More and more folks wish to stay in their home and never go into a nursing home. I dont think the larger society will allow this. They simply wont allow it. So lets suppose you are elderly and on a fixed income. You own a modest house (in disrepair) and wish to "age in place".. well that is not possible. Local code officers go after those who do not comply… and being old, sickly, poor or disabled does not exempt you from the rules. Weeds must be pulled and snow has to be shoveled. A snow storm can k ill you! Not only must you shovel snow- it has to be done in the time frame the city demands… and it must be as complete as the city demands. Failing this- may result in a $300 fine. Each day is a new violation, hence a new $300 fine. If you dont pay the fine- the ordinance reads "up to 30 days in jail". A government intake worker laughed when I told her this. It is on the website. Since youth "dont know how" to pull weeds are shovel snow- one has to hire a pro- just for the public side walk that is $50. (it would cost more to do the driveway) So does the old person pay $50 every time it snows? Do they pay the $300 fine, or do they pay their mortgage?
What is the best age to start planning retirement
@Roger B. Code enforcement must be brutal where you are. Here they are very lax. I have a lot of older neighbors and their grown kids come by and take care of the lawn every couple of weeks during the summer and the snow is just left until it melts.
I'm 38, with limited investments or at least not great, where should I start with planning my retirement.
I would like to age in place as well
Wow those fines sound brutal. I had no idea such law existed. In Wisconsin there are actually local nonprofits based on your county that are dedicated to helping the elderly shovel snow.
I hadn't thought about that, but it is definitely an issue. My mother just retired and sold her house. Now, she's renting a little condo with a tiny, mostly concrete backyard, so there's not much upkeep involved. I sold my house a year ago and have been renting. I didn't like owning a house (partially because of all those little rules that you are supposed to know, but no one really told you). I know they say renting is throwing money away, but I prefer to do so. When I retire, I think I'm going to buy an RV and travel. I wouldn't want to be stuck in one place forever especially, as you pointed out, when you can't physically or financially do so.
Here's to ageing in place.
This brings up the idea of maintaining a network of support whether it is friends or family or paid professionals as you hit the final stretch of life.
I'd love to have in place if at all possible but I know very well that "things happen "
I want to age in place the future is always so uncertain, especially now. It makes me count my blessings and be really grateful for what I do have.
I just got my home!! I've been living in a Homeless Shelter. Thank you God!!
Gosh, i've never thought about this!
Yikes I wonder what state you're in. Here in Wisconsin there are nonprofits who specifically help the elderly do their landscaping all year long. But I would opt in to "age in place" as well after selling my 2 story home and buying a small condo with less stairs somewhere in a private residential community.
We help our older neighbors by making sure their lawn is mowed and the snow is removed.
If possible, it is better to plan those things before retirement. Having to move because you can't keep up with regulations is not good.. I picked where I would retire based on what I would be able to do.
