You know you have options, but which type of living situation is best for you? Not to mention, when is the "right" time for you to begin this next chapter of your life? To help you narrow down the choices, here are a few questions to ask yourself:
What is my current situation, and what do I see on the horizon?
How is my health right now?
What is my schedule like?
Do I have anything planned over the next couple of years, like a trip?
Am I about to have a new grandchild?
Do I want to only make one move? Or am I okay with moving again if my health care needs change?What needs and wants are at the top of my list?
Do I want to live close to my family?
Do I want a social environment?
Would I like on-site health care?
What outside amenities need to be near me? Is there a shopping mall or community centre nearby? Is it near my church?
What is my timeline for moving, and do I need to plan earlier?
Would I prefer moving in the spring, summer, winter or fall?
The main differences in housing options will be in the amount of care provided for activities of daily living and for medical care as well as the level of independence you can maintain on your own. When researching housing options, there are three very important issues to address:
make sure you are realistic about the required level of care you need,
whether the housing option can provide that care
and whether you can afford that option
Buy or rent a condo
Maintenance-Free Living is one of the biggest benefits of condo living for seniors. This means that you don’t have to worry about the maintenance and upkeep of a house or yard.
Accessible Amenities. Many condo buildings offer amenities such as fitness centres, swimming pools, and social spaces that are easily accessible to seniors. This can help seniors stay active, socialize with others, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Increased Safety and Security is a Bonus Benefit of Condo Living for Seniors Condo living for seniors provides an added layer of security with features such as secure entrances and 24/7 security personnel.In addition, many seniors appreciate the sense of community and support that comes with living in a condo building.
Close Proximity to Services Condos are often located in close proximity to services such as healthcare facilities, grocery stores, and public transportation. In addition, living in a condo can provide opportunities for social engagement, with access to community events and activities.
Affordability Condo living can be a more affordable option for seniors compared to owning a house. With the money saved on home maintenance and upkeep, seniors can put their resources towards other things that matter to them.
The "Granny Flat" or Coach house
Essentially, this type of home is a second dwelling (something like a mini- bungalow) on someone’s property— normally an adult child and his or her family. This type of arrangement offers several benefits to seniors and their family members, including:
The opportunity to live independently and with autonomy, but with the peace of mind that someone is available if help is needed
The chance to spend more time with family members (including young grandchildren, who can easily visit their grandparent on the same property)
Privacy when needed
Cost savings—as renovating this kind of dwelling can sometimes
cost significantly less than the fees associated with living in a retirement facility
Independent retirement living
Independent living communities are designed for healthy, active seniors who do not need assistance with activities of daily living such as grooming, personal care and eating. Independent living for seniors can range from luxury communities that offer gourmet dining and golf courses to age restricted apartment or condominium complexes for older adults. These communities are typically private pay and offer optional services such as housekeeping, meals and laundry.
Other Names for Independent Living:
55+ Communities
Active Adult Communities Adult Lifestyle Communities Life-lease Communities Retirement Communities Retirement Homes
Senior Apartments
Seniors HousingIndependent Retirement Living Features: Apartment-style one to two bedroom units in a community setting, Convenient location to retail shops and recreational activities, Community features like gardens, pools, golf courses, hair salons and fitness centers, Options for housekeeping, meals, laundry and transportation
Assisted living
Assisted living communities provide supportive housing and care to seniors who need some assistance with daily tasks, but who do not require the skilled care provided at a long-term care home. Assisted living is a viable option for adults who are mostly independent, but who require some assistance with day-to-day living, or anticipate needing assistance in the near future.
Assisted living communities come in all shapes and sizes. They can be towering apartment buildings in urban centers, sprawling complexes in the suburbs or more intimate communities catering to a relatively small number of residents, and can be found in most Canadian cities. Residents live in private one- to-two-bedroom apartments, studios or “bachelors units.” Meal-service is included, so kitchenettes are more typical in assisted living units than full kitchens.
Assisted Living Features:
Access to visiting or on-staff health care professionals such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses and physicians.vAssistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, eating and mobility.vHealth and exercise programs • Housekeeping and laundry. Meal service. Medication management.
A new chapter is on the horizon for you, and you need to know that you are not alone. Krista Lachapelle has helped numerous seniors make decisions, come up with a plan and implement that plan to find a better solution for where they live as they age.
When you are ready to start chatting about this huge life decision, Krista is here to make your decision about retirement living as easy as possible. Together, you can sift through the many choices available—and even create a timeline to help you prepare for this next chapter of your life. She has a roster of "down-sizing" specialists, lawyers and handy people who can help to make this seemingly daunting task much easier on you.
Cal Krista Lachapelle today at (905) 251-9699 or email her at krista@real-estate-for-real-life.com.