Make a Housing Plan for Your Later Years

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Being of modest means and not wanting to work until I was 80, I decided at age 62 to move to Costa Rica on my Social Security. My life is great here and I can live on much less. I take the buses most of the time because I do not own a car. I do quite a bit of walking to shop in my neighborhood. If a person applies for residency the state medical system co-pay is very reasonable. My social life here is great and I do a lot of social activities with other Americans who have retired here.
I'm not saying this is for everyone and there are negatives here, but for the most part I love my decision. If you are adventuresome, flexible and not too gringoized this is a good decision. Learning a little Spanish is vital.
Mike

Mike Fondy 11:05AM January 02, 2010

8.4 million Americans will make a senior living decision this year. These decisions may be around home support, moving to an independent or assisted living setting, or choose a nursing care and rehabilitation center. Many will make this decision in the midst of a crisis when time is of the essence, critical information is at a premium, and the choice may well determine the quality of life of a loved one for years to come.
Three key steps to choosing a senior care or senior housing provider are:
1) Research
2) Interview
3) Visit
The Research: In order to narrow down the number of choices, research options on the Internet (through sites like http://www.seniordecision.com) and ask friends, co-workers, and people you worship with for suggestions.
Interview: When you have narrowed it down to two or three options, interview those providers. Ask to speak to other clients that have recently chosen them. Verify how long they have been in the business under the current business name. And know before you end the conversation that you have a good feeling in your gut.
Finally, Visit (and visit again): You made the selection, congratulations, but now it is time to visit at different times of the week during different hours of the day to make sure all your expectations are being met. These three key steps will ensure the best possible decision.

Rob Liebreich of MD 8:29PM September 26, 2009

Now approaching 60, we started planning our retirement living 25 years ago. We traveled to and evaluated 10 different states and decided on the state 10 years ago even though we could live anywhere. We own our current home outright, purchased raw land 6 years ago, and started developing it the past two years. We set aside enough to have our dream home in CD's to cover the current price of building plus a 30% additional cost overrun. As our families have been for three generations, we are planners. If you wait until you are 60, you waited too long.

tom of WI 7:31AM August 31, 2009

Actually if you don't let the TV advertizing take root in your brain ,you will be able to get by on much less.
But with the consitent advertizing of buying a new car,or something for your house, or taking a vacation you can't really aford.The list is long on the items you don't really need for happiness.
Richard

Richard of FL 9:44AM August 29, 2009

married in a small town in 1919 when they were 22 and 25 years old. They bought a new 3-room house, added on rooms and improvements through the decades, and lived in it together for 66 years until Grandma passed away at age 88. For them, it was the ultimate stability and, to my knowledge, they never really dreamed of planning anything else.
Not too many people can still do that. Most of us today do need to make a plan.
Thanks for a thought-provoking article.

Muser of NM 11:09AM August 28, 2009