As you age, you may not be able to continue living in your current residence. Fortunately, there are several options available for you, each with its own set of pros and cons. So, let’s review some of those options and what they entail.
Important Factors to Consider
When deciding where to live, there are several factors to consider when making your decision. The first, and most important, is safety. According to the CDC, falling is the leading cause of injury for seniors, so you need to make sure your home is safe and free of tripping hazards. You also need to consider your medical care needs and whether you need outside assistance. Lastly, you need to know your financial limits to learn what you can afford. Many care options can be costly, so you need to understand the full cost of each choice. With these factors in mind, you will be able to make the right choice for your home care.
Home Modifications
Many seniors are choosing to age in place, which involves making modifications to your house in order to continue living there comfortably. This is a great option financially, especially if you have already paid off your mortgage. Some changes will likely need to be made in order to ensure your safety and reduce the risk of falling. Your bathroom presents the highest risk of falling, so considering installing grab bars, which you can find at Home Depot for around $20. You will likely want to hire a professional to handle major renovations, which can be a little expensive. In nearby Washington, DC, for example, it typically costs between $7,301 and $15,449 to remodel your bathroom. Additionally, you also need to consider your medical needs. You may want to consider hiring a home health care service to come in and help you where needed.
Purchasing a New Home
Another option is to purchase a new home that is already senior-accessible. This is a great choice, especially if you have mobility issues and use a wheelchair or walker. When looking for your new house, look for a one-story home with wide doorways and open floor plans; after all, you want to have plenty of space to get around from one room to another. In addition to the layout of the home, you also need to inspect the outside of the property. It is helpful to have smooth, paved walkways around the outside of the house, so check all the sidewalks and driveways for cracks or uneven concrete to avoid tripping. Whether the lawn itself is a beautiful and intricate garden or a simple grassy area, you will still likely want to hire help to care for the lawn. Research a trustworthy landscaper to ensure quality work at a fair price.
Assisted-Living Facility
If living independently in your home is not a safe or feasible option, you can always consider an assisted-living facility. According to Leisure Care, there are several advantages to assisted-living facilities, including ample social opportunities and round-the-clock medical care. Care facilities can be very costly, and while this isn’t an area you want to be cheap with, you can do some research to make sure you are spending your money wisely on the best care. Visit your potential options to get a first-hand impression of what the atmosphere is like.
As you get older, you can choose to modify your current home, purchase a new home with more senior-friendly amenities, or move into an assisted-living facility. Talk to your family members and choose what works best for you. Most elderly people do prefer to remain in their own homes if it’s at all possible. Hiring a caregiver and have them visit every day for a few hours is usually a lot less expensive than moving into a facility.