Senior Living Options

Around the world, living with relatives is the most common household arrangement for older people. In the US, older people are more likely to live alone or with a spouse. About 27% of adults ages 60 and up live alone.

As you get older, it’s important to explore the senior living options available. Exploring senior housing alternatives will help you find living arrangements that suit your needs. Read on to discover your options today.

Aging in Place

Aging in place allows senior citizens to remain in their own homes, either alone or with family. This option is ideal if the senior is still able to live relatively independently.

You can make home renovations to ensure your living space is ideal for your needs. For example, you can move your bedroom from upstairs to the main floor. You can also add grab bars to the bathroom to reduce the risk of a slip-and-fall accident.

Many homeowners also make wider pathways. Consider how you’ll get in and out of your home as you make these modifications.

Making adjustments to your living space will ensure it’s a safer place to live.

There are organizations available that can complete home assessments. Their recommendations will help you determine which modifications to make. There are also vocational and occupational therapists that offer these services.

In some cases, aging in place requires in-home care. You can hire personal care workers to help with:

• Buying groceries
• Cooking
• Cleaning
• Running errands

Some seniors require nurses or other skilled professionals to help with medication and hands-on needs.

It’s important to note that home renovations could stretch your limited budget. You may need to tap into your home’s equity to cover expenses. A reverse mortgage can provide you with a line of credit, monthly payment, or lump sum.

Once a senior passes on, the property is usually sold to pay off the loan.

Moving in With Family

If a senior isn’t interested in moving into a retirement community, they often move in with an adult child. In many situations, this option is a win-win. For example, it could cut living expenses in half.

Seniors can also babysit their grandchildren, especially if the parent is single. Meanwhile, moving in with their children can stave off a senior’s loneliness.

Otherwise, social isolation and loneliness can compromise a senior’s health. Both put older adults at risk for:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Cognitive decline
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Weakened immunity
• Death

Loneliness can even increase the risk of mortality by 50% (higher than obesity, excessive alcohol use, and air pollution).

In some cases, living with adult children causes seniors to stay at home more often. For example, if the adult child is often gone for work. It’s important to set guidelines before moving in with an adult child.

You can establish guidelines regarding personal space, bill sharing, and communal living.

Independent Living

Independent living options include:

• Senior apartments
• Active adult communities
• Retirement villages

For example, there are age-restricted complexes for seniors that want to move into their own apartments. These communities often offer amenities like a gym or pool. However, they don’t offer additional resources like transportation, medical care, or meals.

Residents can have their own private living space while remaining nearby other seniors. Sometimes, planned social outings and activities are offered to residents as well. Independent living communities are ideal for seniors who are worried about social isolation.

Assisted Living

Remember, independent living communities don’t provide care services. Seniors who need help with daily tasks are better suited for assisted living options.

Some assisted living communities offer individual apartments. Communal spaces are available for social activities and meals. Staff members can help with:

• Medication reminders
• Personal hygiene
• Housekeeping

Most assisted living communities offer access to medical health. For example, some communities are dedicated to memory care.

Choosing assisted living allows seniors to bridge the divide between nursing home care and independent living. Medicare won’t pay for assisted living. Your long-term care insurance might provide some coverage.

House Sharing

For seniors who don’t want to move into senior housing or an adult child’s home, house sharing is ideal. House sharing involves renting out space with another senior. This option offers financial benefits.

Meanwhile, seniors won’t have to worry about the complexity of moving in with their adult children. They can avoid a strain on their family relationships.

Seniors who already own a home can find another retiree willing to share living expenses. Both retirees can split their monthly bills in half. There are online resources available for seniors seeking roommates.

Look for a roommate who is self-sufficient and at the same level of care you are.

There are risks associated with house sharing, however, especially if the other senior’s health declines rapidly.

Life Plan Communities

Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) and life plan communities offer arrangements on a single campus. Seniors can move from independent living to skilled nursing care as needed.

Some CCRCs are all-inclusive. A Retirement Home might offer access to activities, meals, and other services.

These communities offer a tired approach to senior living services. Each community offers different options.

Subsidized Housing

Local, state, and federal housing programs offer housing options for seniors based on their income. Each has its own application process and eligibility criteria.

It’s important to apply as soon as possible. You could remain on the waiting list for some time. You can consult a housing counselor through the Department of Housing to get started.

Explore Your Senior Living Options Today

Finding the right senior living arrangements can help seniors enjoy their golden years. Consider these senior living options to make a more informed choice. Select the option that suits your mobility, needs, and comfort.

Discover comfortable living before retiring today.

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