Aging in place is a term that has been coined for individuals who reside in a dwelling of their choice in Big Bear Lake, for as long as they can, while they grow old. This entails maintaining the right resources and services, depending on each senior’s needs. Many people who decide to age in place must make home modifications in preparation for their needs as they grow older.
Aging-in-place modifications include:
- Accessible bathtubs
- Increased railings
- Removing furniture that could be a hazard or cause a fall
- Having no lip or threshold between doorways
- Adding ramps to outdoor staircases
- Increasing the size of doorways to make them wheelchair accessible
A new resource that has helped make aging in place in Big Bear Lake a more practical solution is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Custom ADUs for seniors are tiny homes that share the same property as a single-family home, and floor plans can be customized for their needs. They just became a lot easier to build in California when legislation was passed allowing two units to be built on single-family properties.
These smaller spaces are perfect for facilitating aging in place in Big Bear Lake. They can be customized for foreseeable needs like accessibility and convenience. We know that choosing the best option for senior living in Big Bear Lake, CA, can be difficult. That is why comparing options can help people make the best-informed decisions.
Aging in Place in Big Bear Lake vs. Nursing Homes
One of the many options for senior living is a nursing home. Typically, nursing homes benefit individuals with more complex health issues who need around-the-clock assistance from more skilled professionals like nurses or physicians. However, not all circumstances are the same, so these guidelines may not apply to all. Everyone has unique needs that determine their best senior living option. That being said, here are two factors that can strongly influence this critical decision:
Cost: Aging in Place vs. Nursing Home
According to a survey done by MetLife Mature Market Institute (2016), the average cost per day in a semi-private room in a nursing home in California is $249.
This totals to a total cost of around $90,885 per year.
If one wanted a private room, those prices would shoot up to $330 per day, or $120,450 per year.
Compare that to aging in place in an accessory dwelling unit: On average, building a stand-alone unit cost $220-$350 a square foot.
While these are ballpark numbers that can vary depending on your choices and architect fees, it will range from a total cost of about $130,000 – $250,000 to build an accessory dwelling unit.
Even though this option has a higher sticker price than a nursing home, we will explain how the added value of the additional property usually outweighs the overhead costs. Building ADUs for seniors will also increase the value of your home.
Care: Aging in Place vs. Nursing Home
One of the significant benefits of a nursing home is that it comes with around-the-clock care. Nursing homes offer personalized assistance like help getting out of bed, bathing, eating, or other special attention. They also offer services for more complex health conditions like a skilled nurse or a physical or speech therapist. This personalized attention is excellent for individuals with disabilities or special daily needs. Also, if family members do not have the time or resources to take care of their elderly family members to this extent, nursing homes can be a perfect option.
In contrast, if a family has enough time to help care for their elderly family members, aging in place in an accessory dwelling unit can also be very beneficial. Often, immediate family members occupy the main house: The lack of a geographical barrier allows individuals get immediate assistance if something were to happen.
Aging in Place vs. Assisted Living in Big Bear Lake
Assisted living differs from a nursing home primarily because of the different services provided. Many times, residents of nursing homes have more complex health problems, whereas assisted living communities generally require more custodial care.
Cost: Aging in Place vs. Assisted Living
According to the 2015 Genworth Financial cost of care survey, an assisted living facility in California costs $3,750 monthly.
● That is a total of $45,000 per year.
● Again, this will vary based on where you live but these are average numbers.
● Let’s take a look at the costs of aging in place in an accessory dwelling unit again. We know it can cost around $220 – $350 per square foot.
That may seem like a lot, but don’t forget that it also adds major value to the property!
- For example, a home purchased in 1990 for $100,000 has a base value of $156,000 (from California’s Prop 13’s 2% increase).
- Let’s say you then build a granny valued at $75,000.
- You would add $156,000 + $75,000 = $231,000.
- So $231,000 is the new assessed value of the home.
Care: Aging in Place vs. Assisted Living
Assisted living communities usually look more like upscale apartment complexes.
- Most seniors would get their own unit.
- There is also custodial care for individuals with mobility needs or who may be living with dementia. Qualified professionals are there to help with daily activities to make them safe and functional.
- But with a loved one living in an assisted living community, physical distances can decrease family visits.
- As for aging in place in senior modular homes or ADUs, being close to a loved one can be beneficial for safety reasons but also for emotional reasons. Keeping an elderly family member emotionally engaged can increase their quality of life, happiness, and help maintain cognitive function.
Aging in Place in an Accessory dwelling unit vs. Independent Living
Aging in place in an accessory dwelling unit and independent living are very similar concepts. They both promote independence and maximize time in personal homes. A few key differences are the distance to relatives and home modifications. We will go over the costs and care of both and the benefits of the different lifestyles.
Costs: Aging in Place in an Accessory dwelling unit vs. Independent Living
Independent living is what it sounds like: living in one’s own home during their senior years. To ensure the safety and mobility of the home’s inhabitants, modifications must be made. These modifications will have to depend on the shape of the house before the renovations. Stand-up bathtubs, stair elevators, and additional railings are all precautions that have to be considered if the decision is made to live in one’s own home. Since house modifications vary so drastically, it’s hard to estimate the total cost–but keep in mind that mortgage or rental costs will be added on top of house modifications.
As for ADU manufactured homes for seniors in Big Bear Lake, we’ve gone over the costs to build and the value it adds, but downsizing also has financial value. The old house that the elderly family member moves out of can be rented out or sold for income.
Care: Aging in Place in an Accessory Dwelling Unit vs. Independent Living
An elderly person who is well enough to maintain living in their old home will not have many changes in lifestyle. If they are not healthy enough to live alone, professional help is available for hire with in-home care. This can be very helpful because it does allow your family member to stay in their own home but it can be very costly in the long run.
Aging in place in an accessory dwelling unit has benefits because family members are close in physical and emotional proximity.
- In addition, downsizing can ease the burden of aging. A smaller house means less upkeep and fewer possessions to keep track of. Elderly members still have their own space with easier maintenance, while maintaining personal responsibility.
- Choosing where to house an elderly family member is no easy decision. There are positives and negatives to all housing options.
- When deciding, the whole family should weigh the importance of each aspect of senior living. That importance, along with the needs of the senior, should help determine which housing option is right for your family.
Lastly, remember these three things:
- Communication is key. Good communication between family members allows everyone to be on the same page, so no confusion will toughen an already difficult process.
- Focus on what is important. It is easy to lose sight of what really matters. At the beginning of the journey, list factors that matter. Reference the list from time to time to maintain consistency.
- Don’t cut corners. Moving a loved one into a new space takes time. Cutting steps could really damage the quality of life for your family member.
With the right amount of time and effort, your family will be able to decide if ADU modular homes for seniors is the right choice.
To learn more about floorplans for ADUs for seniors in Big Bear Lake see plans and prices at myadu4less.com or contact USModular, Inc today!
Email:
info@usmodularinc.com
Phone:
888-987-6638
