Becoming a senior isn’t as carefree and glamorous as the many advertisements suggest. Working full-time might have stopped and the children might all be grown and gone, but with these changes comes the realization that there now are other issues on the front burner. It’s true that the senior years can be filled with pleasure. Yet still, there is much to think about.
Primary among these concerns is housing. It is common to hear talk of “empty-nesters downsizing” and this does happen all the time. The larger homes that were once suitable for raising a family suddenly become huge maintenance issues when the folks are older and money becomes tight.
Yard maintenance alone can be a full-time job, depending on the size of the yard and the amount of landscaping. Inside, it doesn’t get any easier. Besides the basic upkeep there is the never-ending issue of home repair. Regardless of a home’s age, things in and around the home will break down and need repair.
And even when the home is newly-constructed, modifications are often needed to improve accessibility. Ramps are sometimes needed to facilitate wheelchair mobility. Bars on walls and bathrooms are often needed for stability. Uneven surfaces need to be fixed so that the simple task of walking doesn’t become a dangerous activity. And when stair climbing becomes agonizing, electronic lifts may need to be installed. There are also many items available on the web to help with simple day-to-day issues. The Independent Living website offers a huge assortment of items.
Normally, finding qualified professionals to deal with whatever is in need of repair or modification is a simple matter. But for seniors, the process can be filled with risk. Seniors are the primary targets of scam artists. Every day, another unsuspecting senior becomes an unwilling victim of some form of fraud or abuse. And unfortunately, this isn’t something that will change simply by changing an address. In fact, scam artists go where there is money to be made and that, coincidentally, is also where the seniors go – over 55 communities and cities that have a reputation for attracting seniors.
Another common housing issue for seniors is proximity to medical facilities. As seniors age, they will naturally need more medical attention. It is one thing to make sure seniors have the right medical insurance coverage, but seniors also need to be able to get access to the care that is needed. For a while, most seniors will have their own transportation to and from medical appointments. However, this may not always be the case. That is why it’s also important to consider the availability and accessibility of alternate forms of transportation, including public transportation.
And finally, the issue of crime is closely related to the issue of senior housing. Every senior’s first choice is to reside in an area where crime statistics are low or non-existent. Unfortunately this is not always an option.
If you or someone you know is struggling with these common issues for seniors there is help. Visit www.hud.gov/groups/seniors.cfm today to learn more about the answers to many of the questions you have about these and other senior housing issues.
Home care offers a solution to many of these issues. Please feel free to contact us with any questions that you may have regarding in home care solutions.
