Aging in Place? What It Costs to Create a Safe Senior Home

May 16th, 2017 by John Wilson

Ahhh… Home sweet home. Our homes are our castles. It’s no big surprise most people assume the best option for their golden years is to age in place, or in other words, to live out their senior years in their long-time home. On the surface, that sounds like a great plan. Seniors and their loved ones may say to themselves, “Sure, there are plenty of senior living communities in Oklahoma City, but their residents probably didn’t have a nice home to begin with. Otherwise, why would they decide to move to senior housing at all?” That’s a common argument. However, if you look at the numbers, you’ll realize considering senior living communities in Oklahoma City may make the best sense from both financial and quality of life standpoints.

Reality Check: Many Seniors Will Develop Mobility Challenges

In their 50s, 60s and even 70s, many seniors can get around just fine. They may not need extra help and may be sure on their feet. At some point, though, most seniors develop at least minor physical problems that challenge their mobility. This doesn’t happen to everyone, of course. When it does happen, it occurs at different ages and for varying reasons.

What Does It Cost to Make Your OKC Home Safe for a Senior?

If you plan to age in place, you need to plan for the possibility one day your home will need to be retrofitted so you can navigate it safely. That involves such things as:

• Upgrading the bathrooms with grab bars, walk-in shower, shower seat and taller toilet

• Widening all doorways for walker and wheelchair access

• Upgrading the kitchen so it’s possible to reach everything easily and cook while seated

• Adding wheelchair ramps

• Transitioning a multi-story home so all critical rooms, including the bedroom, are on the first floor

• Subscribing to a safety-monitoring service

• Hiring full- or part-time in-home senior care services in OKC

Each of these line items costs money, and the expenses add up quickly. When you consider the huge financial commitment of aging in place, assisted living suddenly may seem like a viable, smart alternative.

Beyond the Cost of Home Retrofits, There Are Other Drawbacks to Aging in Place

Even if you decide to pay to upgrade a home for senior safety, there are ongoing costs you’ll have. These include yard work, utilities, housekeeping, security and more. Additionally, many seniors aren’t able to drive and don’t have reliable transportation. Their relatives must work and take care of their own lives and aren’t always able to stop by for a visit. Seniors who age in place often feel lonely and isolated.

If you haven’t seriously considered assisted living senior care services in OKC for your aging loved one, you may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover. Contact us at Village at Oakwood. Visit our facility, share a meal in our dining hall and talk to our residents. We are confident you’ll gain a new perspective!