After caring for my parents, I looked
long and hard at my lifestyle. I knew urgent changes weren’t necessary, but
carefully assessing my situation made me feel in control of the future.

First, I dealt with my health and made
changes to my diet. Then I added more exercise into my daily routine. And after
those factors were addressed, I looked at my home.

That was an eye opening experience.

My home was situated in the suburbs
which forced me to be car dependent. What I learned from helping my parents was
to be as independent as possible, in all areas. So, I knew having to drive
everywhere to get anything will one day be a concern.

If you’ve ever lived in the suburbs of
any city, you know how isolated that can make you feel. All my experiences of
suburban living have brought isolation and disconnection.

So, of course, I was concerned for my
future.

Is housing a concern for you? Do you
hope to grow older and live at home for as long as possible? AARP says 89
percent of Americans prefer to age in place over living in an assisted living
community or a nursing home.

If that’s your hope for the future, to
stay right where you are, ask yourself, “Is my home set up and will it support
me as I go through the various stages of aging?”

The Goal of Aging in Place

The goal of aging in place is to avoid a move to senior housing and instead stay in your existing one or maybe move from a multilevel house to a one-level house or an apartment.

A popular trend is the tiny house
village, a development for like-minded individuals to rent or own a small
dwelling and to create a supporting community life. A friend recently moved to a
tiny home village at Lake Chapala. Her little space is just over 400 sq. feet.

I’ve also heard of others moving into
micro-unit housing (small studio apartments in buildings with common living
rooms and kitchens).

But the question remains: which option
is best, and how do you know which one to choose? And even before you start
planning a move, do you know what to look for and whether your house or another
one will meet your needs?

There are many factors you should consider. Understanding your options and potential needs is the first step. Second, you need to understand your healthcare requirements.

You may prefer to stay where you are, in the home you love, but doing so may require modifications and changes to make it safer and more comfortable. Some people prefer a group setting, where companionship and planned activities fill the day.

How to Assess Your Home

• Functionality:
  Can you navigate your home safely?
• Location:
  Is the home in a community with access to friends and family and things you
  enjoy doing?
• Safety:
  Will you be able to get help in an emergency?
• Services:
  Are there nearby services you’ll want or need, such as medical care, shopping,
  and entertainment?
• Affordability:
  Can you afford to live in a private home and pay for your other expenses?

Maybe a move is necessary but maybe
not – or maybe all you need to do is make a few modifications. What I do know
is you will need a bedroom and full bath on the first floor. That’s absolute.

Other Things to Help You Age in Place

• Utilize
  technology to stay safe and connected.
• Hire
  private duty care. A home companion for someone who lives alone can do light
  housework or cooking, take you shopping, etc.
• Consider
  all transportation options.
• Have
  food delivered if you can’t cook.

I may not be able to live out the rest
of my life in my home, but how I’ve set myself up and where I live will suit me
just fine. And most importantly, it will serve my needs very well over the next
10 years.

How comfortable do you feel with your
housing situation? Would you need to downsize, move closer to the city proper,
or simply make modifications to your home? Please share your thoughts with the
community!