The Solo Aging Strategy: A Complete Plan for Your Future

The question, "Who will take care of me when I’m old?" is a common source of worry. For the millions who have never married, are separated, divorced, or widowed, the reality of aging alone requires proactive planning.

Even those with adult children must prepare, as sons and daughters may be unavailable or unwilling to take on complex caregiving responsibilities during significant life transitions.

Now is the time to develop a comprehensive Elder Care Plan.

Phase 1: Rethink Aging in Place

When asked, most older adults say they want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. This living arrangement is known as aging-in-place. But beware. Aging in place takes a lot of forethought and planning.

Start by reading The Complete Eldercare Planner, 4th edition. This resource offers specific action steps and questions to ask. Use the following checklist to determine if you are ready:

·        Employer Readiness: Are you prepared to manage and screen paid care workers? What safety precautions are in place for allowing strangers into your home?

·        Financial Stability: Will your funds cover the going rates for home-delivery services, housecleaning, or yard work? Are major home repairs needed?

·        Safety & Memory: Is forgetfulness becoming a problem like neglecting to take medications or turning off the stove?

Phase 2: Secure Your Long-Term Support

Our nation’s in-home care worker industry is broken. Minimum wages, unpredictable work schedules, exhausting work, and lack of recognition as essential workers to qualify for employee benefits keep job seekers away from the care industry.

Given the current challenges in the care industry, take charge now of securing your own long-term care. Look beyond traditional options and ask:

·        Are trusted friends ready, willing, and able to be part of my support network?

·        Do social clubs, business organizations, or places of worship offer senior support services?

·        Am I maximizing my retirement benefits?

·        Is long-term care insurance the right fit for my financial plan?

Phase 3: Transition for Connection

One of the greatest risks of living alone is isolation and loneliness. While aging alone doesn't guarantee loneliness, the two often coexist.

Exploring a retirement living option such as a Life Plan Community (formerly a Continuing Care Retirement Community), may be worth your while. These environments help residents stay connected and actively engagd in life. Keep in mind that popular communities often have long wait lists. To start your search, Where You Live Matters is an invaluable website for locating housing for older adults.

Phase 4: Downsizing and Liquidating Assets

If a move to a smaller space is in your future, it means downsizing. When you are ready to clear the clutter and turn household items or small collections into cash, Estate Inventory Services is here to help.

We make the process of selling possessions seamless and stress-free through our professional Estate Liquidation services.

Ready to Sell with Us?

Contact Estate Inventory Services today for a free consultation. We manage the entire sales process, maximizing your returns with:

·        Expert Photography: Professional-grade images showcase your items' true market appeal for maximum visibility.

·        Hassle-Free Process: We handle everything—from initial inventory and listing your items in our Online Auction to processing the final payout.

·        Broad Bidder Network: We connect with a wide audience of interested buyers, ensuring you get the best market value.

Sell With Us! Click here to get started.