For many aging older adults, the interest in aging in place has increased. One option for older adults heading into retirement is the manufactured housing community. Some of them have limited finances and savings. As such, this is a great option for them to consider. Not all people who live in manufactured homes have low incomes, some choose to purchase one for the lifestyle. Some manufactured housing communities feature lakes, indoor swimming pools, and elegant clubhouses. It is a way to maximize their quality of life while living within one’s means. Read on to learn more about the reasons why a manufactured home is ideal for older people.
The Cost Of Living
A manufactured home only costs about a fraction of a traditional home. Apart from home financing costs, members have to pay monthly rent for their space. In general, the rent is less expensive than renting an apartment. If you live in a manufactured home, you get to enjoy a lower cost of living.
In the Denver Metropolitan Statistical Area, housing costs around $900 for rentals, $700 for manufactured housing, and $1,500 for site-built homes. Many types of manufactured housing are affordable for low-income households, compared to other housing types.
A Great Community
Many manufactured housing communities share some common qualities that promote healthy aging. You will get to enjoy an environment that encourages an active lifestyle, a safe setting, and a network of neighbors who look out for one another.
Some of the design features that make manufactured housing communities appear strange to outsiders are features that also keep residents safe. This includes a network of roads that do not link to public streets, limited entrances and exits, and screening or perimeter fences.
Residents of the community will be familiar with other residents and frequent visitors. Narrow, safe streets mean that residents can go for a walk—to the clubhouse for events, to the community mailbox, or simply to get exercise. They can chat with neighbors sitting on their front porches or working in their gardens along the way.
The clubhouse serves as a hub for residents. There are movie nights, coffees, bingo, potlucks, holiday celebrations, and clubs for everything such as knitting, poker and more. It gives you an active lifestyle with more social connections, which is great for healthy aging.
Stretching The Limits
Sometimes residents require more intensive care than their neighbors can provide, or they need assistance on a regular basis. Taking care of a neighbor’s pet during their hospital stay or assisting someone with eye drops on a daily basis may be manageable. However, requiring help with bathing needs is another story. Even so, there are ways where manufactured housing communities can help. Some communities have “aging in place” fairs at the clubhouses, where providers can share information about their services with residents.
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