The number of seniors (age 65+) in the housing market is on the rise as are the improvements in life expectancy.  This is why I invested time in completing my Certified Senior Housing Professional (CSHP) designation.  The current 58 million people 65 and older are projected to grow to 82 million by 2050, creating a gap in services and housing.  The fastest growing segment of the population is underserved.  Though many seniors would prefer to age-in-place sometimes that is just not possible.

“Age-in-place” is when you make modifications to your home so you can live there as long as possible.  Who wouldn’t want to stay in the comfort of their own home?  AARP reports as many as 77% of adults 50 and older want to age-in-place.  Aging-in-place can be a complex issue involving community resources, family systems, social agencies, religious organizations, and medical services.

Many people want to stay in their own homes, to maintain independence for as long as possible, and to turn to family and friends for help when needed. But many older adults and their families have concerns about safety, getting around, or other daily activities. Living at home as you age requires careful consideration and planning.

Planning ahead allows you to make important decisions while you are still able, and you are not in need of medical care. Many people make modifications as they are needed, but planning can eliminate some costs.  If you have an underlying medical issue, research how your illness will progress and how it will affect your home life.

Considering the resources that may be needed for aid to independent living:  

·         Finances. Bill paying and health/insurance documents.

·         Meals. Grocery shopping and food prep.

·         Household. Yardwork, laundry, and cleaning

·         Transportation. Ride share opportunities to appointments and shopping.

·         Personal.  Hygiene and daily health care

·         Safety. Emergency contact and devices throughout the home.

One option is to team up with a neighbor or friend. Sharing in the shopping trips, cooking and accompanying doctor’s appointments is a great way to stay involved with people and share the needed assistance.  Another option is the local community volunteers and resources.  The local area has state agencies and social services.  Your church has members and leaders who are dedicated to assisting.

As you decide to age-in-place, consider the modifications to your home.  These modifications can affect the aesthetics and slow the future sale of the home. It is best to try to make the modifications universally friendly to all.  Recommendations to be considered:

·                     A walk- in shower with a bench and handheld shower head.

·                     Apply slip resistant strips to tubs and steps.

·                     Appliances with alerts can be purchased.

·                     Declutter unneeded furniture and any cords.

·                     Furniture with armrest is easier for standing and sitting.

·                     Add ample lighting throughout the home to include walkways.

·                     A low nap carpet or non-slick flooring is best.

·                     Remove rugs or secure them with double faced tape.

·                     Lever handled doorknobs and faucets.

·                     Use swing clear hinges when possible.

·                     Raised garden boxes and planters

Most people prefer to stay in their own home for as long as possible. But there may come a time when it’s no longer safe or comfortable to live alone. The decision about whether and when an older adult should move from their home is often difficult and emotional.

Relying on family, friends, and other caregivers for support is sometimes unrealistic. The Courier Journal states the fastest growing demographic is people over 85.  The older people get, generally the more support they need.  LongTermcare.gov shared that one-third of today's 65-year-olds may never need long-term care support, but 20 percent will need it for longer than 5 years.  Unfortunately, their family and friends are aging and may not be able to support the care that is needed.

Learn as much as you can about the housing options available.  Talk with your family about the pros and cons of each option before deciding.  Residences that were adequate in middle-adulthood do not support the needs that accompany frailty in old age. The cost for a semi-private room is roughly $5,741 a month. If you prefer more privacy, you can get a private room for approximately $6,235 a month (Google).  There will be insufficient affordable options for elders needing supportive housing in the future.

The CSHPs focus on advocacy is about helping the senior receive what they want that best suits their goals, desires, and intended outcomes.  Many clients feel lost because they may never have been in a position of authority or in a decision-making role.  The market is ever-changing.  As advocates, our job is to first ensure that the client is being treated fairly and honestly in all things.  This means questioning things we aren’t sure about, such as verifying that the client is well-informed and making confident and empowered decisions.

Our other responsibility as advocates is to assess the entire situation and make recommendations, offer solutions, and ask questions.  We can assess the situation from a more comprehensive approach because we are uniquely educated in the issues of aging and caregiving, as well as moving, senior living, estate liquidation, and selling or buying property.

The fact is, however, if we have done our job effectively as educators, our clients know what is right for them and feel confident in their decision making.

Real estate sales are simply a vehicle allowing CSHPs to serve in those capacities and in a way that is frequently absent from most real estate related encounters.  Clients’ needs and goals come first.  The real estate market is evolving, so this is why I sought out the training, the resources, and the access to trusted experts within the Des Moines and surrounding area market.  It is to serve senior clients and their families at a high level.  The goal is to educate and tell them everything they need to know.  Knowledge is power.