`Home sweet home” makes a nice saying for a needlepoint pillow, but apparently the old aphorism contains more wisdom than you might think.
According to a recent survey, most Americans age 45 and older would like to remain in their current residence as long as possible. And the percentage of people who would like to stay where they are for as long as possible has increased significantly over the last eight years.
The findings come from a survey conducted by AARP, the Washington D.C.-based group that leads the charge for older Americans’ rights. Completed about every three years, the survey is the fifth in a regular series of studies that aims to understand senior housing.
In particular, the survey says 71 percent of people strongly agree that they want to remain in their current residence, and another 12 percent somewhat agree that they want to stay put. Also, 95 percent of those age 75 or older want to remain in their present home.
Even the younger, more mobile Baby Boomers don’t want to leave home, with 75 percent of those saying they also want to continue to live in their current residence.
“The trend (of people wanting to stay in their homes) has gradually increased,” said Ada-Helen Bayer of AARP’s research group.
In 1992, about 80 percent of those surveyed didn’t want to move compared to 83 percent today. She noted that the biggest increase in that desire came from those age 75 or older, with 95 percent of that group saying they’d like to live where they are.
Some other survey findings:
– The large majority of Americans 45 and older live in single-family residences; 77 percent live in single-family detached homes.
– Homeownership among Americans 55 and older is at its highest level since the survey was first taken in 1986. Eighty-six percent of respondents own their homes.
– Americans 45 and older tend not to move frequently. About three in five have lived in their current homes for 11 or more years.
– Sixty-three percent of survey participants believe their current residence is where they will always live.
– If they need help caring for themselves, 82 percent would prefer not to move from their current home.
The survey also asked people about home modification. After all, if we’re all going to reside in our present homes for the rest of our lives, we’ll have to find ways to negotiate the stairs.
Here’s what the survey found:
– One in 10 people said that someone in their house already has trouble getting around.
– One in four respondents said it’s likely someone in their house will have trouble getting around in the next five years.
– Most survey participants (86 percent) had made modifications to their homes already. Most of the changes were simple ones, such as installing night lights, and non-skid strips in the bathtub.
– Safety is most often cited as a reason for making home modifications.
– When asked why they haven’t modified their homes, 37 percent said they couldn’t do it themselves and 36 percent said they couldn’t afford it.
– About 52 percent of those surveyed wanted more information about staying in their own homes as they get older.
If you fit in the last category, the AARP has produced a useful packet of brochures, free to consumers. The pamphlets highlight easily accomplished home projects that can help people stay in their homes, according to Terry Abrams of the AARP’s independent living group.
The brochures are:
– “Home safe and how to prevent falls in the home.” It contains a checklist of common problem areas. You can go through your home with the brochure as a guide and check simple things such as whether or not rugs are securely attached to the floor in order to prevent trips and slips.
– “100 simple ways to make a difference.” This brochure offers suggestions on how to help a neighbor, though the tips are applicable for any homeowner. The tips, which focus on house-type projects, are organized by season.
– “Tools and gadgets for independent living.” Even if your home is in good repair, you may still need some help getting through your daily routine. This pamphlet showcases products that can help you remain in your home.
For example, if you have trouble hearing, the brochure lists products that use flashing lights instead of sound to let you know when someone is at the door or the phone is ringing. Another example is a big-button phone that allows the user to pre-program phone numbers.
A photo of the person whose number has been pre-programmed can be inset on the phone to cue someone with memory problems.
The products listed in the brochure are fairly low-cost and easily available. Retailers that carry the products are listed, too.
If you would like a free brochure, write: AARP Fulfillment, 601 E. St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20049. Or call, 202-434-3989. Portions of the pamphlets also are available on the Internet at the AARP Website, www.aarp.org.
Resources
– A new assisted-living facility for low- to moderate-income seniors is under construction in Chicago’s East Garfield Park neighborhood. The community, called the Renaissance Center, will have 110 units. The project is the first public housing project of its kind. Financing was provided by Harris Bank, which issued a letter of credit to back $5.3 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds.
– Kingsley Place at Lincoln Square, an assisted-living facility in Chicago, has opened. It is owned and operated by Chicago-based Senior Lifestyle Corp. The community has spots for 69 assisted-living residents and 12 places for those who have memory impairments. For information, call 773-561-6762.
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Jane Adler is a Chicago-area freelance writer. If you have questions or information on housing for senior citizens, write to Senior Housing c/o Chicago Tribune Real Estate Section, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611. Or e-mail adler@megsinet.net
