For Older Adults

Are you an older adult? Wondering how to navigate your next phase of life? Here are some resources that can help you:

SeniorNet – SeniorNet’s mission is to provide older adults education for and access to computer technologies to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom.

Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte – Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte connects learning programs and services to support and enrich the lives of older adults.

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AARP Budgeting and Saving: http://www.aarp.org/money/budgeting-saving/

Should I Stay or Should I Go? What’s the best way to make this choice?  This checklist may help: (HelpGuide.org)

  • Location and accessibility. Even if you are completely independent at this time, circumstances can change. It pays to think a little about your current location and accessibility of your current home. For example, how far is your home from shopping, medical facilities, or other services? If you can no longer drive, what kind of transportation access will you have? Can your home be easily modified?

  • Level of Care. No one can predict the future. However, if you or a loved one has a chronic medical condition that is expected to worsen over time, it’s especially important to think about how you will handle health and mobility problems.

  • Social support. How easy is it for you to visit friends, neighbors, or engage in hobbies that you enjoy? If it becomes difficult or impossible for you to leave your home, you’ll become isolated and depression can rapidly set in.

  • Caregiving Support. You will want to consider housing where both your current and future needs can be met. Even if family members can commit to caregiving, they might not be able to fill in all the gaps if physical and medical needs become extreme.

  • Finances. Making a budget with anticipated expenses can help you weigh the pros and cons of your situation. Senior housing options like assisted living can be expensive, but extensive in-home help can also rapidly mount in cost, especially at higher levels of care and live-in or 24-hour coverage.