Author Archives: Nick
Understanding costs
There are a whole range of costs for senior housing, ranging from subsidized senior apartments to nursing homes which can average $70,000 per year. When considering senior housing, the following considerations can factor into cost: Location: High cost of living or metropolitan areas will normally be more expensive for all levels of housing. Level of care: In general, the higher the level of care, the more you can expect to pay. Nursing homes are the most expensive, but assisted living facilities can also easily run $3,000 to $4,000 a month or more. Insurance coverage: Medicare, health insurance coverage for seniors, generally does not cover senior housing options other than nursing homes. Medicare also … Continue reading
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How to assess your senior housing needs
There are a range of choices for senior housing, and no simple answer as to which one is right for you. Here are some of the issues in evaluating your options: Level of Care No one can predict the future. However, if you or a loved one has a chronic medical condition that is expected to worsen over time, it’s especially important to think about how you will handle health and mobility problems. What are common complications of your condition, and how will you handle them? Are you already at the point where you need daily help? Location and accessibility Even if you are completely independent at this time, circumstances … Continue reading
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Overcoming emotional roadblocks
Considering senior housing, especially options with higher levels of care, may cause a lot of anxiety. It can be difficult to think deeply about losing your independence, or future medical concerns, or the costs involved. Throw family involvement in the mix and things can get complicated. Here are some potential emotional roadblocks, along with tips on how to overcome them: Senior concerns “There’s no point in thinking about this today. I’d rather live life in the moment and take things as they come.” While it’s not healthy to obsess over the future, almost everyone will have to consider senior housing options at some point, either for themselves or for a loved … Continue reading
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Understanding senior housing options
There is a broad array of housing options available to seniors, from staying in your own home to specialized facilities that provide round-the-clock nursing care. The names of the different types of housing options can sometimes be confusing, as the terminology can vary from region to region. The main difference will be in the amount of care provided for activities of daily living and for medical care. When researching a housing option, make sure it covers your required level of care and that you understand exactly the facilities offered and the costs involved. Aging in place Many older adults prefer to stay at home as they age. It has the … Continue reading
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Planning for your future
Aging is a time of adaptation and change, and planning for the future will make sure your needs, or the needs of a loved one, are fully met. Continuing to thrive as you age means learning how to maintain your independence for as long as possible. This may mean modifying your own home, or it could mean moving to a housing facility with more support options on site. When planning ahead, consider the needs you might have in the future: Physical and medical needs. As you age, you may need some help with physical needs, including activities of daily living. This could range from shopping, cleaning, and cooking to intensive help with bathing, … Continue reading
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