Aging brings with it many changes.
At some point, for example, adults will have to decide whether to stay in their current home or move to one of the many housing options tailored to them and their lifestyles.
Though facing this decision certainly is overwhelming, you may be surprised to see what wonderful options are available today. The first step is understanding what housing options are available and what each of them provide.
Staying in Your Own Home
If living in your own home seems like the most desirable option, you’re not alone. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that nearly 90% of those over 65 want to stay in their own homes as they age.
The benefits of staying in your own home can be many. For example, you have the advantage of staying in a familiar place where you know your neighbors and the community.
But, while home may be where the heart is, living alone can also come with it’s own set of challenges.
The National Institute on Aging says common concerns about staying in your existing home include mobility — at home and in town, socialization, home safety and maintenance.
Staying in place works best for people who create a plan, modify their home and establish a supportive network of family and home care services.
Housing Options
New housing needs can arise for many reasons. For example:
- Desire for more socialization
- Declining health
- Limited mobility
- Lifestyle changes
- Expense of home renovations
If staying in your current home is not the right fit for you, we encourage exploring the different types of housing options listed below.
1. Independent Living
Independent living is any housing arrangement typically designed for those aged 55 and over. While these settings take many different forms, they generally consist of private accommodations with some shared community facilities. As the name suggests, independent living is more about making your life easier than giving up your independence.
2. Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) or Life Plan Community
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), also known as life plan communities, deliver “independent living and an amenity-rich lifestyle with access to onsite higher-level care should medical needs progress.” Generally, they include a combination of independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing services available to residents all on one campus.
3. Assisted Living
Assisted living communities give older adults personalized care in a residential setting. They’re for seniors whose health or well-being requires “a higher level of support, which is determined through a health assessment.” They are a lot like independent living communities, providing the same types of social and lifestyle benefits and offering specially designed programs and opportunities adapted for assisted living residents.
4. Memory Care
Memory care communities offer an environment that is specially suited to the needs and safety concerns of those with memory and judgment issues. Memory care is the fastest-growing sector of the senior housing market, with the number of units doubling over the past decade, according to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care.
So where do you want to kickstart the next chapter?
Whether you choose to stay in your current home or move into one of the many housing options, there are benefits and challenges to both that should be carefully considered. Your needs are unique, and choosing a continuing care housing community is a major life event.
We’re here to help you make an informed decision.
Radius Living offers home advisory services, including but not limited to: providing a security assessment of your home and suggesting appropriate services; assessing your home for your own mobility and safety and facilitating appropriate modifications; and partnering with trusted moving services to ensure smooth transitions.
Learn more about how Radius Living can help at https://radiusliving.net/advisory/ or by contacting an advisor directly at advisors@radiusliving.net.
