Aging Life Care Planning – Home Options
One of the key decisions you need to make is - “What will my home (residence) look like as I age?”. Understanding that health conditions may play a roll, you still need to factor in your wishes with what is available.
This blog will outline some of the major options that are available.
The first is age in place – stay in your own home. Some key points to consider…
- Is it one level living?
- Does it have wheelchair access to all rooms and bathrooms?
- Does it have room for a live in caregiver?
- Is it safe outdoors and indoors?
- Can it still meet my needs if I get dementia?
- What are the total costs to renovate to meet future needs?
- Services needed for all assisted and skilled care now can be provided in the home.
Move to Continued Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
- Start as Independent Living and can progress on the campus to Assisted or Skilled Nursing Care as needed. Cost ranges from $400,000 to $700,000.
- Usually high entrance fee that is about 90% refundable to heirs upon death.
- Monthly fee includes maintenance, use of facility and meals.
- Provides a lot of activities, safety, and health care on the premises.
- Don’t have to move again.
Downsize – Move to over 55 Community
- Usually one level living.
- Single Family and condos available.
- Cost ranges from $300,000 to $600,000. There is usually and HOA fee for community maintenance.
- Active Lifestyle
- May have to move again if care is needed.
Move to Assisted Living Facility
- Provides 24/7 assistance if needed, both physical and/or dementia care.
- High monthly charge – approximately $8,000/month.
- Secure rooms or floor or entire facility.
- Can be just a dementia facility.
- All health care and meals provided.
Move to Skilled Nursing Facility (Nursing Home)
- Provides 24/7 skilled nursing care.
- High monthly cost – approximately $10,000/month.
- Average length of stay is about 14-16 months.
- Typically separate facility or floor.
There are many options available, so deciding which one works best for you is important. All facilities and all home care agencies have their own personality. Make sure you try to match your lifestyle and personality, not just your care needs. `
As you age, you want to live your life to the fullest and where you reside and how you live is paramount to making that happen.