(Submitted by Harry Cline.)
Its low cost of living, abundant recreational opportunities, and small town lifestyle make Eastern Oregon an attractive retirement destination. However, there’s more to consider when you’re choosing the best place to retire. The best towns for older adults aren’t just beautiful and affordable. They also have these important features of age-friendly Eastern Oregon Living.
Age-Friendly Housing
America’s housing stock is aging and Oregon is no exception. Many older homes need remodeling to update old components and add age-friendly amenities like accessible entrances, kitchens, and bathrooms. Research the cost of new construction homes and the price of aging-in-place remodeling services before settling on a destination. Alternatively, renting in retirement gives older adults the flexibility to move as their needs evolve.
Aging-in-Place Services
If you plan to live independently, consider the availability of local housekeeping, lawn care, and home maintenance and remodeling services. Even if you’re getting by right now, there will come a day when you don’t want to be the one climbing a ladder to clean the gutters. When that day comes, will it be easy to find help maintaining your gutters by searching “gutter cleaning near me,” or will you struggle to recruit reliable, affordable help around the house?
In-Home Care Providers
This applies to personal care as well. Do local agencies provide in-home care or will you need to hire a freelance provider? What does in-home care cost, and are both medical and non-medical services available locally? Even if you hope you’ll never need a caregiver, it’s good to know help is available if you do.
Long-Term Care Communities
Some older adults need a higher level of care than they can get at home. Others want the convenience and comforts of community living. No matter why long-term care is on the horizon, make sure you have access to quality communities with the level of care you need. Consider the types of facilities available, including nursing homes, memory care, assisted living, and subsidized senior housing. If you plan to use Medicaid or Veteran’s benefits to pay for long-term care, research local facilities that accept these benefits.
High-Quality Healthcare
Most adults need more healthcare as they age. Is there convenient access to physicians, dentists, optometrists, and other routine healthcare providers nearby? Many small town residents drive to nearby metropolitan areas for specialized medical care. Investigate travel options before deciding on a destination to be sure that you can access the nearest medical centers in all seasons.
Reliable Public Transportation
You don’t have to live in a big city to access convenient public transportation. Several Eastern Oregon cities, including Hermiston and Pendleton, boast reliable bus systems with additional services for senior riders and riders with disabilities. Beyond a greener way to get around, low-cost public transportation supports the independence and engagement of older citizens.
Active Senior Centers
Senior centers do more than connect aging citizens to vital community resources. Senior centers are gathering places where community members can mingle, exercise, share meals, and make friends. Some senior centers even offer job placement services and volunteer opportunities to help you settle into your new community. While not strictly necessary, senior centers enhance a town’s livability and improve the health of its older residents.
You deserve to love where you live. But in order to love your new home long-term, it needs the amenities required to age-well. Keep these items high on your priority list as you search for the right Eastern Oregon community to call home and you’ll be enjoying age-friendly Eastern Oregon Living in no time!
