Thankfully, these days seniors have a wide variety of choices for where they can live. We might be able to age-in-place, live in an age-resticted community or move to a retirement home. In reality, we have many options. ConsumerAffairs brings us 11 different types of living options. Here’s the list of options and some steps for deciding on which is the best choice.
How To Choose The Best Senior Living Option
As baby boomers have reached retirement age, they’ve recognized the need for more retirement living options than their parents had. These days, retirees have a wide variety of choices for where they live and how they spend their retirement years.
If you or your loved one are ready to discuss senior living options, keep reading. This article will give you the basics on 11 different options for senior living and tell you what kinds of people choose them.
Independent living
From at-home care to senior apartments, people have many options for independent senior living.
AGING IN PLACE
What is aging in place?
Aging in place means that a senior will keep living in their current home (stay in place). They can modify their current home to address any mobility issues, and they can work with home health care professionals to get assistance where needed.
Who should consider aging in place?
People who can handle most tasks on their own and have a supportive community to help if problems come up can likely stay in their home. With the help of a caregiver, many people can age in place, even after their health declines to the point of needing regular assistance.
What are some benefits of aging in place?
- People retain independence.
- It’s often cheaper than an assisted living facility.
- Programs and services are available to help people stay in their home as long as possible.
AGE-RESTRICTED COMMUNITIES
What are age-restricted communities?
Age-restricted communities are housing options where residence is limited to people over a certain age. Depending on the community, residents might live in a single-family home, a condo, a townhouse or an apartment. Whether they rent or own their residence will depend on each individual community.
Some age-restricted communities are called niche retirement communities. They cater to those with specific interests. There are neighborhoods built near college campuses for retired professors and those who want to be surrounded by an intellectual community. Other communities exist to create open and accepting places for LGBT seniors.
Who should live in age-restricted communities?
These are ideal for those who need little to no additional assistance and want to live near people around their age.
What are some benefits of age-restricted communities?
- People can easily develop friendships with their neighbors.
- Buildings are usually designed for people with limited mobility.
- Home maintenance and lawn care are taken care of in senior apartments.
- People living in communities where they own their home keep the financial and tax benefits associated with home ownership.
- People in niche retirement communities might be more active because they share interests with those around them and live in an engaging community.
WHAT ABOUT OPTIONS WITH ASSISTANCE? Learn More.