There comes a time when living conditions do not meet your or a loved ones needs.The current home does not work and you cannot modify it to Age In Place.    If so, that is okay.  There are many different choices for housing now than ever before. In order to make the right choice, take time to evaluate each home, community and area.  What should you look for?  Below is a checklist of things to think about when evaluating an area for you or a loved ones needs.  It is important to make sure that the next place to live fits most of your needs.  The needs that are not met, are they available and close enough?  I have also attached the checklist for you to print off and use as a guide.  Below is a list of key points to evaluate when choosing your next place to live.

Aging In Place Key Topics

Medical

  • Health care facilities, doctors, hospitals, clinics, and specialists

  • Prescription drug plans

  • Emergency services

Market

  • Range of housing options and prices

  • Resale value and appreciation potential

Transportation

  • Public safety

  • Planned communities

  • Employment opportunities

  • Volunteer opportunities

  • Popular activities and hobbies

  • Cultural and educational institutions

  • Opportunities for Civic engagement

  • Houses of worship

  • Quality of life

  • Attitude of locals toward “Snowbirds”

Fitness

  • Exercise programs

  • Pool, golf, spas, wellness facilities

  • Waking trails and path

Cost of Living

  • Overall costs

  • Utility costs

  • Taxes – Property, income, and sales

Climate

  • Changes of season and climate variations

  • Likelihood of destructive storms and natural disasters

  • Environmental quality

  • Natural features: parks, coastlines, mountains, scenery

Services

  • Shopping (quality, selection, and convenience)

  • High-speed internet access

  • Restaurants (range of prices and types)

Senior and Aging Services

  • Senior concierge services

  • Nutrition (meals on wheels)

  • Senior specific places, communities, and facilities

  • Aging and human services

  • Independent living support

  • Congregate, assisted, skilled care, nursing home facilities

Properties

  • Maintenance-free (no lawn care,landscaping, snow removal)

  • Storage space

  • Alarms in bedroom/bathroom

  • Garage or parking

  • Square footage

  • Barrier free – no thresholds, wide doors and hallways

  • No fall hazards

  • Age restrictive

This is a guideline for helping you get started on your home search.  If you follow the checklist, you will feel more confident in your decision for your next place to live.  Aging In Place is very important, so making the right choice means that you will likely reduce the chance of having to move again if more help is required.  Call me, I am glad to help you with this transition.