¶ … Living Environment Options Guide: Variables Having an Impact on the Options of Individuals with Regard to Living Environments

Older adults require supportive and enabling environments. In addition to being safe and empowering, the said environments must also help in the elimination of ageism. It should be noted that in a way, the well-being of older adults is affected by their immediate living environments (Healy and Link, 2011). In this guide, a living environment will be used as a generic term indicating not only the physical place of residence but also the existing support networks in place.

Insurance and Financial Resources

To begin with, it is important to note that insurance does have a significant impact on the choice of living environments. For instance, while some health insurance programs cover most of the costs incurred in an assisted living facility, some plans do not have such provisions. As Wallace (2007) points out, some employers have been known to terminate the healthcare insurance of their employees once the said employees retire. It should however be noted that assisted living facility costs are covered by a majority of long-term care insurance policies. For this reason, the specific provisions of an individual's plan could have an impact on the living environment options available.

Financial resources also affect housing options which remain an important aspect of the lifestyle of the older adults. Depending on the available finances, options with regard to housing could include but they are not in any way limited to moving to a skilled nursing facility, moving in with relatives, or remaining in the current home. Yet another option in this case could be moving to a continuing-care retirement facility/community. Should...

It should however be noted that the preferences of older adults with regard to the living environment must not be ignored. Still on the financial front, it should be noted safety factors have assumed a central role especially with regard to the further enhancement of the general well-being of older adults. Lack of finances could lead to the deferment of home maintenance undertakings. In a way, "home safety concerns and deferred home maintenance often share a symbiotic relationship" (Cress 2007, p.284). When funds are insufficient, cheaper arrangements should be embraced.
When choices with regard to physical living environments of older adults extend beyond a single jurisdiction, some special considerations must be made. In some countries, savings, health benefits, disability insurance as well as pensions have been rendered almost worthless by hyperinflation. It should be noted that as is the case with other age groups, poverty has a negative impact on not only the lifestyle but also the physical well-being of older adults. For instance, in addition to exuberating social marginalization, poverty also affects the health and general well-being of those affected. It also effectively erodes the ability of senior citizens to function and live interdependently and independently. For an environmental choice to be regarded proper, it must have a positive impact on the quality of life of the individual concerned. To guarantee such an individual economic security in old age, the said environment (especially in those instances…