Originally published: March 11, 2011 4:58 PM Updated: March 11, 2011 9:41 PM
By PETER KING pwking@aol.com
Photo credit: iStock | When the time comes having a ground floor bathroom is essential for independent living. (Undated)
Homeowners chose their residence for a number of reasons, many of them cosmetic. But for those wanting to spend their golden years in their own home, the considerations often become age before beauty.
"The vast majority want to stay in their own homes as they age," says Sandra Timmermann, director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute, the research arm of the giant insurance company. "The dilemma is many of the houses are not fit for aging in place."
For example, many unmodified older two-story houses on Long Island don't have a true bedroom or a full bathroom on the first floor. For an older person with mobility problems, this can mean becoming a virtual prisoner upstairs. Converting a downstairs space into a bedroom and installing a bathroom or installing a stair lift can run into the tens of thousands of dollars.
Even less costly modifications, such as installing outside ramps for easier access into the home, can cost $5,000 or more, Timmermann says. But many basic changes, such as installing grab bars in the bathroom or handrails on the stairs are relatively inexpensive.
For those thinking about staying in their homes, MetLife offers a free booklet about the benefits and pitfalls. "Aging in Place Workbook: Your Home As a Care Setting" has several work sheets to help you determine if your home will need to be modified and give you a rough idea of the costs. There are also Web addresses for companies, associations and government agencies that can provide resources, help and financial aid.
After reading the workbook, you may realize that modifying your home is not the best choice. But aging in place can also mean aging in the same geographical place. "Some people might want to move to a smaller place or a newer place in the same community," Timmermann says. "They might want to stay in their own home, but they could have a better home and a better situation" by moving.
Download the workbook by going to metlife.com/mmi and click the "Aging in Place Workbook" link in the "Popular Content: Essentials, Surveys, Workbooks" box. You also can get a printed copy sent to you by sending an e-mail to MatureMarketInstitute@MetLife .com or by writing to MetLife Mature Market Institute, 57 Greens Farms Rd., Westport, CT 06880.
If selling your present home and purchasing something more manageable and practical is what you decide to do, call the Spouses Selling Houses team of Toby & John T. Williams at 631-363-5434.
If you don’t live in an area we personally service, we can do the research for you and find a full time, experienced agent in your neighborhood to help.
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