Staying in Your Own Home or A Move to Senior Living?
In over 16 years of working and advising older adults on moving to senior living in the Twin Cities, this process has taken on a deeper more meaningful dimension as I have aged. What hasn’t changed is the importance of planning and being proactive.
Let me point out some key things to think about and key advisors to consult with as you contemplate this decision for yourself.
Pros and Challenges of Staying in Your Own Home
Pros:
- Familiar environment: Comfort, memories and emotional attachment.
- Community ties: Staying close to neighbors, friends or family.
- Costs: If home is paid off, it may be less expensive.
Challenges to Consider:
- Safety and Accessibility: Can your home be modified at a reasonable cost if there are stairs and laundry in the basement etc.? Can your bathroom be modified and is it on the main floor or easily accessed?
- Support System: Are family and friends available and willing to help if needed? Would you need to hire home care services?
- Social Isolation: Will you be lonely or lack stimulation if you live by yourself? What if you can’t or don’t want to drive anymore? How does that change things?
- Health and Mobility: Are there chronic health conditions that could worsen? Is there a plan if you do need care later?
- Costs: Home modifications, home maintenance, in home care? Are these sustainable long term?
There are many past clients and stories that come to mind when I think of how they thought through these pros and challenges.
Martha in South St Paul (named changed) who had a lot of stairs both inside and outside the home and there was no way to modify it for her husband with Parkinsons.
Jane, who was managing 2 home care agencies in Burnsville to keep her dad at home and yet still needed to run over there because a care giver didn’t show up.
Joyce in Richfield who had a plan. She worked with Choice Connections to look at options years before she moved. Then toured her top two, two months before she finally moved. She saved some money by staying home but she was mobile and had a lot of activities she went to. As her health started to change, she knew she needed a change. Her daughter was thankful she moved.
Key Advisors to Involve
When planning for where to age, it’s wise to consult with trusted advisors and personal contacts. Each bring a different perspective that helps form a well-rounded decision.
Primary Care Physician
They know your health history and can evaluate current and future medical needs. What you might ask: “How might my health change in the next 5-10 years?” And “What level of care do you think I’ll need and when?”
Occupational Therapist-(Home Safety Assessment)
They can assess your home and physical capabilities to determine if aging in place is safe and sustainable. What you may ask” What modifications would my home need?” and “Can I safely perform daily task now and in the future?”
Financial Advisor
They’ll help you understand the long-term costs of staying at home vs assisted living and how to fund either option. What to ask. “Can I afford in home care or assisted living?” “How would this decision affect my savings and estate?
Elder Law Attorney
They help with legal planning like powers of attorney, long term care insurance, Medicaid planning and estate management. What to ask: “What are my options for paying for care?” and How do I protect my assets if I need long-term care?”
Family Members/Trusted Friends
They may be caregivers, financial supporters, or emotional anchors in your decision. What to ask. “What do you think is realistic for all of us long-term?” and “Are you willing and able to help if I stay in my home?”
Certified Senior Advisor®
They offer insight into the daily realities and services of home care or assisted living communities in your area. They can introduce you to home care and can set up tours at senior living options and accompany you to point out things you may not have thought of. And they can refer you to experts mentioned above if you would like a recommendation.
At Choice Connections, we are Certified Senior Advisors®. We are privileged to educate and serve older adults as they are contemplating this life decision.
Many of our clients are adult children who come to us when a crisis has happened. Then the older adult has a lot less control and choice for a needed move.
Be proactive and come up with your aging life plan. We’d love to assist you.