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When asked about their preference for housing, most older Coloradoans
today say they'd like to stay just where they are. Research suggests
that
when baby boomers reach their senior years, remaining in their current
homes will be their favorite option as well.
A survey by the National Association of Home Builders found more than 50
percent of those age 55 or older have lived in their homes longer than
10
years and are reluctant to pack up and move. This translates into a need
to remodel homes to meet changing abilities and circumstances as adults
grow older. "Getting around" is the key idea of remodeling. More
lighting, removing thresholds, adding railings or grab bars to prevent
falls and changing floor coverings to add traction all are desired
modifications. In a survey by "Remodeling," remodelers reported that the
most common projects for their age 65-plus clients were making
handicapped
accommodations, installing brighter lighting, widening doors and
hallways
and installing easy-to-reach cabinets and countertops.
To live at home without help, a person must at a minimum be able to
drive,
go shopping and complete household chores. Many older adults will lose
one
or more of these abilities as they grow older. One option is to remain
in
your home and purchase in-home services. For a price, you can obtain
services to cut your grass, wash windows, cook meals, do the shopping
and
provide personal care. Meals-on-wheels and community-funded
transportation
services are two examples or purchased services. Even skilled nursing
care at home is possible. This may be the best option for you, depending
on the help you need and your finances.
For those willing to relocate, there are a variety of options available
according to the National Eldercare Institute on Long Term Care and
Alzheimer's Disease at the Suncoast Gerontology Center at the University
of South Florida.
First, there is independent retirement housing. This option provides
meals, activities, transportation, security and housekeeping for
relatively active older people. These complexes are for those able to
live
on their own but who want the convenience of a comprehensive service
package.
A second option is assisted living. This provides housing along with
supportive services for seniors needing assistance with personal care
(such as bathing, grooming and dressing) and managing medications.
Assisted living facilities have many different formats. They can range
from three or more older people in a homelike setting to dozens of
residents in an institutional environment.
The final option is nursing care services for those who are temporarily
ill or who require long-term health care. Nursing homes provide
comprehensive care services in a single setting. While most older adults
and their families see nursing home care only as a last resort, it may
in
fact be the best choice for disabled people with multiple problems who
require different types of services.
All three housing options may be found in continuing-care retirement
communities. Independent housing, assisted living and nursing home care
all are located in a single setting. Some of these communities require a
sizeable entry fee plus monthly maintenance fees in exchange for a
living
unit, meals and eventual health-care coverage. Other communities make
their services available on a rental basis. Generally, continuing-care
retirement communities provide residents with the independence of
retirement home living and the security of long-term care.
Other housing options for aging adults are group homes, shared housing
and
adult foster-care homes. Group homes provide independent, private living
in a house shared by several older people who split the cost of rent,
housekeeping services, utilities and meals. Shared housing is offered
by
homeowners who are willing to share their homes with others. Service
provision is negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Adult foster care
involves a family caring for a dependent person in their home. Meals,
housekeeping and help with personal care are provided. Social Services
will know whether adult foster care is available in your area.
The main advantage of living retirement housing is security. The
presence
of others provides continued monitoring of health care. Another draw for
such facilities is the built-in social contacts and activities. Experts
agree that social contacts increase quality of life.
Weighing the advantages of service-oriented housing against the
independence offered by a single family home is a complicated task.
Timing
is all-important. The most useful way to approach such decisions is to
begin early by getting all the information possible on your options. For
information on services provided to older people by Eldercare Locator,
call 1-800- 677-1116.
For additional information on retirement housing, contact the Colorado
State University Extension office in your county.
For more information, contact your local
Colorado State University Extension office.
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