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Those looking to simplify their living arrangements as they get older in order to avoid extensive maintenance and yard work, or get rid of chores altogether by leaving the cooking and cleaning to someone else have so many choices in Kitsap County that the options may be difficult to navigate. Then, there are also those who want to maintain an active lifestyle, and those who have medical issues that require extra help.
Figuring out where to spend those Golden Years will require homework, but there are few things to consider when making the decision. From apartments that cater to seniors and luxury mobile home parks for retirees, to independent living and assisted living centers, you can find dozens of companies competing for your business. Some nonprofit organizations also manage retirement homes, and offering sliding-fee scale to low-income seniors. Your final choice will depend on your financial picture, your medical needs, the importance of social activities in your life, your ability to do routine chores, and many other aspects.
Communities for active people who are 55 and older are often gated neighborhoods with a resort atmosphere that includes a health club, golf course and a pool. The closest to Kitsap County is Jubilee in Lacey; a couple of gated mature communities exist in Gig Harbor and in Mason County, but they entail mobile home arrangements. In case of the Gig Harbor community (which has a high-end feel to its grounds and amenities), the mobile homes are luxury-style (often triple-wides) that the residents own, but they only lease the actual plats.
Kitsap is home to several independent living communities that offer individualized accommodations (often as condominiums) but also have onsite service that range from hair salons and small shops to housekeeping and community meals. These are designed for active seniors, so often times they have a long list of scheduled activities and clubs.
Those who need help with basic chores would benefit from assisted living communities, which often offer a large degree of independence while also providing care. Not all assisted living homes, however, can handle nursing care, which means if a person’s medical condition worsens, a move-out will be required.
Costs of independent and assisted living are all over the spectrum, but what’s important to know is what the price tag includes — is it only the room and board, or does it include meals and housekeeping, for example? Some facilities also require a nonrefundable entry fee, which could run in the range of several thousand dollars. The amenities are also very different; some have full kitchens or kitchenettes while others only have a community dining room.
Finally, for the elderly who need acute, ongoing care, nursing homes are the likely best option. Some local communities have a variety of housing options on the same site, so people don’t have to move out completely but can transfer to a nearby building instead as their needs progress. Some facilities and services are covered by Medicare or Medicaid, and others are covered under long-term care insurance plans, but in many cases, you may be looking at thousands of dollars per month out of pocket.
Another option that is seeing an increased momentum is the so-called “aging in place” — a buzz word for a community that has extensive in-home services available so people can live at home as long as possible as they age.
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