Have you given thought to how you will spend time after your retirement? For most seniors, accommodation is an essential consideration since they would want to live comfortably after retirement. Aging in place is a preferable option for seniors that intend to live in their homes in their post-retirement years. Below is an excerpt detailing the benefits and downsides of aging in place. It also discusses the considerations to make if you would like to age in place. 

The Benefits Of Aging In Place

The benefit of aging at home is that you have more control over where you will live and how you will spend your time. Besides, you can spend time with your family members since they can either live with you or visit at will. Aging in place can also be cheaper than other retirement living options, such as living in a retirement village. Other than a mortgage and personal maintenance costs, you are unlikely to incur any other expenses. 

The Downsides Of Aging In Place

The downside of aging in place is that you do not have the luxury of regularly socialising with other like-minded seniors. It is unlike life in retirement villages and assisted living facilities where seniors interact on a day-to-day basis. If you suffer from a long-term chronic illness, you need a caregiver to monitor your health. The caregiver may not be with you 24/7. As such, it would be difficult to deal with medical emergencies. 

Tips On How To Age In Place

Below are some tips to help you age at home: 

• Consider downsizing if you no longer live with your kids and close family members. It is a sure way to free up some cash that could be used for emergencies in the future.
• If you will make regular visits to your doctor, move into a property that is close to the clinic. Alternatively, you could ask the doctor to conduct home visits.
• Renovate your property to make it age-friendly. For instance, you could install rails and low-lying shelves.
• Safety is an essential concern when aging in place. As such, your home should not have slippery surfaces. Place rubber mats in your bathroom. Additionally, install fire and bugler alarms in your home.
• Have emergency contacts to ambulance services, local police and close family. They will come in handy in case of an emergency. 

Aging at home has its benefits and downsides. However, it a preferable option for seniors that enjoy the convenience and independence of living in their homes.

For help finding over 55 living arrangements, contact a local real estate agent.