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Guest Post by Harry Cline at newcaregiver.org
At some point in our lives, we all have to decide how to spend our later years. For adult children and their aging loved ones, this can be an especially difficult choice. There are a lot of options available to seniors, which can easily become overwhelming.
Sometimes it is possible to make arrangements for your loved one’s home, allowing them to age in place. In-home care is a great tool that helps your older adult with basic home care and daily errands. However, if your loved one’s needs are too high, or if the cost is putting extra stress on the older adult’s budget, downsizing may be the best option.
As Dave Ramsey explains, downsizing can bring important financial benefits to the situation. Less house typically means lowered taxes and utilities, and if the property can be purchased with cash from selling the current home, there might be funds left over for a rainy day, or to make some senior-oriented home modifications.
To get a feel for things, learn more about your area housing market. For instance, Racine is home to a competitive market, with residences typically selling within 45 days and earning a sales price at 0.8 percent below the asking price. You’ll also need to take into account the home’s value. Get an estimate and make comparisons with the properties you’re considering. Ideally, you should also be working with a realtor who specializes in helping seniors downsize.
Things to Consider
When your senior loved one decides that staying home or downsizing is the best option, you should perform a safety audit on their house. This will tell you if you need to make any renovations to prevent injury. If your loved one needs a helping hand throughout the day, there are other options to consider.
In-Home Help
1.) Offers assistance with daily tasks.
In-home care professionals can help your loved one with the activities of daily living that have become too difficult for them to complete on their own. Some of these tasks include house cleaning, laundry, or minor medical assistance. Additionally, an in-home care professional can assist with meal preparation and errands like grocery shopping.
2.) Relieves your caregiving burden.
As Women’s Health notes, being an adult caregiver for an aging loved one can be an extremely stressful and emotionally tasking job. In-home care professionals can alleviate some of the stress of caring for your older adult and help to bring back the joy of your loved one’s company. Additionally, if you are caring for a loved from a distance, and in-home care professional gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your older adult is being properly cared for at home.
3.) Companionship for a healthy life.
Adults need social interaction to maintain their health. If you are away, or your older loved one has issues with isolation, an in-home care professional can help. They can become trusted friends and companions to the senior in your life, alleviating some of the loneliness that accompanies aging.
Assisted Living
1.) Assisted living may be less expensive
As your loved one’s daily needs grow more complex, they may require more consistent monitoring. When hiring an in-home care professional, the cost can rise quickly. If you find that your loved one is eating away at their budget, assisted living can be a more affordable option for around-the-clock care. Make some calculations to help you decide.
2.) Recreational activities can help prevent social isolation.
Seniors living alone, even with an in-home care professional, are often subject to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Assisted living facilities have a variety of recreational activities with their peers, allowing them to have a vibrant and healthy social life.
3.) Consistent, compassionate care helps seniors stay safe.
Assisted living facilities offer help with many daily tasks including dressing, basic hygiene, medication management, meals, and more. Having staff available around the clock ensures that your senior loved one is never left in an unsafe situation, giving you peace of mind.
When you’re looking at senior-friendly housing options there is much to consider. Think about your loved one’s care needs and budget for the best results. Talk it through together, and you’ll find the right solution.