Meal Preparation
If your parents feel less enthused about cooking or don’t do it because it’s too much bother, they might enjoy a meal kit service. For those who can’t cook at all anymore, organizations such as Meals on Wheels operate around the nation. Meal delivery organizations deliver low cost meals and visits may include a visit and safety check.
Transportation
Getting around is one the stickiest issues, particularly for seniors who don’t want to give up driving. As long as they’re able to drive, there’s the cost of insurance, maintenance and gas to consider. Once they give up driving, a paratransit service might be the way to go.
The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center helps people determine services for their area. Tech-savvy seniors with smartphones may feel comfortable with a rideshare service, especially if they’ve used one before. The costs are cheaper than car insurance, especially since rates typically increase for those over 70.1
Home Maintenance Costs
Then there’s the day-to-day cost of running a home, including utilities, repairs, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and the mortgage if it’s not paid off. The cost of home repairs was one of the expenses retirees say surprised them.
Plan Ahead
More and more seniors choose to stay home. To help your parents determine if it’s an option, look at costs and your parents’ needs.