What are the housing options for the elderly considering that the majority of older Australians are over 80 when they enter permanent aged care. These are elderly citizens who need high levels of care and can’t age in place. While many people would prefer to age in place, the care that they need is out of reach. It can be difficult to receive home care at an appropriate level. There is also an element of loneliness at play, as family members are either working, with their families or they don’t live close by.
That’s why it makes sense to consider housing options for elderly now. You are independent enough now that you want to make your own decisions, thus preventing your children from making them for you later. For now, you’re happy where you are or considering downsizing. What about later?
Continuing Care
For your first move, you can consider how much help you need each day. If you don’t need any help whatsoever, an apartment or land-lease community is an ideal situation for you to be in. However, your care needs could change in an instant so, it’s important that you have a plan B to fall back on in case your needs do change.
We’ll highlight the most common options for the elderly. You can narrow it down to more than one housing option, the important thing is that it suits your lifestyle and your needs. Home is where the heart is and you don’t want to go somewhere that doesn’t feel right.
All The Options
- Age in Place – this is where the elderly person lives on their own or moves in with their family. For independent people, this is a good option. As needs change, there are care options available that include meals and help with cleaning. It’s also possible to make modifications in the home to make it safer. This option typically hinges on friends and family helping out.
- It takes a village – there are all different types of villages, but the idea is that you are surrounded by people at the same stage of life, there are amenities handy, and you maintain independence. It’s ageing in place, but with a twist.
- Independence – independent living is really any type of housing that was designed with seniors in mind. This includes apartments, housing, homes, and communities for the retirement or senior crowd. If you like an active setting, but love the idea of avoiding maintenance, housekeeping, and chores, this could be the perfect option. Think of independent living like college campuses for seniors.
- Residential Care – these are smaller facilities where you can receive personalised service and care. They are also known as care homes. You have meal service, get assistance with daily activities, and have your board.
- Continuing Care – these communities are a hybrid of assisted and independent living, with a measure of nursing home thrown in. If you are older and want to live in one place until it’s time to leave this mortal coil, this is an excellent option. It also allows partners to stay together, even if one of those people needs more care. So, you start in the independent living area, and as your care needs change, you can move to a different area of the community.
- Assisted Living – if you are independent, but still need a bit of help, assisted living could be the right move. Services are available around the clock.
- Nursing Home – this is for those seniors who need care 24-7. It’s the move to make when you are suffering from a debilitating illness, whether mental or physical, and you are no longer able to care for yourself. As far as housing options for elderly, this is the most commonly thought of.
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