Questions to Start Your Senior Living Search
There are about 22,000 senior housing properties in the United States. Asking these two questions will narrow the choices and find your next home!
There are about 22,000 senior housing properties in the U.S. And there are different types of senior housing within that 22,000, so figuring out which one to choose can feel a bit daunting. Asking yourself two questions – “How much can I afford?” and “What level of services do I need?” – will help you narrow your range of choices so you can find the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.
What Level of Care Do I Really Need?
Before you begin to explore senior living options near you, ask yourself two questions that will simplify your search.
How Much Can I Afford?
You may think senior living is expensive. But a lot of people are surprised at how favorably costs compare to homeownership.
First, figure out how much it costs to stay in your own home. Even if you’ve paid off your mortgage, you still have home owner’s expenses such as senior-related renovations and ongoing home maintenance issues, as well as expenses for utilities, taxes, groceries, dining out, entertainment, etc. Use this Cost Worksheet to get started. And don’t forget to add up any medical or in-home health care expenses.
Next, take all your financial resources into account. In addition to income and your assets, this includes long-term care insurance, veterans or surviving spouse’s benefits, retirement investments or other pension benefits.
Once you collect this information, you can establish a budget. Then you can eliminate any retirement housing options that don’t fit within it – making your search that much easier.
What Level of Services Do I Really Need?
Make an objective list of current services and support you need, as well as those you anticipate needing down the road. You may not need health services now, but the reality is that 70 percent of people over the age of 65 will need some type of long-term care (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).
Here are some broad definitions to help you determine what level of care to look for.
Independent Living and Active Adult – Independent senior living and Active Adult Communities offers opportunities to pursue your interests, make friends, and take care of your mind, body and spirit – all while freeing you from the burdens of homeownership. If your overall health is good and you don’t need help with ADLs (activities of daily living), this could be a good fit for you.
Assisted Living – These communities are designed to help you live more independently through personal help with ADLs, transportation and home maintenance. Consider assisted living if there are mobility issues, medication management problems, or difficulties dressing, bathing or grooming.
Skilled Nursing – Care in a licensed health care facility may be best if you need short-term rehabilitation services or a higher level of continuous care for health issues too complex to be dealt with at home or in an assisted living facility.
Life Plan Communities – Also known as CCRCs (continuing care retirement communities), this is an option that offers a continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. It allows you to enjoy your independent lifestyle now and gives you access to future health care at controlled costs.
Know your budget, know your needs. Once you do, you’ll be much closer to finding the senior living lifestyle that’s best for you.
If you’re ready to take the next step, use our community locator tool to find a senior living community that’s right for you.
Where You Live Matters is powered by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), a respected voice in the senior housing industry. ASHA primarily focuses on legislative and regulatory advocacy, research, and educational opportunities and networking for senior living executives, so they can better understand the needs of older adults across the country.
How to Choose Among Senior Living Options
Tips on How to Start Your Senior Living Search
Sources:
- The National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC)
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services