Most people think they would rather bring in help and hire home health rather than consider moving to a senior living community. Is this truly the right answer? In this two part series, we will discuss the pros/cons of staying at home or moving to a senior living community.
Short term solution for a long term problem
Bringing in help might sound like the easy solution. No need to uproot yourself and move somewhere. You enjoy your home, your neighbors and you’re comfortable with you daily routine. In the right situation, bringing in help could be the correct solution, especially if you have a short term issue, however if your situation is more longer term, you may want to rethink this option.
It is important to think through the decision to not move and the impact (financially, socially and emotionally) this will have on you, your spouse and your family.
Buyer beware
First, let me state that there are some very good home health care companies in our area that are reputable, reliable and provide quality care. Unfortunately, there are equally companies that are not reputable and provide inadequate care. If you know you don’t want to move, you should do your research before a crisis occurs.
Weighing the pros/cons of staying or moving involves many factors. These include:
Who’s going to change the light bulbs?
A house is a living entity. There are many moving parts in a constant state of wearing down. Not only is it an expense to maintain your home; trying to quality workmen is a whole other challenge. Living in a maintenance-free senior living community, you make one phone call and the maintenance guy comes an fixes whatever needs to be fixed. You don’t need to be home or even better, to pay him!
As you age, household repairs become more difficult to manage. Simple chores like changing light bulbs or rebooting your television cable box become monumental tasks. Unfortunately, people, especially the elderly, are vulnerable to unscrupulous vendors. You might be able handle everything today, however you need to think about the time when you or your spouse are unable.
Chef-prepared meals or soup in a can?
Meal preparation at home is a challenge as we age. Shopping and cooking are not fun anymore. Especially, if you are alone, meal time is a lonely time. Many times, someone doesn’t eat a nutritionally balanced meal because of the hassle of preparing it.
Most home health aides are not chefs. They might buy some groceries and cook what they buy. There is not a menu of entrée choices or chef-prepared meals like you would enjoy at a senior living community.
In addition, at a senior community, there is always someone to join you at your table. You will never worry about dining alone.
Transportation challenges
Transportation becomes a major issue for people who stay at home. You may not be able to drive yourself and the home care aide may not be able to drive you. Ultimately, you don’t get out and you become very isolated. Transportation to doctors’ appointments, excursions to places of interest is included at a senior living community.
Every day is full of interesting activities
If you are living at home and not able to get out; your life will revolve around your television. You have nothing in common with the home health aide, so you park yourself in your easy chair and watch Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.
If you lived at a senior living community, your days (and nights) are full of interesting and fun activities. There is card playing, lectures, concerts, excerise classes, movies and endless parties and celebrations.
Like a cruise ship, you pick and choose which activities and excursions interest you.
Social Accountability
Personal hygiene is another issue for people who stay at home. People neglect to shower, brush their teeth, wear clean clothes or change their bed linens. Someone’s self-worth and dignity become lost.
If you lived at a senior living community, the staff can assist you with these tasks including personal laundry and housekeeping. There is also an on-site beauty salon, barber shop and even a visiting podiatrist. There is social accountability since you know you are going to dine with other people which forces you to shower, get your hair done, and put on clean clothes.
Limited access to services
There is a limit to what services can be brought to you in own home. At a senior living community, you have access to on-site physical therapy where you can go multiple times during the week (and never worry about driving). They also have visiting doctors and on-site nurses that can check on you. If you were at home and had an emergency during the window of time when you didn’t have a health care aide, you could be in a life or death situation. In a senior living community, you have 24/hr. emergency response.
Select don’t settle
By deciding to move to a senior living community, you can select where you want to live. If you stay in your home and try to manage with home health care and realize that 1) it’s too expensive or (2) it is not working for you; your options are now more limited and you might need to settle on a place that wasn’t your first choice. Some communities have acceptance criteria so if you wait for something to occur, you may not get accepted. You want to move before a crisis occurs, so you can enjoy the lifestyle of the community, meet new friends and have access to the many on-site services and amenities.
It’s a new beginning
There are times when a promise has been made to a parent or a spouse that a move to a senior community will never take place. These promises are many times made without fully understanding the impact this will have (physically, emotionally and financially) on the spouse or family members. People also make these promises without researching other housing options and are basically unfamiliar with the many advantages of living at a senior living community. Being realistic and considering all the factors will remove any guilt and help create a better living arrangement for you or your loved one.
Determining when you may want to consider moving to a senior living community is a very complicated decision process. Many people wait for a crisis to occur before considering such a move; while others plan and move before something happens.
Planning requires that you look ‘realistically’ into the crystal ball.
Try to imagine your life in 5 to 10 years from now. Looking in the crystal ball, you need to think about a scenario when you may not drive anymore or if your health starts to change, how will you manage? Try to image what your life will be like a year if you or your spouse passes away or requires care. This may be difficult to for you to do, but it will help you develop your plan. It is important that you are realistic, so you thoroughly think through this process.
Who’s going to change the light bulbs?
We meet people who elect to “stick it out” in their own homes. This then creates a tremendous burden on their family and friends. There is a great deal of loneliness and isolation that occurs and a level of vulnerability of abuse from outsiders. Access to services is limited, plus simple chores like driving to the grocery store or picking up your prescription medication becomes a major challenge. Home maintenance and repairs become major issues and a source of exploitation from unscrupulous vendors.
It is always better to be 5 years to early than 5 minutes to late.
Many senior living communities have medical acceptance criteria to be considered for residency. This is a very important factor to consider. People who wait for a crisis to occur or have progressive medical conditions are frequently denied residency.
If you are a couple, you need to look after each other and protect one another in case one of you requires care. More importantly, you need to make sure the healthy spouse has their future care plan is in place. Unfortunately, many people fail to consider this scenario and the healthy spouse ends up in a dire situation (medically, socially and financially) after the non-healthy spouses passes away.
Senior living communities are not nursing homes.
At the root of the timing question is the misconception that senior living communities are nursing homes and by moving to a retirement community, you will be losing your independence. Senior living communities offer a wide spectrum of services and amenities, including dining, social activities, fitness & wellness programs so residents can keep active and healthy longer.
Am I’m ready to consider a move to a retirement community?
Many (if not all) of the folks that I have helped move to a senior community all told me prior to their move that they are not ready. It is a mantra that I hear in my sleep. “I love where we live, and I don’t see any need to do anything right now.” “We’re just not ready.”
If you speak with these folks today, 99.9% of them will tell you that it was the best decision they ever made, they only wished they would have made it sooner. So, here are intelligent and successful people all saying the same thing… we wish we would have done it sooner.”
When it the right time?
There are different time frames to consider. When do you want to start your research, when do you see yourself narrowing down your choices and when do you want to move? By doing your research early, you may find that the community you are considering has a waiting list or is planning to expand or is under construction.
If you have a long-term plan to move, try to figure out what needs to occur between now and this date in the future to make you ready.
Select, don’t settle.
By selecting a senior living community before your health changes, you can choose the place that fits your needs and lifestyle the best. The longer you wait, the less selection you will have. If you are considering a new community, you can pick your desired location and floorplan, get medically accepted and have time to sell your home.
Let the experts help you.
As senior housing advisors, we can simplify and streamline the process. We help you narrow your choices. We are familiar with all the options in the area and know about future projects as well. We share demographics and overall lifestyles of all the places you are considering making sure it is the right fit for you. We know pricing, availability, financially stability and overall reputation. We help you ever step of the way.
Bottom line… don’t wait for something to occur. Plan for your tomorrows today!
The other day, I received a call from a daughter of a client. She was in tears and shared with me the issues she is dealing with overseeing her dad’s care. As she explained, she is now responsible to oversee her dad’s day to day care while her two brothers are helping financially. Tearfully, she said, “all I want to do is be my dad’s daughter again.” This situation resonated with me because I see so many people afraid of change who are in a state of denial about their future long-term care needs and are unaware of the impact their decisions have on their family. There are many advantages of living at a senior living community. These include:
Access to on-site services and amenities
Senior living communities are designed to help promote one’s independence and provide a care-free lifestyle for their residents. On-site services and amenities typically include dining, housekeeping, transportation, maintenance, security and social activities. Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals without the hassle of shopping, prepping, cooking and cleaning. Say goodbye to TV dinners and dining alone. Many senior communities have a wide spectrum of activities including fitness programs, card playing and lectures and seminars. Well stocked libraries and even happy hours are common. Your days will be as full as you want them. Yes, you can bring your own car, however transportation services to shopping, doctors’ appointments, area excursions and cultural events are available to make your life easier. Remember, you might be able to drive today, but in the future, it may be safer to let someone do it for you. If something stops working in your apartment like your air conditioner or your disposal, all you do is make one phone call and the issue is handled. You don’t even need to stick around for the obnoxious “window of time” waiting for someone to show up. You can go to your aqua aerobics class and when you return, the issue has been resolved. Life is good!
Access to on-site health care
As we age, we might require more assistance. This could be on short term rehab basis or longer term. Yes, you can bring in care in your home, however there is a limit to what can be provided and is expensive and difficult to manage. Imagine living at a senior community and being able to use the on-site physical therapy services or being able to see your doctor right on campus. Yes, the convenience factor is huge, however the ability to have access to these services will help you stay active and independent longer. On-site services may also include assistance with bathing, dressing and ambulation and even medication management. These services are available for you when you need them. Most senior living communities have 24 emergency response systems in case someone fell or not feeling well. Having on-site emergency response can literally save your life! Many senior living communities have visiting doctors including specialists who will see patients right at the community. No more boring waiting rooms for you! Knowing that you have access to these on-site services will help you stay active longer and provide you with the peace of mind that you know if something ever happens, that you have planned ahead.
Peace of mind
Knowing that you are not a burden to your spouse or your family can not be understated. The peace of mind of knowing you have planned ahead and that you are able to live carefree is priceless. Recognizing that something will probably change in your health and that is better to have a plan in place before it does is an important step. There are too many people who live in a state of denial and wait for a crisis to occur before making any plans. This is not a wise move. Researching the right place that fits your needs and lifestyle will take some time and the last thing you want to do is let someone else make this decision for you.
Financial security
It is amazing when you compare what you are paying in your own home versus what is included in a senior living community, you will see what a value the senior living community provides. Your food and household expenses will dramatically be lowered. Knowing you have a predictable monthly fee will help you develop a better financial plan. There are different financial arrangements for senior living communities including rental, buy-in (CCRC) or equity ownership. If you elect to stay at home and bring in care, your financial situation could change drastically because of the expense of home health care. There are other financial assistance programs available if you move to an assisted living facility include Aid and Attendance through the Veteran’s Administration. Unfortunately, Medicare does not pay for assisted living and there are only a few assisted living facilities that will accept Medicaid. Usually, someone needs to be living in assisted living before being able to tap into Medicaid. Again, planning ahead is the key.
Friendships and Fun
Senior living communities provide the opportunity for life-long friendships and never being lonely again. There have been numerous studies done that prove people live longer and healthier when they are around other people. Socialization at senior communities is what makes people always say, “I wish I would have done it sooner.” Knowing that you can participate in as much of or as little of activities provides you with opportunities to meet people and have fun. And, there is a lot of fun being had at these senior living communities. Mostly because, the worry burden is off of your shoulders. Many people also continue their interests outside the community include participating in church activities, volunteering and entertaining with friends. Most importantly, your family now can be your family again and not be 24/7 caregivers.
Baby Boomers considering senior living retirement communities
As a Senior Housing advisor, I meet many people considering a move to a senior living community. Interestingly, I’ve noticed a trend. Younger people (baby boomers) are considering a move to senior living retirement community. Since many of these folks are or have had had to deal with aging parents; they want to plan ahead and not be a burden to their spouse, partner or children.
The baby boomers (people born between 1946- 1964) have arrived. The number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to more than double from 46 million today to over 98 million by 2060, and the 65-and-older age group’s share of the total population will rise to nearly 24 percent from 15 percent.
Living Longer. Men who will turn 65 in 2030 can expect to live six years longer than those who turned 65 in 1970, according to the Urban Institute analysis of Social Security Administration data. The life expectancy for women at age 65 increased by four years over the same time period. “The gender gap in longevity is shrinking, and we are projecting big declines in the share of older women who become widows,” says Richard Johnson, a senior fellow and director of the program on retirement policy at the Urban Institute
Better health. Most people are also enjoying better health during their longer life spans. The proportion of adults age 80 and older reporting fair or poor health fell from 43 percent in 1998 to 34 percent in 2012, according to an Urban Institute analysis of University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study data.
Ethically diverse. The older population is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. Between 2014 and 2060 the share of the older population that is non-Hispanic white is projected to drop by 24 percentage points, from 78.3 percent to 54.6 percent. The changing racial/ethnic composition of the population under age 18, relative to those ages 65 and older, has created a “diversity gap” between generations.
Working longer. Many baby boomers are working into their older ages than the generation that came before them. The proportion of men between ages 62 and 64 who are working or looking for work increased from 45 percent in 1994 to 56 percent in 2014, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Technology allows people to work remotely from home and connect with people all over the world.
Living alone. According to The Economic Status of the Elderly (NASI Medicare Brief No. 4), “More baby boomers are likely to be living alone in old age compared to their parents, for three reasons. First, more of the baby boomers have never married. Nearly 10 percent of the youngest baby boomers (are forecast never to have married by ages 55 to 64, which is twice the rate of their parents. Second, more of those who did marry will become divorced or widowed by the time they reach ages 55 to 64—25 to 30 percent of them compared to 15 to 20 percent of prior cohorts. Finally, childlessness is on the rise. In 1989, 26 percent of couples aged 25 to 34 had no children, compared to only 12 percent of such couples in 1959. These trends will result in increase in the percent of older Americans living alone, from 21 percent of those age 63 to 72 today, to 24 percent of those 10 years younger, to 37 percent of the early baby boomers.”
Health care demands. Demand for elder care will also be fueled by a steep rise in the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, which could nearly triple by 2050 to 14 million, from 5 million in 2015. The aging of the baby boom generation could fuel a 75 percent increase in the number of Americans ages 65 and older requiring nursing home care, to about 2.3 million in 2030 from 1.3 million in 2010. It is estimated by the year 2020, nearly 12 million people will need long-term care, and this number is sure to grow with the aging baby boomer population [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][source: Medicare.gov].
Retirement communities of today. The challenge faced by many of existing senior living communitiesis how do you attract a younger clientele when the current resident population has been living at the community for the last 10 to 15 years and are much older. Activities and dining are geared towards the existing population and not the new customer walking through the door. Change is never easy, however if the senior community can make a paradigm shift in their thinking, they may have a golden opportunity to attract these baby boomers. This new generation of residents want choices and flexibility. They are health conscious and expect a high level of service. Activity programs that end at 4:00 pm are not going to do it for these folks.
The cruise industry made the shift. Senior living communities need to follow. 10-15 years ago, the only people who went on cruises were basically senior citizens. Now, cruises offer ‘experiences” and offer personal services that are catered to the individual. You can get a personal massage or have enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner with your partner. How about a Zumba class or a nature excursion off the boat. Choices. Flexibility. Catered Lifestyle.
Retirement communities of tomorrow. Fortunately, some senior living communities are catching on. Flexible dining options, wine tastings, tai chi classes are being offered at some of the more progressive senior living communities. LBGT retirement communities are starting to emerge.
Recently, news broke that Jimmy Buffet is planning to develop a Margaritaville retirement community in Daytona Beach, Florida for Parrotheads “55 and better” seeking an “active adult community” while wasted away again, the Latitude Margaritaville will open its first branch in Daytona Beach, Florida, with similar communities also in the works. “Inspired by the legendary music and lifestyle of singer, songwriter and best-selling author Jimmy Buffett, your new home in paradise features exciting recreation, unmatched dining and FINtastic nightlife,” the Latitude Margaritaville site says. The $1 billion project, a collaboration between Margaritaville Holdings and Minto Communities, aims to create 7,000 homes in Daytona Beach; since announcing Latitude Margaritaville. The property has reportedly already received over 10,000 registrations.
The age wave is coming ashore. It’s time to put on your baggy shorts. grab your board and catch the wave.
