4 Important Tips to Keep in Mind when Seeking Senior Housing

People are living longer today due to dramatic advances in medical science and health lifestyles. Currently, 13% of the U.S. population is 65 and older, up from 4% in 1900.

As Baby Boomers turn 65 in high and higher annual numbers, it is estimated that one in five Americans will be over age 65 and about 5% over 85.

The senior housing industry has been growing dramatically over the last 15 years as many adult children, especially daughters who have usually been the main caregiver for aging parents, are now in the workforce and unable to provide the attention to their parents’ needs, whether physical or social.

There are a number of things to be considered when choosing lifestyle alternatives:

-Location. Keeping your parents close to home should not be the number one consideration. Although it is important that the community be convenient for family and friends to visit, being close to amenities they need and trust will make their senior living experience rewarding and more fulfilling.

-Type of community. Visiting to make sure the current residents have similar interests, backgrounds and values will allow for a more enriching life in the golden years. Many communities invite prospective residents to tour their community and enjoy lunch with the community which is a wonderful way to know if the culture is a fit. Some even offer a weekend stay to experience more fully what the community has to offer.

-Staff. Is the staff appropriately dressed, personable and outgoing? Do the staff members treat each other in a professional manner? Does the staff call residents by name and interact warmly? The answers to these questions will determine quite a bit toward whether the community is right for your loved one.

-Medical needs. Does the community have on site medical supervision? If not, is there an agency that is associated with the community that can help when needed?

Let’s take a look at some various local properties that may work for retirees who can still fend for themselves.
12 MAL PASO ROAD, Carmel Highlands 93923 MLS #: 81037205 DOM: 6 Beds: 3 Baths: 4 (4/0) $2,495,000
Highlands at its best! Perfectly functional home w/beautiful form. Nestled onto site w/mesmerizing ocean/canyon views from every room. Exquisitely landscaped gardens, multi-level decks complete outdoor living areas. Separate dining/family rooms, spacious LR w/lots of windows, French doors & wood-burning stove. Kitchen is warm, inviting & fully-equipped. 2 garages hold 6+ cars. 3098 sf 49,450 lot

10600 SADDLE ROAD, Salinas Monterey Highway 93940 MLS #: 81038104 DOM: 2 Beds: 3 Baths: 3 $1,195,000
Remarkable unobstructed bay and valley views. A beautiful, open, rather traditional interior all wrapped up in a geodesic dome exterior. Very high ceilings, French doors leading to a wrap-around deck, hardwood floors throughout the main level and a really great contemporary kitchen with all the upgrades you will want! 3rd bedroom on lower level is perfect for separate guest quarters. 2995 sf 87,120 lot

1169 PROSPECT STREET, Seaside 93955 MLS #: 81038153 DOM: 0 Beds: 2: Baths: 1 (1/0) $299,000
Amazing house. Fully landscaped with decking, natural vegetation. End of cul de sac. 1028 sf 11,000 lot check out photos on my site www.pattyrosscarmel.com

86 DEL MESA CARMEL, Carmel Valley 93923 MLS #: 81033965 DOM: 27 1 Bed: 1 Bath
$390,000
55+ development. Light & bright, spacious, condo. Easy walk to Club House with no steps. Great views of canyon & forest from sunny deck. Extensive remodel--kitchen with custom cabinets, granite, stainless steel appliances, vanity, bathroom, wall-to-wall/bamboo/tile floors and inside washer/dryer. Retirement living at its finest! 953 sf

236-4513 | pattyross@kw.com | www.pattyrosscarmel.com
(c) Patty Ross - KRXA Radio show, Friday, August 6, 2010