Many older people will someday have to confront the issue of living accommodations. If staying in the marital residence is not a feasible option, some alternative housing choice will have to be made. This is ideally a joint effort between the elderly parent, or the elderly couple, and their children. In Texas and all other states, the good news is that the choices for post-retirement living are greatly expanded and take in a wide variety of lifestyles and assisted living options, but elderly planning should be done in advance of the time when there is an immediate need.
By planning in advance, the parents and their children can get things worked out and in place, without having to find a place and a plan under emergency or rushed conditions. If the parents are in good health, they may just need help in selling the bigger house and finding one that is smaller and more affordable. If health concerns are important but not a present problem, there are numerous community living situations in which elderly people are active and engaged in daily activities of their choice.
Some facilities will allow pets. Some will feature totally independent living with a complete apartment or condo that is fully equipped. The long-term planning aspect of that type of arrangement is based on the fact that skilled nursing and medical services are potentially available at any time that they may become necessary. There are also choices such as assisted living with regular care on some level or another, memory care for those with dementia and skilled nursing care homes.
The fact is that a resident of Texas looking for a residence can find a wide variety of different living facilities. Experts recommend that families start the process of elderly planning and seeking future housing options in advance of the need. This will give enough time to work out financing options such as, for example, long-term insurance.
Source: simivalleyacorn.com, “Experts suggest advance planning“, Susan Stone, June 4, 2015
