Aging in place is an appealing goal for many seniors. After all, your home is familiar and full of memories. However, as you consider your long-term needs, it’s worth asking yourself whether your home can truly support you as you age – comfortably, practically and, most importantly, safely. According to a 2020 U.S. Census Bureau report, only 10% of American homes are considered “aging ready.” This means the overwhelming majority of homes lack features like step-free entryways, first-floor bedrooms and bathrooms or essential accessibility upgrades.

Here’s what you should consider when evaluating your home’s aging-in-place readiness and why moving to a senior living community like Montereau might be a more sensible and cost-effective option.

Assessing Your Home’s Aging-Readiness

You may be active today and feel able to live at home indefinitely. But look ahead five to 15 years down the road. To age successfully at home, your living space must be able to accommodate changing physical and health needs. Begin by asking these key questions:

• Accessibility: Does your home have a step-free entry? Are all interior doorways wide enough to accommodate a walker or wheelchair if needed?
• Functionality: Can you navigate your home without stairs? Is there a full bathroom and bedroom on the first floor? Are top shelves and cabinets easily reachable?
• Safety Features: Are there grab bars in bathrooms, slip-resistant flooring and adequate lighting throughout the house? Are ceiling bulbs replaceable without using a stepladder?

If your home falls short, modifications may be necessary, which can be costly and disruptive.

The Costs of Home Modifications

To safely and conveniently age in place in your current home, some remodeling will likely be required. Here are some common upgrades and cost ranges.†

• Adding a walk-in tub or shower: $3,000 – $15,000*
• Widening an entry doorway: $200 – $7,000*
• Install easy-to-use lever faucets: $150 – $330/sink or tub*
• Kitchen countertop height adjustment: $15,000 – $20,000*
• Widening interior doorways: $300 – $1,000 per doorway
• Installing ramps and grab bars: $500 – $2,000
• Adding better lighting, including motion sensitive night-lights: $100 – $500
• Replacing carpet with non-slip flooring: $1,000 – $3,000
• Installing medical alert systems: $50 – $200/month
• Smart home devices: $100–$500 (plus subscription fees)

While these changes can improve safety and accessibility, the financial burden quickly adds up. On top of modifications, all homeowners know maintaining a home over time requires ongoing effort and expense.

*https://www.retirementliving.com/the-cost-of-aging-in-place-remodeling.

† Costs will vary by location and contractor.

Aging in Place vs. Independent Living at a Life Plan Community

While aging in place is a popular notion, it’s worth comparing living in your home to the benefits of moving to a senior living community like Montereau. Here’s how the two options stack up:

1. Convenience and Accessibility

Independent living homes are thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of older adults. At Montereau, features like step-free entryways, spacious floor plans and safety-enhancing details come standard –eliminating the need for costly renovations. At the best communities, residents don’t have to sacrifice aesthetic style. For instance, Montereau homes are elegantly finished, and every resident decorates and furnishes their own homes.

2. Supportive Environment

At some point, living at home will likely require finding, hiring and coordinating outside help for cleaning, maintenance, food preparation and caregiving. At Montereau, these services (and many more) are included, ensuring you have everything you need conveniently located and provided on site.

3. Community and Social Opportunities

Isolation is a common risk for older adults aging in place. Loneliness, depression, cognitive decline and other health problems increase when social interaction becomes limited.

In contrast, Montereau offers a vibrant lifestyle, offering countless moments throughout the day to connect with peers during social events, dining, happy hours, classes and shared spaces. Spending quiet time alone is always a choice, never a necessity.

4. A Plan for Care with Predictable Costs

The facts are, about 70% of adults aged 65 and older need long-term care services during their lifetime and nearly half (48%) receive some paid care. No amount of home renovation will solve these situations entirely.

Importantly, a Life Plan Community like Montereau provides a safety net for future care needs. Every Montereau resident has on-site access to assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Perhaps most compelling of all, the costs of care remain predictably stable regardless of level or length of care needed. This financial advantage protects the resident’s nest egg from the ever-rising costs of long-term care outside the community.

Why Montereau May Be the Smarter Choice

At Montereau, independent living combines the comforts of home with the advantages of a community tailored to aging successfully. The well-appointed homes are not only move-in ready but also come with the peace of mind that your future needs will be met.

Instead of worrying about renovations, upkeep or safety concerns, you’ll enjoy the freedom to focus on what matters most: pursuing your interests, making new friends and turning retirement life into the most carefree and fulfilling chapter of all.

Aging in Place at Montereau

While aging at home is possible for some, it typically requires substantial financial investment and effort to adapt a home. Then there are the risks of isolation and securing in-home care if needed.

Learn all the details about retirement living at Montereau – where everything is already in place to age successfully, safely and happily. Contact us today for a personal tour and see Tulsa’s friendliest senior living community firsthand. Call (918) 347-1788 or fill out the form.