Choosing Housing After 80

Housing needs can change as health declines in the 80’s. Many people in their eighties face chronic problems like worsening vision, lower stamina, hearing loss, and limited mobility. Some may experience acute health issues like heart attacks or strokes. Others may develop terminal diseases like cancer, dementia, heart disease, or Parkinson’s. Many will experience the loss of a spouse or partner. Below tips for deciding whether to age in place or move to a senior community. Also included are links to articles, books, and other resources.

Tips
Aging – you may need help coping with physical and mental health issues in your 80’s.
Checklists – create a checklist/timeline for selecting where to live; prepare a task schedule for moving.
Consultants – use care managers and movers to find cost-saving opportunities and avoid pitfalls.
Cost – aging in place can require costly renovation and home care; assisted living averages $6,000/month.
Downsizing – discard unneeded clothing, collectibles, and furniture to de-clutter your home.
Family – recruit a devoted family member to serve as your care manager or caregiver.
Healthcare – check healthcare options available with assisted and independent living facilities.
Location – consider moving in with family or living nearby to them.
Ownership – rent before buying to explore options; use due diligence before purchasing.
Planning - plan now to achieve best results and avoid stress from making last-minute decisions.
Social – seek communities that have social activities like assisted living and continuing care facilities.
Timing - move by your early 80’s while still healthy; sooner for those with health issues.

Articles

Books

Checklists

Directories

Movies
Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (seniors move to an overseas retirement community)
Driving Miss Daisy (widow’s long-term transition from aging-in-place to nursing home)
Five Flights Up (senior couple searches for replacement apartment)

Surveys
Elder Care Cost (Washington Post)
Housing Features (Senior Housing News)
Living Arrangements (Pew Foundation)

Webinars

Websites
Commission on Law and Aging (American Bar Association)
Long-Term Care (Administration on Aging)
Next Avenue (Public Broadcasting System)

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