According to the Administration on Aging, only approximately 3.5 percent of seniors 65 and older choose to live in institutional settings, such as nursing homes. Most of the rest live alone or with a spouse.

In fact, more and more seniors are choosing to age in place. The decision to do so is often about safety and comfort as it allows seniors to stay within the home and community they're familiar with. And in fact, there are many benefits to aging in place—keeping one's independence, staying in familiar surroundings, and avoiding the expense of a full-time care facility are just a few. But it's important for seniors aging in place to know what factors can affect them. With a large number of senior citizens choosing to age at home, it is imperative that they have the resources and information to do so safely and with dignity.

Sometimes it’s easy to know when your older parent needs home care services; after a stroke or surgery, it’s pretty obvious that assistance will be needed with daily activities and hygiene. It’s more difficult when the need isn’t so prominent. People are notorious for being independent and stubborn about asking for help well past the point of their own comfort and safety, so it may be up to their family and friends to bring up the subject.

It’s no surprise that aging in place design has become a hot topic as of late. The aging population in North America is on the rise, with seniors in Canada projected to increase from 4.5 million to 9.8 million between 2005 and 2036, and seniors in the U.S. projected to reach 98 million by 2060.

When seniors and their loved ones start thinking about retirement living, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “How much is it going to cost?” Just like any other major life change, it’s easier to make plans when you know what to expect. If you’ve looked into retirement homes at all, you probably already know that there are a good number of options to choose from. And because each type of senior living arrangement offers different levels of care, you can expect costs to vary as well. 

As you get older, there are a number of concerns you need to deal with, not the least of which are financial concerns. In fact, most things you need to deal with involve finances in one way or another, and when you’re on a fixed income, it’s more important than ever to be prepared. The same applies if you are someone in charge of caring for an older person, such as a relative, neighbor, or friend.

One of the most common questions we hear at every stage of our adulthood is, “Are you saving for retirement?” This stems from the fact that financial support for senior living expenses is often a struggle. If you are a caretaker, either as a child or a spouse, of someone who is in need of senior living, you are tasked with finding a financial solution. If you are a senior yourself, then you understand all too well the stress and strain of finances or lack thereof. Here is a comprehensive guide to assist in finding financial support for your perspective.

Let’s take a look at a few of the topics you should know about.