Aging in Community Broadens Home Choices for Seniors

Are you one of the many seniors who would prefer an at-home lifestyle in your golden years?  If so, aging in community is a choice worth considering.  Here are some of the ins and outs to help make your decision.

What is aging in community?

Aging in community describes a handful of ingenious ways seniors are rethinking their home environments to promote better quality of life as they age.  Each option is centered around staying connected with others so they can thrive, regardless of what comes their way.  In addition to the social connection, seniors can share responsibilities and expenses.

There are many benefits this lifestyle provides.  First and foremost, seniors can avoid becoming isolated.  Senior isolation is recognized as a serious health risk to older adults, with many seniors suffering from loneliness on a regular basis.  When cut off from support and interaction, seniors are more apt to go without proper medical care, suffer from depression, and experience other serious health consequences. 

Options abound

There are numerous options to consider when it comes to aging in community, and it’s important to compare various features, such as location, affordability, and whether or not the selection could support you if your needs change.  If you’re a pet owner, it’s important to research facilities that will accept your companions. There are different types of facilities to consider, such as board and care homes, assisted living communities, nursing homes, and continuing care retirement communities.  Here are some basics about these options:

●      Board and care homes are small, private, apartment-style living situations in which you might share space with a roommate.  There is typically a staff, but nursing and medical care services are offsite. 

●      Assisted living communities are for people who still have some independence but require help with some activities of daily living, such as dressing, taking medications, grooming, and eating.  Staff onsite can help with these concerns, and these communities often provide additional amenities, such as shared spaces, organized activities, and transportation.

●      Nursing homes provide a broad range of health and personal support services, and many companies provide skilled advisors who can help you find the right one.  Nursing homes are often where people recover from medical procedures before returning home.

●      Continued care retirement communities are a bit of a conglomeration, providing several varieties of care in a single location.  This can be a good choice if you have a health condition that is likely to cause deteriorating abilities. 

Creative solutions

Beyond living in facilities and formal communities, seniors are thinking outside traditional options and resolving housing concerns in interesting and innovative ways. 

As an example, many older adults opt to join a village.  Villages are community-based, grassroots arrangements. You stay in your own home and pay a fee to have access to various services.  Both professional and volunteer staff are involved in providing help to those in villages, and these virtual communities are popping up in a variety of areas.

Home sharing is also increasingly popular.  In this case, seniors connect with a matching program that helps them find a housemate.  The housemate might be a student or another older adult, and the program vets both the senior and the applicant to find an appropriate fit.  It’s a great choice for someone who has a room to rent, needs a little income, and could use some help with things like housekeeping and cooking. 

Ensure needs are met

Whether or not you add a housemate, if you elect to stay in your home, it’s important to ensure your home supports your comfort and safety as you age.  For many seniors, this means making some home modifications.  It’s important to consider your circumstances and evaluate your property carefully.  Sometimes simple changes like nightlights, taller toilet seats, and removing tripping hazards like rugs can greatly improve your safety.  You can use this checklist for your assessment. 

Transportation is another aspect to think about. If you’re unable to drive and are wondering how to commute, you can refer to your Medicare plan for transportation coverage. Keep in mind, however, that Original Medicare only covers ambulance services in emergency situations; the exception would be if you get a written order from your doctor, then your insurance will cover non-emergency medical transport. If you need coverage for transportation to and from your doctor’s office, you can sign up for a specific Medicare Advantage plan that provides this option by partnering with ride-sharing services. 

Additionally, there are many volunteer organizations dedicated to helping seniors in a variety of different ways.  For example, Senior Companions recruits people who are at least 55 years old to help seniors with daily living, provide additional assistance, and offer friendship.  And for those seniors who have difficulty getting to the grocery or preparing meals, the Meals on Wheels program will provide food for them.

Seniors are finding ingenious ways to meet their housing needs.  By aging in community, you can stay connected with others and ensure you maintain a good quality of life.  Think through your options to find the perfect fit. 

Article Courtesy of: Rhonda Underhill