One of the dreams for many senior citizens and retirees is that they will be able to age in place, living in their home for as long as possible without having to enter a nursing home or assisted living community. Thanks to some support systems, this is more of a reality than it was just a few decades ago.
However, for many seniors, they think that it isn’t something they can count on as they get older and their health begins to decline. Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to aging in place.
Health
This is one of the two biggest problems for seniors trying to age in place. The longer your health remains stable allowing you to function well, the more likely you are to be able to stay in your home.
The abundance of home healthcare options makes this possible today more than ever. Check if your insurance covers such amenities as these as they can assist greatly in letting you stay at home.
Something else to consider is staying as active as possible. Socialization is an important part of this as it helps stave off depression, cognitive decline, and helps get you out and moving around. This can help you stay healthier longer and keep you from having to move out of your home.
Money
The other big problem for most seniors is finances. Early retirement planning is key to make sure that you have enough money to retire so you can stay in your home.
It’s imperative you have your home mortgage paid when you retire as you do not want that hanging over your head as you get older. If necessary, you may want to consider downsizing your home instead of giving up and moving into a nursing home. A smaller home not only would cost less, but it also saves money on utilities and repairs.
You Have the Ability to Choose How You Would Like to Age in Retirement
If you truly wish to age in place, there are some things you need to do before you retire to ensure that it can be a reality. Get your finances in order as much as possible before you retire, stay active in your community, and take care of yourself physically and mentally. The more you can do these things, the better your chances are to be able to age in place.
