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Should I Stay in My Current Home or Move? <br />Most of us want to stay in our homes and live independently for as long as possible. There are many <br />different factors that impact our housing needs and preferences that change over time and as we age. <br />These can include changes in income, marital status, interests, abilities, proximity of family and other <br />support networks, as well as health, disability and increasing care needs. Any one or more of these <br />factors can prompt you to consider a move to a new home. For couples, you may need to consider <br />differing needs and preferences and the possibility that one individual may need more care than the <br />other. <br />There are home and community-based services available to help you stay in your current home. <br />These can include Chore Services, Meals on Wheels, and Home Health Care Services, as well as home <br />modification for safety and accessibility. Shared housing with others is another option that may make <br />it more affordable, or allow for shared chores, and opportunities to socialize. In addition to living with <br />other families members, there are also innovative online matching services to help unrelated boomer <br />and empty nesters come together to share living space. <br />You may want to consider these options for the short term while you are researching, preparing, or <br />applying to senior housing or residential care options for the long term. <br />QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER IN EVALUATING YOUR NEEDS <br />• Have you considered bringing services into your current home to help? <br />• Are there changes that could be made to your home to make it more accessible? <br />• Would you like to be around others who are active and engaged in activities? <br />• What are your current financial resources? With potentially increasing health and support needs, <br />how long will your financial resources be available to pay for services? <br />• Do you have family, friends and/or neighbors who can provide support and assist you? <br />• Do you or your spouse have a chronic health condition that may change over time and require <br />increasing care and services? <br />ONLINE ASSESSMENT TOOLS <br />Benefits CheckUp: Tool to help seniors find and enroll in financial assistance programs such as <br />prescription, food and utility assistance. www.benefitscheckup.org <br />Live Well at Home: Tool to help you know your risks, costs, benefits, and choices when it comes to <br />remaining in your home. www.mnlivewellathome.org <br />Own Your Future: Tools and information to help you identify personally and financial options to <br />meet long term care needs. www.mn.gov/ownyourfuture <br />Senior Care Assessment Tool: Helps you consider your level of independence and services that <br />maybe helpful. www.seniorhousingnet.com/care-selection/evaluate/ <br />SENIOR HOUSING <br />