Planning Ahead: Finding the Best Senior Living Environment for You

Where and how seniors live has a lot to do with their quality of life. That’s why it’s important to determine the best environment based on your physical or mental condition and on the kind of surroundings and amenities that make you happy. If you need to consider a senior living community, make an objective assessment of your situation. What activities do you need help with each day? What do you enjoy doing? Thinking carefully about your lifestyle and discussing your wants and needs with family will help you identify a community that addresses all your living requirements. 

If you want a living situation that combines convenience with no home upkeep plus the ability to socialize and have fun, an independent living facility can provide the best of both worlds. It’s a great choice for seniors who are able to take care of their personal needs, manage medications, and lead an active, socially engaged lifestyle. An independent living community frees you from the strain of household repairs and the responsibility of general upkeep, leaving plenty of time for activities that give you joy and keep you plugged into life.

Also known as board and care homes, personal care homes, adult family homes, or group homes, residential care facilities are a great option for those looking for a personal touch to their care, as well as a higher level of care. Residential care homes are often located in traditional neighborhoods. Staff in these homes help residents bathe, assist with medications and getting dressed, as well as helping with other daily tasks or activities of daily living. What sets these places apart from other options -- other than aging in place -- is that they are located in traditional houses, often with a housemate or two, as opposed to larger, institutional facilities. There’s usually a higher staff-to-resident ratio as well, which adds to the personalized and homelike setting. 

Seniors who require help with activities of daily living can flourish in the Banyan Place assisted living community. It’s a happy medium between independent living and having someone nearby who can help if you suffer a fall, need help with medications or have trouble getting around. Seniors often move into assisted living communities if the cost of living at home is too high, or if a caregiver is no longer able to provide the necessary assistance. Assisted living can be a great option for seniors who don’t feel safe living alone and fear becoming isolated. 

You may be able to age in place safely at home if you’re able to function safely without ongoing assistance. If this feels like the best choice, make your home safer and senior-friendly with a few modifications. Remove all potential tripping hazards, replace carpeting with smooth floor surfaces, add handrails in all stairways and install motion-activated lighting in the hallways and bathrooms to reduce the possibility of an accident. 

If these modifications aren’t in your budget and you own your home, one option is a cash out refinance which will replace your current mortgage with a new one (you’ll receive the difference between the two in cash). Before you refinance, consider how much equity you have in your home and how much it will increase your mortgage payments. Learn more about the process and available rates by searching for “Bank of America mortgage rates refinance.”