 Take a look inside How to Choose Retirement Housing
Today, more Americans enjoy the prospect of a long life than at any other time in history. A key decision that you (or a loved one) may face is where to spend your retirement years. Should you stay in your current home? Downsize to a smaller house or a condominium? Or should you consider moving to one of the many places that offer assistance with housekeeping and personal needs, such as an assisted living facility or a continuous care retirement community?
Retirees have more housing options now than ever. How to Choose Retirement Housing, will help you to understand them. Perhaps, like many people, you (or a family member) want to remain at home as long as possible. Yet many homes were not built or furnished with the safety needs of older persons in mind. Our book tells you the steps you can take, such as home modifications, that will help maintain that level of independence. It also describes the pros and cons of other housing options and includes information on how much they cost and how to figure out what you can afford.
Author Thomas M. Cassidy, a professor at Stony Brook University and a specialist in elder care, explains in easy-to-understand language the various options for retirement housing and the important questions you should consider before making a decision.
Choosing to remain at home or to relocate is a major decision for retirees and their families. This book will help you to make choices that promote independence and support a high quality of life.
The “trigger” event for the loss of an older person's independence is often a fall. How to Choose Retirement Housing provides information that will help you improve safety and comfort in your home. It will also help you assess the safety and comfort features of any other residence, should you consider relocation.
It discusses the differences between assisted living and continuing care communities, the services they provide, their fee structures, and how to assess their quality of care. The book includes a handy worksheet designed to make sure you ask all the right questions before signing any contracts.
There is also a chapter on reverse mortgages. More and more retired homeowners, particularly those who may be “house rich but cash poor,” are considering reverse mortgages to help them make ends meet. However, there are important factors to consider before doing this. Closing costs and fees, for example, can be very high. And if you eventually wish to move, you may find that the loan has eaten away so much of your home equity that you can no longer afford to do so.
If you are thinking about your retirement living options, or know someone who is, you will find this book an invaluable resource.
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