At some point there might come a time when hiring a caregiver from a home care agency such as Thrive at Home might not be the best option. It might seem obvious that home care for the elderly in their own home might be the best overall solution for everyone but sometimes that doesn’t always work. There are so many factors that go into the decision on whether one can remain safely in their own home even with a caregiver. Obviously for most people remaining in their own home is the first option.
If it happens that this is not an option then assisted living can be an ideal solution for older adults who need care. Most people can’t simply pack up their entire house and move. If you’re a senior homeowner, deciding what to do with your house can seem difficult. Selling might be your only hope of financing assisted living, though you may be reluctant to part with your home. Assisted Living is not generally covered by Medicare.
Time for Assisted Living?
If mobility and safety have become too great an issue. If normal activities of daily living are just too complicated or dangerous, it’s probably time to consider moving into an assisted living facility. Most people would prefer to bring in a caregiver to assist. Sometimes that’s just not enough, however. Many assisted living communities these days offer a wide range of activities, allowing one to thrive physically and mentally. However, one needs to do plenty of research and visit different communities. They all differ in amenities and pricing.
Selling Your Home
Putting your house on the market makes good financial sense if you’re unable to continue living at home. Assisted living is expensive and can be out of reach for older adults who lack financial resources. If that describes your situation, then you probably need the capital that a home sale can provide. Your earnings can help cover moving expenses and the month-to-month fees that assisted living communities require. Moving can free you of monthly mortgage payment and home maintenance expenses. You can use a home-sale-proceeds calculator to get an estimated sale price for your home.
If you’re worried that the proceeds from your home sale will eventually run out, consider purchasing a lifetime annuity, which guarantees an ongoing monthly income. It’s a smart move and a more attractive option than watching it slowly dwindle away. Unfortunately, selling a house can take time, sometimes months. If that happens to you, a short-term bridge loan can see you through until you’re able to find a buyer, or if you need to hire an architect who can renovate your home and get it ready to sell or rent.
An Architect’s Touch
Your home’s layout may not be conducive to renting or reselling; if so, consider consulting an architect about making renovations. According to BobVila.com, you need an architect, not just a builder, for a renovation. The reason: An architect is trained to envision the big picture and can ensure that your design concept comes to fruition. Architects combine a sensitivity to aesthetic nuance with knowledge of building code requirements.
Renting
Renovations can turn your home into an attractive rental property. Whether it’s for the short or long term, renting provides an ongoing monthly revenue that can pay for assisted living care. However, if you’re interested in this option, keep in mind that a paid-off mortgage is usually the best scenario; otherwise, you’ll lose a lot of that monthly revenue to mortgage upkeep and general maintenance expenses. Presumably, an older adult moving to assisted living would find it difficult to play the role of landlord, take care of maintenance, and meet a tenant’s needs. You may need to find a younger relative who can take care of the property or even hire a property manager if renting is going to be a viable option. When hiring a rental manager, look for a company that provides quick online booking and an on-site team for 24-hour support.
Bear in mind that renting isn’t an option if you’re planning on using Medicaid as a source of financial assistance. A home not lived in by a Medicare beneficiary isn’t considered an exempt asset, meaning you need to live there or sell it and use the proceeds to finance assisted living.
Many seniors thrive in assisted living, enjoy making new acquaintances, and engaging in new pursuits that keep them stimulated and busy for many years to come. Assisted living facilities provide the care you need, but remember that they’re not all the same. So, do plenty of comparison shopping and take the time to find a place you can call home.