As we get older, we may need help to stay independent. Staying in the family home might not be the best option for remaining independent, especially if it's a large house and expensive to run, so we're big fans of downsizing as you get older, or right-sizing as we prefer to call it. But there might be point at which living at home may no longer be the best option and that’s when options such as assisted living or retirement villages start to look appealing.
There are plenty of other options too, of course. You don’t need to leave your home. You could consider home care, for instance, or have your home adapted to make it easier for you to get around. In this article we’ll explain some of the more popular options:
Living at home with help: home care
You can have help with such tasks as cleaning, preparing meals, washing and getting in and out of bed. This may be on a long-term basis or for a period during which you’re ill and can’t get around as well.
To get home care contact your local council and they’ll carry out a free care needs assessment. This is regardless of your income or savings.
Living at home with adaptations
Small changes to your home can make all the difference between needing support and getting around fine on your own. By adaptions we mean having a ramp added to the front door if you find yourself using a chair, scooter or other mobility aid more often than not.
Or, it could mean getting an additional handrail for going upstairs. A walk-in shower is easier to use for washing than a bath, while you may find a raised toilet seat more comfortable to access than your current version. You may be able to get financial help from your local council for the cost of these. We can advise on this here at Grey Matters Consultancy and can recommend trustworthy companies to help adapt your home.
Many senior people living at home these days have a personal alarm. This ensures they can contact help if they fall and injure themselves or need assistance to move etc. Technology has moved ahead in other ways too. It’s possible to have sensors fitted in your home which can detect if you’ve fallen, without the need to press your alarm. There’s also bed sensors in case you fall during the night and can’t get back in to bed, while an intruder detector can alert a response centre if there’s someone around who shouldn’t be.
Assisted living and extra-care housing
But perhaps you feel you’d like to live in your own home but with care at hand? This is where Assisted Living comes in. It’s similar to Sheltered Housing, but with the extra care element in the sense that you can be helped to wash, dress, take medication etc. There’s also a 24-hour emergency help alarm system, and usually help with laundry and shopping. Meals may also be provided.
Another benefit of this type of accommodation is you’ll be surrounded by other seniors if you fancy a bit of company. Social activities are usually arranged too so it’s a great way to make new friends.
It costs less than residential care but you will still have to pay council tax, water charges etc.
Moving to a retirement village
Retirement villages are the latest innovation in elderly living, certainly here in the UK. As the name suggests, these are a group of properties with facilities onsite, such as shops, gym, pool and restaurants. Personal care is also offered.
The properties can usually be purchased, rented or part-purchased. You can find out where these villages are, together with more details on cost etc via The Elderly Accommodation Counsel.
Residential park homes
Similar to a residential village in the sense that there are facilities and a community feel, residential park homes tend to nevertheless be less expensive to live in.
This is single-story living, which makes it easier to get about. You’ll be expected to pay ongoing costs for your pitch once you’ve bought your home. There may also be resale fees.
Get in touch
Here at Grey Matters Consultancy we can help you find the right living solution. You can arrange for a no-obligation chat with one of our staff in your area. Call us today on 01628 947066 or write to us via info@grey-matters-consultancy.com.
