Today, all kinds of new housing developments are being built all over the country. Many of these developments are built to cater to senior citizens and the elderly. There is an entire generation of people who are trying to buy something smaller so that they can scale down their current living circumstances as they age. These seniors are looking for something that doesn’t require as much maintenance or upkeep on their part. Along with the newer labor-saving appliances in their kitchens, many seniors are now interested in adding safer fixtures to their bathrooms that will last them a lifetime. There is a growing interest in walk in tubs. Not only are they a great safety feature for senior citizens, but they are aesthetically pleasing and fit right into any bathroom setting without having to sacrifice decorating options.
Because of the large number of seniors considering a move to a smaller place to live, it is important that the features of the various options be carefully considered. Below are some of the options seniors can choose for their future housing.
A smaller type ranch home is usually the first choice seniors will select when it comes time for a move. The advantage for the senior couple is that they still own a home. However, when they decide to own a home, it also comes with a lot of responsibilities that some their age might find increasingly hard to manage. For example, the yard that takes a long time to cut can be replaced with a nice garden area that brings peace and contentment to the couple but not a lot of work is involved in the upkeep. There is also maintenance to think about outside the home such as painting, maintaining roofs and replacing gutters. Additionally, if appliances and items inside the home break down or need repairing, it is the responsibility of the senior to fix these things.
A patio home or condo in a senior community is a great choice for seniors to consider. In most cases, there is a Home Owners Association that collects a monthly fee to cover specific home maintenance tasks. Oftentimes, these tasks include outside painting, yard maintenance, shoveling snow and other home related tasks. This is a good option for people wanting to continue living independently but also hoping to relinquish the tasks that are too hard or simply disdainful for them to do.
A senior apartment can be as small or large as the senior desires and provides a good amount of flexibility when a lot of traveling is an issue. This option requires little upkeep from the senior and offers a level of security in the form of nearby neighbors and enclosed surroundings.
Another popular option is a retirement community or retirement home. These communities offer just about everything from independent living accommodations, such as apartments or condominiums, right up to nursing care and assisted living homes for residents. There should be some careful research performed before making a decision as to which development can accommodate the specific needs of the aging person or couple. Once that criterion is met, check to see how the facility accommodates future needs and services as the person or couple ages. Asking a lot of questions will help you gain perspective on what the desires are for the seniors as they enter the later stages of life, and it will give them a better sense of security.
Before making a decision on housing options for yourself or a relative, determine the amount of assistance needed, what your budget is and how much health insurance will take care of. While senior living might mean living in a retirement community, apartment or assisted living home, it can also mean staying in your own home and “aging in place”. When considering the senior person or couple staying at home, determine if their health problems allow them to live at home without assistance. If they need assistance, there should be neighbors or family close by that can assist with help as needed.