Available Housing Options During Your Later Years
Have you thought about where you’d like to grow old? Whether you’d like to be surrounded by people or have access to care, there are plenty of choices to make.
The number of people aged 85 or over is expected to double in the next 25 years, according to projections published by the Office for National Statistics. In 2018, there were 1.6 million people living in this age bracket, but by 2043, it is expected that this will increase to almost 3 million people. As we age, it’s important to think carefully about where we wish and how to live, particularly for the third of us over the age of 65 who live alone, or the ten percent who have no children to rely on. Here are a number of choices available as you enter retirement and beyond.
Ageing In Place
If you’d like to remain in your own home, which is known as ageing in place, there is plenty of support available for you. Depending on the layout of your home, for example if it has stairs, along with taking into consideration any health conditions that you have, you may need to consider making some small modifications to your property so that you’re able to live safely and comfortably. Widening doorways to accommodate wheelchairs, or adding grab rails into your shower are simple adaptations and you may also wish to use telehealth or telecare equipment to enable you to stay in control of your health.
Residential Park Community
Residential park facilities are an increasingly popular option for people in their retirement years. With the promise of a well-built home in a community filled with excellent shared facilities and like-minded people, a residential park home is the perfect compromise between independent living whilst having access to quality care when required. A residential park conveyancing Essex team explains that purchasing this type of home is a great investment but can be a little more complex in comparison to buying a traditional bricks and mortar home. Always seek legal advice to understand the build, the lease and any other terms and conditions of purchase associated with a residential park home.
Moving to Sheltered Housing or Assisted Living
If you’re aged over 55, then you may be eligible to buy or rent a home which is part of a sheltered housing scheme. Such accommodation allows you to live independently whilst having access to support staff, 24-hour emergency care and enjoying social activities with co-residents.
Assisted living is a step up from sheltered housing in that it offers more advanced care around your own home including help with washing, dressing, taking medication or attending the bathroom.
Residential Care Home
Care homes are available for those who don’t feel that they’re able to remain in their own homes. They can suit people who require advanced medical attention as well as those who are lonely and would like the comfort of regular social contact with co-residents and care workers. Moving into a care home is a big decision and as such it’s important that you and any family members take your time in finding the right care home to suit your needs. You will be provided with any type of personal or medical care you require during your residency.
Deciding where to live as you age can feel daunting. Begin by speaking to your friends and family to discuss what may be feasible in terms of finances as well as their own offers of support. If you need any advice, you can contact the free Age UK advice line to speak to a specialist adviser.