you’ll be set up for a comfortable and enjoyable future.
This article was written by Harry Cline with New Caregiver
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