There's No Place Like Home

Retirees have many housing options available


People are enjoying longer and healthier lives. As a result, seniors are living independently for greater periods of time. The decision on where to live after retirement is one that every retiree will have to make. However, these days there are many options available to retirees.

Staying in the Family Home

For many retirees, staying in the family home is a priority. Carrie Schonlaw, aging program coordinator for the Five County Association of Governments, says this option often requires some modifications to ensure safety and comfort.

“People want to age in place and stay in their homes for as long as they can,” Schonlaw says. “There are a few very simple and inexpensive things that can be done to help people maintain as much independence as possible.”

Easy Home Adaptation:
✔ Widen doors to accommodate wheel chairs.
✔ Install ramps or do stair modification.
✔ Put grab bars in bathrooms and non-skid decals in shower.
✔ Buy a shower chair.
✔ Get a raised toilet.
✔ Install anti-scald devices.
✔ Brighten dark spaces.
✔ Remove slick surfaces or tripping hazards like throw rugs.
✔ Put sturdy rails throughout the home.
✔ Take advantage of fire prevention technology.

Reverse Mortgage

Surviving in today’s economy can be a challenge for seniors living on a fixed income. For some, a reverse mortgage is a simple way to remain in the family home. A reverse mortgage allows borrowers 62 years and older to spend the equity in their home, but still retain ownership.

Alan Crooks, certified mortgage specialist, says the lender collects the interest on the home when it is sold or the person dies. “You can never owe more than the home is worth,” Crooks says. “The estate will gain on the appreciation and lose on the mortgage.”

With a reverse mortgage, homeowners have the choice of taking a single lump sum of cash, getting a monthly loan advance, establishing a line of credit or using a combination of these options. The amount that can be lent depends on the age of the homeowner, the current interest rate and the appraised value of a home or the Federal Housing Administration’s mortgage limits for a specific area.

Before receiving a reverse mortgage, borrowers are required to take an informational class. Crooks says the advantage of a reverse mortgage is that the homeowner never has to make a payment as long as they continue to live there. The loan is due when the owner dies, sells or moves away from the home. If there is equity left over when the property is sold, the homeowner or estate gets that money back.

Downsizing

As people age, routine house and yard maintenance becomes more challenging. For some, moving into a smaller home is the perfect solution. John Houston, Realtor for ERA Brokers Consolidated, says there are endless housing choices for seniors who wish to live in Washington County.

“The availability of properties is wonderful,” Houston says. “With interest rates being as low as they are and inventory being as high as it is, there are great opportunities to buy and downsize.”

However, Houston says downsizing is only a good option if seniors get into a home that is right for their needs and budgets. Houston advised considering the following issues before making a purchase:

✔ Association Dues — Fees go up as the cost of insurance and grounds keeping increase. People with a limited budged should remember the price they pay when they move in won’t stay the same forever.

✔ Stairs — These can present a problem for seniors as they age. Fortunately, there are numerous single level units available in Washington County.

✔ Amenities — Each area features different options. Check to see if a property offers what a person desires such as a pool, exercise room or club house. For those who don’t want these amenities, consider areas where they are not offered and therefore not included in the purchase price.

✔ Association Rules — Some associations don’t allow owners to rent their property after they move out. Other places have rules against upgrades or landscape changes. Storage of recreational vehicles, off-highway vehicles and boats are sometimes prohibited.

✔ Pets — Not all places allow pets or have spaces for them to play.

✔ Demographics — Some neighborhoods are geared towards a younger population and have children playing outside or higher noise levels.

✔ Proximity — Check to see if the property is close to shopping facilities, medical care, churches and other places the homeowner may frequent.

✔ Social Connections — Many retirement communities offer group activities and places for residents to gather.

✔ Income — Find out how the purchase of a home will affect trusts, wills and estates.

Sensational Senior Living

St. George is a Mecca for senior citizens, sporting an endless array of unique housing opportunities. For many, retirement signals a chance to ramp up activity rather than a time to slow down. Places like SunRiver St. George were developed with this personality type in mind.

Billed as “an active adult golf course facility for people 55 and better,” SunRiver was designed for seniors on the go. However, SunRiver is about more than beautiful homes in a golf course setting. SunRiver marketing director Micheal Green says the emphasis is on a community center where residents can enjoy a wide range of sports, educational classes, art and leisure activities.

“The community center really is the hub of activity,” Green says. “We have an environment that fosters social contacts, physical activity and educational opportunities.” Seniors who no longer feel comfortable driving their cars have no problem getting around SunRiver — golf carts are welcome throughout the development.

Assisted Living

Aging baby boomers are looking for more than a traditional nursing home. Each person has different needs, so the “one size fits all” form of assisted living has gone by the wayside. Today, seniors can choose their level of care based on individual needs. Some developments such as Beehive Homes offer housing for all stages of life.

On the most basic level, the Beehive Cottages has individual condos based around a community center where residents can go for meals, exercise and leisure activities. Administrator Mary Sanders says the cottages are designed for people who don’t need supervised care but are attracted to the amenities and community lifestyle.
“Studies of aging baby boomers have found the more active they remain — physically and mentally — the better their quality of life,” Sanders says.

Beehive Homes has two levels of more intensive care based in group home settings. Level One offers help with things such as showering, laundry and supervision of medication. Level Two is more intensive and features a certified nursing assistant on staff at all times. Beehive also has an Alzheimer’s Unit within its system.

Brenda Harrison, house manager at Beehive Homes, says the modern day group home is tailored to the individual. All meals are home cooked and served in a casual setting. Residents who are able to care for a pet are welcome to have them. Activities and special events are part of the package.

“We try to put ourselves in our residents’ position,” Harrison says. “We treat our residents with the utmost respect and dignity.” sgm

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