Community Investors Inc.

What do you do when you want to age in place but your house is ill-equipped for senior living? Whether due to safety, location, or cost, your home isn’t the best fit for your senior years. However, that doesn’t mean you have to move to assisted living.

You might not be able to stay in place as you age, but you can still remain independent. If you’re in search of independence, affordability, and community throughout your senior years, consider one of these alternative senior living options presented by Community Investors, Inc.

Get a Roommate

Medical Xpress points out that living in dense neighborhoods is good for seniors who are more likely to stay active and engaged when their communities are walkable. However, the high price of downtown housing isn’t always compatible with seniors’ budgets. To keep urban living affordable, get a roommate. Some people opt for a senior roommate for cost-sharing and companionship, while others recruit younger housemates who offer extra help in exchange for reduced rent.

If your housing budget keeps you in the suburbs, plan for your transportation needs. A roommate may help you run errands and buy groceries, but medical appointments, which tend to fall in the middle of the workday, are harder to coordinate.

Alternatively, you can search for an apartment in an area of town that’s closer to the things you need. Search online listings to help you locate apartments, and use filters to help you narrow down your search to include the number of bedrooms and amenities you require.

Choose Independent Living

Independent living offers all the freedom of your old home with senior-friendly amenities, like lawn service, fitness centers, and social opportunities. And since independent living is filled with other active seniors, it’s easy to form connections. In independent living, seniors buy or rent a private unit and pay association fees for communal spaces and amenities. On average, independent living costs less than assisted living. However, since personal care services aren’t included, seniors who need in-home care must pay for it separately.

Keep in mind that moving will be another expense, so choose among the best moving companies in your area by searching an online service directory. When narrowing your search, ask if the company is experienced with senior moves, which does require a special touch. If they’re a member of the National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers, better yet, as they will come with expertise in saving money and reducing stress. Plus you’re assured they will carry liability insurance.

Join a Co-op

Cooperative housing functions similarly to independent living. Co-ops are member-owned, which means each resident is also a part-owner. Member-owners pay dues and make decisions affecting the community. The price of co-op living varies widely depending on location and the amenities that particular co-op funds. You can find senior co-ops at SeniorLiving.org, but be aware that you may not find one in your state.

If you find that there is a co-op in your area, go for a visit to see if it looks like an environment you’d enjoy living in. The visit is also a good opportunity to ask questions of current residents to ensure a co-op is a good fit for your personality and your current needs.

Downsize

You may have the option to age in place, but in a new location. Perhaps you love your community, but you just can’t manage the current home you’re in. Or you’re interested in moving near family, and a smaller home just makes sense. If this is the case, you’ll need to put your home on the market. Unfortunately, homes in Church Point, Louisiana are on a downward trend, but if you’ve been in your home for awhile then you are likely to have equity regardless. Work with a real estate professional in your area to get advice on the best way to handle your listing in order to get the most out of your sale.

And if you plan to stay in Church Point, look into getting assistance from Community Investors, Inc. They are a nonprofit organization that helps provide resources, like food and assistance, to members of the community.

Connect with a Village

If a multigenerational community is important to you, consider joining a village. The village model is a grassroots initiative designed to connect the aging population with the resources and social opportunities they need to age successfully. As a member-based support network, villages support seniors through volunteer services and community engagement activities. Check if there’s a village in your area by using the Village to Village Network’s Village Map.

A village-to-village network can give you access to services and, in turn, let you use your skills to help others. You might, for example, need someone to clean the gutters but can help another senior prepare their taxes. Similarly, some networks use the collective buying power of their members to secure discounts on things they want and need. You may also have a group of folks that can check on you throughout the week if you live alone. This is an excellent option for healthy seniors that wish to age in place.

Take a Moment to Process Your Decision

Once you’ve made a decision about where you would like to live, take a moment to “sleep on it,” as the old saying goes. Deciding where to live requires a lot of research and patience. This can be a very stressful choice to make, so give yourself enough time to weigh your options and determine which one works best for your lifestyle. 

Conventional wisdom tells older adults that they have three options for senior living: aging in place, assisted living, or nursing homes. However, today’s retirees are turning traditional senior living on its head and carving out new opportunities for independent aging. These options are ideal for those requiring hospice care as well. If you need to leave a home that’s no longer right for you but you aren’t interested in assisted living, research the alternative senior living opportunities available in your area. And take advantage of nonprofits and community programs like Community Investors, Inc. that can help you get the services you need to be comfortable wherever you choose to live.