Questions to Start Your Senior Living Search

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Villa Pueblo Senior Living Community

Posted on

Dec 07, 2018

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Colorado - Southern Colorado

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There are about 22,000 senior housing properties in the U.S. And there are different types of senior housing within that 22,000, so figuring out which one to choose can feel a bit daunting.
Asking yourself two questions How much can I afford? and What level of services do I need? will help you narrow your range of choices so you can find the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.
What Level of Care Do I Really Need?
Before you begin to explore senior living options near you, ask yourself two questions that will simplify your search.
How Much Can I Afford?
You may think senior living is expensive. But a lot of people are surprised at how favorably costs compare to homeownership.
First, figure out how much it costs to stay in your own home. Even if youve paid off your mortgage, you still have home owners expenses such as senior-related renovations and ongoing home maintenance issues, as well as expenses for utilities, taxes, groceries, dining out, entertainment, etc. and dont forget to add up any medical or in-home health care expenses.
Next, take all your financial resources into account. In addition to income and your assets, this includes long-term care insurance, veterans or surviving spouses benefits, retirement investments or other pension benefits.
Once you collect this information, you can establish a budget. Then you can eliminate any retirement housing options that dont fit within it making your search that much easier.
What Level of Services Do I Really Need?
Make an objective list of current services and support you need, as well as those you anticipate needing down the road. You may not need health services now, but the reality is that 70 percent of people over the age of 65 will need some type of long-term care (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).
Here are some broad definitions to help you determine what level of care to look for:
Independent Living offers opportunities to pursue your interests, make friends, and take care of your mind, body and spirit all while freeing you from the burdens of homeownership. If your overall health is good and you dont need help with ADLs (activities of daily living), this could be a good fit for you.
Assisted Living These communities are designed to help you live more independently through personal help with ADLs, transportation and home maintenance. Consider assisted living if there are mobility issues, medication management problems, or difficulties dressing, bathing or grooming.
Skilled Nursing Care in a licensed health care facility may be best if you need short-term rehabilitation services or a higher level of continuous care for health issues too complex to be dealt with at home or in an assisted living facility.
Life Plan Communities Also known as CCRCs (continuing care retirement communities), this is an option that offers a continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. It allows you to enjoy your independent lifestyle now and gives you access to future health care at controlled costs.
Know your budget, know your needs. Once you do, youll be much closer to finding the senior living lifestyle thats best for you.
Retrieved on 12.19.2017 from: https://www.whereyoulivematters.org/two-important-questions-starting-senior-living-search/

Editors Note: This article was submitted by Sharon Naslund, Community Relations Director at Villa Pueblo Senior Living Community. Villa Pueblo is a CCRC community and Sharon may be reached by calling 719-545-5911, or email at SNaslund@villapueblo.com

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Talking To Your Parents About Senior Living: Why Choose Sooner Rather Than Later?

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Villa Pueblo Senior Living Community

Independent Living 1111 Bonforte Boulevard, Pueblo, Colorado, 81001

Senior Living at Villa Pueblo is a PUEBLO ORIGINAL and is celebrating 60 years of serving the Pueblo community. A spacious apartment in our landmark high rise (tallest building in Pueblo) is an affordable option for active seniors. With bundled living prices, residents enjoy a full range of amenities and activities. We consistently exceed national averages for customer service and our friendly staff is the reason why. Let the team at Villa Pueblo handle all of your maintenance and housekeeping chores. Each apartment includes a full kitchen, carpeting, and window coverings and residents enjoy the sliding glass doors that open to your own private balcony with incredible views. Plus, there is never a buy-in fee and and you dont have to make any long-term commitments. Many residents find that the cost of living at Villa Pueblo is less than the cost of owning and maintaining a home. Many updates and enhancements have been completed, including a modern penthouse with outdoor space. Come see what is new!