(reprinted via permission of Shirley Turner, Community Outreach and Senior Advocate for Caring.com, a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones.)
Most individuals approaching retirement age begin to think about where they plan to live in their older years. And while there are many options to choose from, most seniors want to stay in their own homes or private residences. In fact, the Home and Community Preferences Survey conducted by AARP found that over three-fourths of all adults aged 50 and older prefer to remain in their homes long-term. This is referred to as aging in place.
Seniors who age in place tend to be happier, have a more positive outlook on life, have higher self-esteem and feel more independent. To make aging in place possible, many existing homes must be modified to accommodate an aging adult, including installing wheelchair ramps, downstairs bathrooms in two-story homes, grab bars, lowered cabinets and emergency call systems. Some seniors choose to move to a retirement community where new homes already have these features. Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to find the right home for retirement.
This guide offers more information on aging in place, including how to choose the best area, what to look for in a retirement home, information on senior apartment and retirement communities, financial assistance and how professionals can help you find a home to best suit your needs as you get older.
This guide offers more information on aging in place, including how to choose the best area, what to look for in a retirement home, information on senior apartment and retirement communities, financial assistance and how professionals can help you find a home to best suit your needs as you get older.
This guide offers more information on aging in place, including how to choose the best area, what to look for in a retirement home, information on senior apartment and retirement communities, financial assistance and how professionals can help you find a home to best suit your needs as you get older.