Housing

Many seniors face the difficult decision, "to move or not to move?". At the turn of the century, 80% of people in the Unites States died in their own homes. Today that figure is only 20%. Our homes play such a significant role in our lives that it's no surprise that housing can be such a significant concern as we get older.

"Home" means different things to different people. Maybe it's that warm, comfortable place that you spent a lifetime making it just right. It may be a symbol of your independence. Maybe home is wherever your family is and maybe home is simply wherever you are. One thing in common to most seniors is that they wish to remain in their home for as long as they can financially and physically care for themselves. It just might be the best option.

For others, it may make more sense to consider a smaller, simpler house or apartment in the same community, a retirement community or other arrangement. Not too long ago there were few options to consider when dealing with senior housing. Simply put, you were either able to operate in your home independently or with some assistance from family members or you entered a nursing home. Now there are many options, starting with advanced strategies for aging in place to a host of other options available depending on the level of assistance needed.

One of the best overviews of housing options is provided through SeniorHousingNet. You will find an extensive list of the many housing options available to seniors, as well as a helpful screening tool to help you determine which type of housing or care is best for you or a loved one. Go to LongTermCareInfo to find both facility and home care resources for most cities throughout the United States.

Understandably, you may want to remain in your current home. And, as long as you can physically and financially care for yourself and your home, this may be the best option. To age in place requires planning. To accommodate physical, mental, and psychological changes that may accompany aging, physical changes need to be made to the home. There are a number of modifications to the home that can be made to make it more accessible.