An Alternative Living Situation for Seniors

More than 11 million adults are taking care of an elderly person in their homes. That estimate will rise sharply as the massive numbers of baby boomers age. In 2011, 3.2 million boomers turn 65 and will be collecting Social Security and Medicare.

Social Security does not stretch very far in these times, and many seniors find that they just cannot make ends meet. If they own their own homes, monthly expenses, repairs on aging homes, food and medical costs eat up almost their entire Social Security check and often saving too.

One solution may be moving an aging parent or two into your home. The financial and emotional advantages of this solution may surprise you. You will no longer have to worry about their welfare while they are living alone. They will be under your roof, under your careful watch and care.

An assisted living facility costs around $30,000.00 a year. If one of your parents become frail or chronically ill, and needs extra help and support, the cost of sending them to such a facility will be saved if you are caring for them in your own home. They can live safely under your roof. Savings will not have to be depleted or properties sold to pay for someone else to care for your loved one(s).

Just offering them a bed in your guest room is not enough. This is not a safe option and it jeopardizes everyone's privacy as well. Perhaps an added bedroom or bathroom will be necessary, or remodeling an area of the home or the basement into a private apartment--a private space for your elderly loved one.

Older people do not like to leave beloved possessions behind and a roomy private living space will allow them to bring their special belongings with them, making the move much easier and happier for everyone.

It is most imperative to offer a safe environment to the elderly person. Installing handrails and brighter lighting as well as replacing throw rugs with other, safer flooring must be done to make a safe living space. Other added features are also required. These include additional fire and safety alarms, monitoring systems (baby monitors or video monitoring equipment etc.) Adequate, and perhaps extra, ventilation and heating will be needed and extra windows or doors for safe escape in case of emergency. Specialized Medical equipment is often necessary too like a hospital bed, raised toilet seat, bath chair etc. A wheelchair ramp may also have to be installed.

If these changes are done properly, you can even expect an increase in the value of your home. Government agencies have programs to help with repairs for accessibility. Your local Agency on Aging can help you with the information.

Be sure not to use the funds from your own retirement savings for these changes. This is very important. YOU need to take care of your own finances first so that someday your kids won't end up picking up the tab for you.

Mom and dad's Social Security can help with living expenses and probably cover part of the mortgage, making everyone's burden a bit easier..

A future bonus of having a private living space in your home is that you may be able to end up living in your home longer; perhaps with a family member living there with you and caring for you as you age in your own home..

Sources: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2989766/baby_boomer_fun_and_facts.html?cat=12
Doreen Bradley Satter, RN