Senior Citizens" Do you live in a house or an apt or a condo ?

Question

I live in a two story and I can no longer go up and down the stairs{at least not that well} So what type housing do you feel is best for a senior citizen ? {65 years old}

Answer 1

A condo if you can afford one, you get your grass cut and your snow shoveled and you don't pay taxes! The same way with an apartment. make sure you get a ground level one!

Answer 2

I live in a two storey house as well, which has three levels (including the fully finished basement). And yes, I too have trouble walking up and down those stairs. Let us just say that the banisters are getting well polished from my forceful grip as I transit the stairs.

As to what style of housing would be best for seniors...I would imagine that it would be something that is just large enough, so that there is no extra cleaning. And it would need to be all on one level, wherever it happens to be, on the main floor of the building. Because even though a condo or apartment might be accessible by elevator, what happens when the power goes out in an emergency? How many storeys can a senior climb down quicky when there is a major fire going on around him?

So I would guess that the very best housing for a senior who does not get around easily would be garden style apartments with direct access to the outdoors from somewhere in the apartment.

Answer 3

We purchased a small piece of land 1/3 acre in the woods and put in a Mobil home. 16 X 80 then build a big room on the back with a ramp going down. It is high enough to stay off the ground so no flooding. The ramp works for when I have to use my wheel chair. Around 1380 sq. ft. and it is plenty of room for two people. Then we put in a two car garage. for all of our junk. We feel this is the best way to live or we would not have done it. We don't like rest home places.
We had to move where property and even Mobil homes are cheaper. In California the house we had the payments were 600. per month that was cheap and only because we bought it years ago. realizing on Social Security we couldn't keep up our current life style. sold everything and using our equity we were able to purchase ground in Oklahoma for $2500. an Amish mobile home which is very well built for under 30,000.
and had a private contractor put in the garage for 5,000.
So the 40,000 equity enabled us to pay cash for everything and live well on social security. Our property taxes instead of 5000. a year is about 200. per year. Plus we got out of Fresno. Live a few miles from the lake and have a boat and go fishing. For us this was the smartest thing we ever did.
Been here 10 years now and love it more every day.

Answer 4

I still live in a house with stairs! But when and if I get in my 60s perhaps I will consider a 2-story condo townhouse (if I can afford it). Hopefully, the stairs won't be as steep as the ones I have now.

If that does not work out, a condo garden-style apt. will do. I prefer second floor so I guess I will never get away from steps. But my dream home would be a ranch-style with not too much lawn. I love gardening so I would still want a lawn.

Answer 5

I am 60 and have the same problem. I love my house and wouldn't give it up unless I have absolutely no choice so I continue to crawl up the stairs and go down one step at a time.

I don't see myself ever living in an apartment or condo, but I do find myself looking for a cute one-story ranch in my suburb although there are not too many where I live.

Answer 6

I now live in a condo apt. Our last house was two stories with a master bedroom on the first floor. You didn't have to go up the stairs if you didn't want to.

Answer 7

I am in a sr. apt. complex. To enter you must have a key or call a room and ID yourself for them to push a key to let you in. There is a large common area with a big TV and DVD player, nuke and coffee pot. Once a month there is a birthday party then a bbq the end of the month. Two nights a week there is bingo and also a craft night. The interior halls are heated and cooled in the summer so your heat bills and cooling are very cheap. I have bars in the bathroom and a panic cord also a panic cord in the bedroom. It is a one bedroom and about 450 sq ft. Lots of storage and nice new vinyl windows, frost free fridge and a nice stove, an eating counter and just down the hall is a laundry room and locked mail boxes. I really like it and there is also covered parking outside and huge lawns full of flowers and a common garden area to plant veggies in if you want. Many here are in wheel chairs and hover rounds and they can easily get out. Pets are also allowed so lots of little doggies and cats. I like it and it is just right for the one of me. There are also hand rails in the hall ways and the furniture is nice and comfortable and easy to get in and out of and the tables have padded chairs. The sr. bus will come and pick you up and deliver you and bring you back for a dollar. You must be disabled or over 62 to live here. Right beside us is a beautiful place with flowers planted all the way up the lane, cows and calves, chickens and chicks and gorgeous roses and fruit trees. Lots of lawn furniture and doggie doodle areas.

Answer 8

We live in a two-story house, and sometimes the stairs seem awfully steep. I've told my husband that when the time comes to move, I'd like to move onto my daughter's land in a rural county and buy a modular home.

What I have in mind is like a double-wide, but much nicer, with large living room and dining-kitchen area and bathrooms and bedrooms on either side. One model has walk-up stairs to a full-size attic that also has a shower bath.

We're both 67.

Answer 9

I live in the house that my late husband and I bought 14 years ago. I love the house and hope I can stay there for as long as possible. I'm newly retired and loving it -more time to do all the things I really enjoy. Also, I can play the piano anytime I want to -day or night and I don't disturb anybody, at least I haven't had any complaints yet. In fact, a neighbor told me he used to sit on my front steps and listen to me play from time to time. I thought that was so sweet.

Answer 10

I live in an apartment complex; 110 apartments for people over 50 OR disabled. I always lived in the country and was very active but now I have very limited mobility and this is where I need to be. There is a lounge on each floor; a trash room on each floor; elevators; a laundry room; meeting room for church services and social gatherings. There is a monitor on duty at all times for emergency calls. The local transportation vans are available for those who need it. Meals on Wheels delivers every day. One pharmacy and one grocery delivers to the complex. The outside doors lock at 5pm so only those with keys can access the building at night. I have my pets, my friends and family near and it's good for me to be here. I am blessed.

Answer 11

We recently lost our home and all of it's contents in a major flood. There was no FEMA. We purchased a RV, a 42 foot fifth wheel with 3 slide outs, washer, dryer, and dish washer. It's a luxury, top of the line RV.
I'm not even sure at this point in my life that I ever want to "own" anything again. If I don't like my neighbors, I hook up and move. No property taxes, no school taxes.
I'm content with my life style:~)
We both love the beach and love to fish, so this is the life style best suited for us:~)