Anyone 65 years of age or older is considered a senior citizen in the United States. Although some individuals may retire before the age of 65 and some retailers offer senior discounts to people once they turn 55, 65 is when people typically qualify for Medicare. As of 2019, 16.5% of people in the United States were 65 or older. This number is expected to increase to 20% by 2050.
Seniors have age-related health risks and needs, and it’s common for seniors to relocate to accommodate these. Some seniors may move to a different house or an assisted living facility, while others may opt to move in with family. Consider these factors to ensure you choose the best senior living option for you to make the best choice possible.
1. Location
Where you live significantly impacts your lifestyle. Many seniors opt to live in southern states to avoid cold winters. This may have health and lifestyle benefits because you will not have to worry about shoveling snow or slipping on ice and can engage in outdoor activities year-round. Your location may also impact your social life and family dynamics. If you relocate to a place with a warmer climate, but all of your family members live far away, you may be lonely.
Your location can also affect your access to healthcare. If you opt to move to a small town, you may have to travel out of town to see a specialist, occupational therapist, or physical therapist. It’s a good idea to review your access to public transit to ensure you don’t become housebound if you’re unable to drive.
2. Available Activities
Whether you’re considering a move to assisted living in Boonton Township, NJ or a senior’s community where you can live independently, visit the location, and get a sense of the environment.
Assisted living facilities offer therapeutic activities for residents. These types of therapeutic activities can be critical in staving off dementia and even Alzheimer’s disease. Check the assisted living community’s calendar to see what types of activities they offer. You may want to choose a facility that offers activities that can mitigate specific health risks. For example, if you struggle with depression, you may benefit from music and art therapy. At the same time, individuals with mobility issues may want to live in an assisted living residence with an aquafit program.
3. Flexibility
Living in a recreational vehicle (RV) is a flexible option for those who want to avoid cold winters, but don’t want to be away from their family year-round. If you opt to get the flexibility that comes with living in an RV, use a comparison service to find the best RV warranty for your vehicle. This investment will protect you from expensive RV repairs if any of the vital systems in your RV break down, allowing you to travel with peace of mind. Plan comparisons break down how much each plan costs, what it covers, and how much the deductible payments cover so you can be confident you’ve considered all options when you’re choosing an RV warranty to cover your RV repairs.
RVs can be parked at campgrounds, personal residences, or undeveloped property. You may opt to spend half of the year in Florida and the other half parked at a family member’s home. With an RV, you can also move around and explore the country. This is an ideal option for free spirits who do not want to be tied down to one geographic location.
4. Service Options
Many assisted living facilities offer a range of services and accommodations. Some residences have multiple levels of care available. Independent individuals may live in an apartment and have access to recreational activities and meals in the public dining room. However, they may also have the option of cooking their meals at home. Those who need personal care may have a bedroom in the facility and not have access to private cooking facilities.
Some residences may offer some healthcare services on-site, which means you would be able to see a doctor, physical therapist, or other health professionals without leaving the facility. Other residences may not offer these services.
5. Affordability
Your senior living options have varying costs. You may have limited expenses if you choose to move in with family members, which will allow you to use your social security benefits and pension for your personal needs. Moving to an assisted living facility can be expensive. If your monthly income isn’t enough to cover the costs, you may need to sell your family home or other assets to be able to afford the monthly fees.
