Sheila and Ken* live in a detached home with acreage in east rural county.
Their whole lives they have been outdoor people. She’s happiest riding horses and he’s happiest riding tractor trailers. But they’re not 20 or 30 anymore, they’re not even 50, 60 or 70, they’re in their 80s and in some ways, their house is killing them.
They have fallen off of ladders, she can no longer walk to the barn, and everyday house maintenance is beyond their physical abilities. Due to her cancer and his chronic back injuries, they need to visit their doctors almost daily, driving two hours each way. The husband is showing signs of dementia.
Bill and Joy*, both in their 60s, live in a large, 4,000 s.f. house in Mount Helix.
The kids are grown and gone and entire sections of their home go untouched or unvisited for months. They’re in good health, and friendly and seek to simplify and socialize.
Both couples know it’s time to make living changes but what are their options?
Nearly 56,000,000 seniors – people over the age of 65 – reside in the United States. Some are Jackie Chan fit while some are bed-bound. Below are some options for seniors and their families to consider when the time comes for living changes.
Staying put. Single-story homes/condos or homes/condos with at least one bedroom downstairs are popular for seniors or people thinking ahead. If the homeowner is in good health but needs a little help with errands, housekeeping, or yard work, living arrangements can be made with friends, family members, or roommates.
55+ community. From manufactured homes to condos to detached homes, there are always dozens of properties for sale in San Diego County in 55+/62+ communities. Currently, they range from $34,700 for a manufactured home in Borrego Springs to $1.54M for a detached home in Auberge at Del Sur near Rancho Santa Fe. Often these communities appeal to seniors looking to socialize with their age group by offering activities, clubhouses, swimming pools, pickleball courts, bridge nights, potluck dinners, etc. Meals, custodial service, or skilled medical assistance are not included.
Senior Care Facilities, Apartment Style. Westmont of La Mesa is a great example.
a) Independent Living. As the name suggests, Independent-Living seniors live in studios, one or two-bedroom apartments; enjoy restaurant-style dining in a shared dining room; housekeeping & maintenance; swimming pool; fitness centers; activity rooms; health & wellness programs.
b) Assisted Living. Residents enjoy the same amenities as Independent Living but receive medical care ranging from prescription management to individualized care services.
c) Memory Care. Residents experiencing middle to late-state dementia need expert specialized care with a structured environment with set schedules and routines to reduce stress, safe interiors to reduce mishaps, and helpful programs to assist with cognitive skills.
Skilled Nursing Facility.
a) Short-Term Care. This is for the person who needs temporary medical help, usually after surgery for one week to a month or so. Afterward, they go home.
b) Long-Term Care. Offers 24/7 doctor and nurse care for people who have little-to-no mobility or cannot function on their own.
Aging is a sensitive topic. Some people, like Sheila and Ken, insist they can manage even when their families worry they cannot. Bill and Joy sold their Mount Helix home & purchased a luxury retirement condo in La Jolla and love it.
Evaluating options for senior living can be overwhelming. For seniors, about to be seniors and their families, a great place to find gratis assistance locally is with Kevin and Breanne Leinum of Capstone Services, who have been in the senior biz for 20 years.
Their office is located at 8144 La Mesa Boulevard, next door to Subway. Kevin and Breanne are recognized experts in Long Term Care Planning and can be reached at 619-886-5665.
They will be hosting Coffee Talks; Senior Living Options on Aug. 23, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center.
Register online at: CityofLaMesa.com/classes or call (619) 667-1322.
* Not their real names
– Reach eXp Realtor and La Mesa City Councilwoman Laura Lothian at: [email protected].
Crédito de la foto: Pixabay.com
