Many older adults rely on the help of family caregivers. For older people with no close family members nearby, however, retirement and getting necessary care can be trickier—but not impossible. Here is how you can plan for old age without family support.
How Do You Plan for Old Age with No Family Support?
Aging without a spouse or adult children means retirement can look a little different from other people. And that’s okay! The process of planning for your golden years will just look a little different.
If you’re aging without a family support system, keep the following in mind.
File Legal Documents
There may be a time when you can no longer make your own decisions due to accidents or progressive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Make your wishes known in advance by establishing a living will, which makes your wishes known for long-term care should you become incapacitated.
In addition to creating a living will, you can also establish power of attorney to a trusted individual. This individual does not have to be a family member, but can be an old friend, geriatric care manager, or social worker you trust. A power of attorney can help execute your living will as well as make other healthcare decisions for you that are not outlined in your living will.
Finally, if relevant, you can also file estate planning documents so that your assets can be divided and transferred as you wish after you pass.
Get Insurance
Most people will need some form of long-term care in their lifetime. Plan for that care accordingly by investing in quality long-term care insurance.
Your insurance can be a mix of different policies, so that they can cover each other’s gaps in coverage. Popular long-term care insurance options include Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance.
Pick the Right Location
“Location is everything” is true for aging. Ask yourself where you want to live and make plans accordingly.
Aging in place is an incredibly popular choice. As the name suggests, it is when you age in the comfort of your own home. If choosing to age in place, make sure you can still complete daily tasks on your own or that you have access to the right in-home care services that can help you take care of daily activities like household chores.
Moving to a retirement community can be another great choice, especially if you want to be surrounded by other people and have more opportunities for social engagement. These communities can offer you the help you need on a daily basis while also empowering you to live each day as independently as possible.
Popular senior living options include:
- Independent living communities, which are ideal if you need no help with daily activities.
- Assisted living facilities, which are great if you need some assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing and toileting.
- Memory care communities, which are needed if you develop dementia or progressive memory loss.
- Skilled nursing care facilities, which are ideal if you need around-the-clock care.
Set Up Alerts, Reminders & Deliveries
Setting up alerts, reminders, autopay, and deliveries can simplify your day-to-day life and make it easier to access quality services.
Specific considerations for solo seniors include:
- Medical alert systems like Life Alert can let emergency services know if you fall down and cannot reach your phone. They’re ideal for older adults who live alone.
- Automated reminders for doctor’s appointments, medication refills, and more on Google Calendars, Apple watches, and more.
- Autopay for bills to ensure there are no gaps in payments.
- Meal delivery services so you get access to quality food even if you can’t go grocery shopping in person.
Downsize
A larger home can be difficult to manage without support, especially while aging. By downsizing now, you can save yourself headaches down the road, reduce the amount of chores you have, and have less clutter to worry about.
Get Active in Your Community
Socialization is important at any age, both for support and mental health. If you don’t have nearby relatives, go out to create a support network of friends and neighbors. Many local senior centers, for example, offer regular social activities to help you get acquainted with people in your community. Religious institutions and fitness centers are also ideal for making new friends and staying socially active.
Discover Resources
You are not alone; there are many resources available to you and other seniors in your position.
Free resources for seniors include:
- Online support groups. Social media often hosts virtual support groups as well as listings for in-person meetings. Facebook has a specific group for Elder Orphans to connect, which is worth exploring if you are aging without spousal or familial support.
- The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly is a joint Medicaid/Medicare program that helps seniors get their healthcare needs met in their community.
- AARP. AARP is a trusted resource that has it all: information on aging alone, support when making financial decisions, hubs for support groups, and more. It’s absolutely worth joining as a member, but many services and resources are still available for non-members.
- Area Agency on Aging. Your local Area Agency on Aging can connect you with community resources like meal delivery services and transportation programs to doctor’s appointments.
- The National Council on Aging offers a wide range of resources to seniors, including webinars, financial assistance, and more.
FAQs
What is an elder orphan?
“Elder orphan” is a term that refers to “aged, community-dwelling individuals who are socially and/or physically isolated, without an available known family member or designated surrogate or caregiver.”
What is a solo ager?
“Solo ager” is a term referring to an older adult without a spouse/life partner or adult children.
Who looks after seniors without family support?
A wide number of people and organizations can take care of the elderly without family support, including:
- Social workers
- Friends and neighbors
- Community senior centers
- Non-profit organizations and charities
- Senior living communities
Aging without family support doesn’t have to be scary or lonely. With the right planning, you can ensure your well-being and look forward to your retirement with excitement.
Disclaimer: Each person’s situation is unique. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of medical, financial, tax or legal advice.