Great housing options for Boomers; where to begin?
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Housing options for the 55+ segment have come a long way since the days of the “old folks home” concept. Times have changed and the Boomers will be pleased to see what is being offered.
So, what are these Great Housing Options for Boomers?
- Stay at home
- 55+ Active Adult Apartment
- Independent Living
- Assisted Living
- Nursing Care
- Continuing Care Retirement Community (or Life Care Community)
- Master Planned Community with Active Adult housing
- “GrannyPod”
Staying in your current home, also known as “aging in place”.
Most people would prefer this and can if they have:
- A single story house or a home with a main bedroom and full bath on the first floor.
- A bathroom with a roll in shower, grab bars in the shower and also by the toilet.
- Door frames at least 36 inches wide for possible wheelchair or walker clearance.
- A wearable help button, such as my affiliate MobileHelp, in case of falls or intruders.
- An adult child nearby or a handy neighbor to help with home and yard maintenance.
Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. has a great guide and cost analysis, click here to learn more.
55+ Active Adult Apartments
For the younger Boomers, this is a great housing option that is becoming hugely popular.
A 55+ Active Adult Apartment is a rental property with secured entrances and parking, allowing its tenants to “lock and leave” for extended periods of time without worry. It is a more affordable option (rent as low as $1200). Included in rent is usually:
- Home maintenance (i.e. changing air filters, fixing or replacing appliances, plumbing, etc.)
- Social programs, outings, and activities administered by professional staff
- Many common spaces for gatherings (i.e. library, outdoor patios, game rooms, etc.)
- Recreational facilities (i.e. fitness center, art studio, movie theatre, pool, etc.)
There are no dining fees or onsite dining options. Enjoy the ability to socialize with contemporaries, come and go as you please, continue to work if you wish, and relish in a quiet space.
Independent Living (IL) Community
Independent Living is a large complex, like a 55+ Active Adult Apartment. Monthly fees are slightly higher depending on size of apartment and location (urban vs. rural). Your rent or monthly fee covers:
- Home maintenance
- Social programs, outings, and activities
- Common areas
- Recreational facilities
- The ability to lock and leave for extended periods.
One difference is that there is a dining program with a monthly minimum fee. There may also be some form of medical staff onsite during business hours.
Assisted Living (AL) Community
As with Independent Living, a person in Assisted Living will have their own personal apartment and live independently, but will have assistance available to them if needed.
All ALs have:
- Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) available to assist with ADLs (activities of daily living- bathing, cleaning, dressing, medication reminders).
- Social programs, activities, and outings provided by professional onsite staff.
- Housekeeping and maintenance
- Dining plan, usually three meals a day in a dining room, but with Covid there will be changes coming.
- Hair Salon
- Therapy and Exercise facilities
- Help button and wearables
- Some places have a Social Worker on staff.
Nursing Care
When full care is needed (assistance with toileting, medication, eating, dressing, bathing, transportation, etc.) Nursing Care is the go to housing option. Most places have private rooms, there are a few left with semi-private, but with Covid I would assume that will be changing.
Your monthly fee includes:
- Registered Nurses (RN) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) on staff 24/7 to distribute medication, take vitals, and monitor any health concerns.
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Medical Doctor on call
- Social Worker on staff
- Activities/Lifestyle director
- Therapy and Fitness facility
- Dining program (three full meals a day)
Continuing Care Retirement Community (Life Plan Community)
A CCRC is a great housing option for Boomers that want to be prepared for the future. They include IL, AL, and NC all in one community. The idea is that one starts in IL and as they age and need more care they can move throughout the community. These places are usually more expensive with an entrance fee plus a monthly fee, but with benefits in the long run, should you need to move throughout the community. The comradery is a huge plus and in the end the cost of living at a CCRC is less than full care and home ownership.
Master Planned Community with Active Adult housing
A Master Planned Community (or MPC) is a large piece of land with multiple neighborhoods offering many recreational and commercial amenities. Several of these are starting to offer 55+ housing, meaning the single-family house can only be purchased by someone 55 or older. With that purchase the owner and their guests will have access to additional amenities for the older adults (i.e. club house, pool, fitness center, etc.) A great example of this is at Rancho Mission Viejo in California.
“Granny Pod” – moving in with adult children.
Everyone has heard of the mother-in-law suite, but the newest addition is the “Granny Pod”, a separate building (guest house) found on the grounds of adult family member’s land. These small living quarters include a kitchenette and sitting area, one bedroom, and a full bath (usually around 700 square feet.) A great new example of this is the Minka Home designed by geriatrician, professor, and advocate for elders, Dr. Bill Thomas.
With so many great housing options for Boomers, the possibilities are endless and what an adventure that is set before you! – Courtney
