Is Staying Put Always the Best Option?

Assisted living can provide a wonderful residential alternative to a nursing home for seniors who need some help to maintain their independence.

By Rick Banas of Gardant Management Solutions

Just because nearly nine out of 10 older adults want to stay in their current place of residence for as long as possible, does that mean not having to move is always the best option.

The percentage of adults 65 and older cited above comes from a research report published by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the AARP Public Policy Institute. The report was published in December 2011 and was mentioned in a Redfin Blog posted this week on the HUFF POST.

The NCSL/AARP report goes on to indicate that eight out of 10 older adults believe their current residence is where they will always live.

In the Foreword of the report, AARP highlights its support of the desire of older adults to age in place whether this is in the home where they raised their children or in another setting in the community that is “non-institutional.” Aging in place is defined in the report as the ability to “live in one’s own home safely, independently and comfortably regardless of age, income or ability level.”

The Redfin Blog talks about assisted living services that can be accessed through computer applications so that “fortunately” older adults in most cases will not have to move as they age.

The ability of older adults to easily access services that reduces their risk of needing nursing home care certainly is to be applauded.

The Blog goes on to say that the applications can make it more cost-effective to stay at home rather than move into assisted living, depending on the level of care that is required.

Based on my experience, a key phrase when you are evaluating assisted living from a financial perspective is “depending on the level of care that is required.” The 2012 MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Home, Assisted Living, Adult Day Care and Home Health Care Costs cited the national average cost for home health aides at $21 an hour and for homemakers at $20 an hour. For two hours of care in the morning and two hours later in the day, the cost would be in the range of $2,500 a month. The amount is just for care provided by a home health aide or a homemaker; it does not include any other living expenses.

Another financial consideration when looking at staying in your current place of residence versus moving into assisted living is whether any structural changes need to be made to accommodate aging in place. Are stairs an issue, especially for accessing your bedroom, bathroom and washer and dryer? Are doorways wide enough for a wheelchair or scooter? Is your bathroom designed to meet your needs?

You should also take into consideration such issues as. . .

The toll that caregiving can take on a spouse and other family members if they are the ones providing the care.

The social isolation that can come from living alone. More and more research shows that social connectivity as we age is a key factor to living long and healthy lives.

Will you be able to deduct some or all of the cost of assisted living as medical expense on your income taxes?

If you are a veteran, will you or your spouse be eligible for financial assistance for assisted living through the Aid and Attendance program?

The assisted living communities operated by Gardant combine comfortable residential apartment-home living with the availability of support services such as three daily meals, housekeeping and laundry, and certified staff on-duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide personal assistance and help with medications. There are plenty of opportunities for social interaction and participation in social activities and special events.

The focus is on helping residents achieve and maintain as much independence as possible for as long as possible and on reducing the risk that a resident will need nursing home care.

As you evaluate your options for aging in place, I encourage you to at least take a look at assisted living. As Katie Roper, Vice President with Caring.com, mentioned in a discussion we were having earlier this week, a recent Caring.com research study indicates that more than two-thirds of the respondents who visited a senior living or assisted living community were surprised at how nice the community was.


All affordable assisted living communities managed by Gardant Management Solutions are certified and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. All assisted living communities are licensed and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

“Gardant Management Solutions is the leading provider of assisted living in Illinois and one of the 20 largest providers of assisted living in the United States.”

What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know.

Gardant Management Solutions has 20+ years of industry-acclaimed operational history in developing, managing and consulting for senior living, assisted living and memory care communities.