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Aging in Place in Colorado

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25 Mar Aging in Place in Colorado

Posted at 20:34h in Blog, Resources by

Housing in Mountain Communities: Things to think about as you age in place

 

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to age in the mountains? 

 

 

In a 2018 AARP study, 3 of 4 participants want to stay in their homes as long as possible, with 46% having no plans to leave. So what is it about the Colorado mountains that make older adults want to stay?

 

Older adults who choose to age in the mountains have been happier, healthier, and have a higher life expectancy. They are the healthy, adventurous ones who genuinely enjoy life, perhaps due to the hundreds of physical and mental activities at their fingertips.

 

 

Between sporting activities such as hiking, skiing, and paragliding, as well as various volunteer opportunities, it’s no wonder that most people who live in the Colorado mountains choose to stay there as they age. In particular, the beautiful, picturesque Summit & Grand Counties are a hot spot for retirees and active older adults.

 

 

However, if you’re thinking about aging in place in your perfect mountain home, there are a few essential things to keep in mind:

 

Accessibility

As your mobility changes, you will need to modify your home to make your stay more comfortable. For example, you will need to think about enhancing your home with accessible features such as bars and rails, door levers, walk-in showers, and carpeting to prevent slips and hard falls. In addition, the lighting may need to be adjusted to accommodate your sensitive, aging eyes. If you don’t already have one, you may also want to consider building a master bedroom and bathroom on the lower level to prevent having to climb stairs.

 

Affordability

Summit County is one of the most expensive places to live in Colorado. The medical costs tend to be much higher, and homes have a median price of more than twice the national average. That said, you’ll want to think about whether your retirement income will meet the needs of your medical care as well as keeping and maintaining your mountain home.

 

Transportation Options

As you age, having easy accessibility to the things you need each day is critical. In Colorado, 66% of older adults can access the places they need, with 20% using public transportation. However, as community accessibility has declined in the last decade, the options for transportation are a vital matter to consider.

 

 

Even if you depend on your car to get around now, that may not be the case as you continue to age. If you should ever choose to stop driving a vehicle, you will need to consider whether the area around your home is walkable to the places you need the most. You will also need to consider whether public transportation options such as buses, taxis, and Ubers are available.

 

Home Weatherization 

While the Colorado mountains offer crisp, clean air and a picturesque view year-round, there’s no doubt that there will be some extreme weather and conditions to deal with during several months of the year. 

 

 

When choosing to age in a mountain community, you will also need to consider your ability to handle the high elevation and snow challenges when it arrives. For example, if your home has a driveway that you will need to shovel, will you be able to do it independently, or will you need to hire help?

 

IN-HOME CARE Options

Even after the above problems get addressed, there may still be a need for additional support, such as help getting to appointments, getting prescriptions filled, clinical support, or navigating long-term care. 

 

 

In Colorado, several services are available to help you stay in your mountain home while receiving the support you require and reducing the need for more costly and intensive care in medical facilities.

 

 

Service coordination helps older adults connect with resources available in their community. For those who choose to remain in their own homes, home health aides or personal care aides can provide in-home community-based services such as coordinating medical appointments or facilitating in-home visits from doctors and nurses.

 

 

If you should choose to live in one of Colorado’s subsidized communities for seniors, indirect services funded by the Colorado Medicaid system helps to connect members with services such as weekly transportation to the grocery store or a trip to the doctor’s office.

 

 

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Choosing to age in place requires considering several things to ensure that your home will meet your changing needs as you age. However, with proper preparation and planning, you can continue to live a quality lifestyle while remaining assured that your home is in order and that the support you need is at your fingertips.