Housing

There are many housing options available for older adults. When considering the best type of housing for you consider these things:

Cost, payments and upkeep – Will you be able to pay the mortgage, taxes, rent, maintenance fee or  maintenance costs associated with this home?

• Mobility – is there access to community or public transportation that will get you to medical, business and shopping if you are unable to drive?
• Accessibility – Will you be required to negotiate stairs to get into the house or to a bedroom, laundry and/or bath? Are you able to read appliance dials and buttons, operate doorknobs and levers, the garage door, instructions for other machinery?
• Access to emergency assistance – How far is the closest fire station, ambulance or police station? Is there a 911 system?Know the rules and expectations of the housing community. Understand that you will be required to uphold those rules/expectations if you become a resident of the community.

As you answer these questions, remember that your physical abilities will change as you age. What is right for you today may not be as appropriate 10 years from now? You may not be able to find housing that meets all your "ideal" living expectations.