The best plan will meet today's needs while considering the future. No matter which living arrangement you are exploring, it is always wise to think ahead about:

• Your safety, both at home and in the neighborhood
• Transportation options
• Finding help around the house
• Balancing personal privacy with a sense of community
• Your quality of life
• Costs

Safety Information
Transportation Options
Finding Help Around the House
Staying in Your Current Home
Independent Living Options
Moving to a Different State
Order Resources
Helpful Links

Safety Information

It is important to know what to do in the event of an emergency, especially if you live alone. For many emergencies, responding quickly is critical. You should know the best course of action for common emergency situations. You might even practice by visualizing, or imagining, yourself reacting appropriately.

• Personal emergency response services respond to distress signals sent from devices worn around the neck or wrist. These devices have allowed many people call for help after an accident, such as a fall or a stroke. They also give peace of mind knowing that help can be there at the push of a button.
• To protect yourself and your family from intruders, consider installing a home security system. Usually for an additional fee, you can have the police and fire departments notified when your alarm is set off.
• Some hospitals, nonprofit organizations and faith communities offer telephone reassurance programs. They place daily check-in calls to make sure you're doing well.
• Elder Care Experts provide consultation and connect you to local services, benefits counseling and in-person case management. To connect to an Elder Care Expert, dial 2-1-1.
• For City of Houston services, dial 3-1-1 for help.

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Transportation Options

No matter where you live, having transportation available nearby gives you independence and makes life easier. Many options are available:

• Metro LIFT is an initiative of the Metropolitan Transit Authority. It provides door-to-door public transportation for eligible seniors in the Houston metropolitan area. For more information on Metro LIFT, click here or see the Helpful Links at the end of this page.
• Harris County RIDES provides door-to-door transportation for older adults. They'll take you to the doctor's office, shopping and other appointments for a discounted rate. Click here for more information.
• Some service organizations have escorts that help with transportation and lend a hand with errands and shopping, usually for a fee.
• Some senior or community centers offer transportation to the center and for other errands.
• There are many companies that offer private transportation in cars, taxis or vans. These private transportation companies can usually accommodate people who use wheelchairs.

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Finding Help Around the House

If you are thinking about staying at home, help is available to make life a little easier.

• Homemakers help with light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, shopping and running errands. They are an excellent solution for someone who needs assistance with their daily routine.
• If you need more help, consider hiring a personal care assistant, home health aide or sitter through an agency. Home care can be costly, so consider your options and budget carefully before making any final decisions. Click here to visit our page on In-Home Caregivers for more in-depth information.
• Chore services help with home maintenance, like mowing the lawn, cleaning gutters, minor repairs, painting and other things around the house.
• If you are interested in major home repairs or lawn and landscaping care, it is a good idea to ask family and friends for recommendations before starting any large projects.
• Energy assistance programs help qualified seniors repair water heaters, furnaces and air conditioners, as well as properly insulate and weatherize homes. Some older adults may also be eligible for assistance with the payment of their heating and cooling bills.

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Staying in Your Current Home

If you plan to stay in your current home, think ahead about the following things before making any major decisions:

• What are the costs associated with maintaining your home? Consider your mortgage or rent, insurance, taxes, house keeping, yard care and possibly home health care.
• What should I add to my home to make it more comfortable and safe? Ramps? Grab bars?
• What are your transportation options? How do you plan to get around?
• Do you have friends and family members close by?
• Do you feel comfortable and safe in your neighborhood?
• Have you thought about your living situation holistically and carefully considered other options?
• If you know you want to continue to live in your home, but think you could use some help with your daily activities click here to visit our page on In-Home Caregivers.

If you decide to stay in your home, click here to see the Modifying Your Home section for more information on making your house safer and more comfortable.

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Independent Living Options

• Age Restricted "Retirement Communities" are tailored to active adults. Many offer golf, tennis, a swimming pool and spa, exercise rooms and a variety of clubs and interest groups. A senior community is like any other neighborhood-except everyone is usually over the age of 55. Meals, transportation and activities are sometimes included in the monthly fee.
• "Seniors Only" Apartments free you from mowing your lawn and keeping up with a big house. Living in a large complex of all older adults can offer a greater sense of security than living alone in a house. Generally, meals, activities and other services are not included in the monthly rent.
• Shared Housing is defined as an arrangement in which two or more unrelated people share a house or an apartment. This is an affordable and viable alternative for older adults that want to age in place but find the costs of maintaining a house outside of their budget.  Seniors can share their home, or share the home of another. The roommate need not also be a senior.
• Assisted Living and Housing Communities can be more fun and convenient than living alone. To learn more, click here to see the "Assisted Living and Housing Communities" section of this website.

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Moving to a Different State

Warm weather. Fishing. Golf. Friends. Family. There are many reasons people choose to move to a different state. Making an out-of-state move could mean adventure, the lifestyle you always dreamed of, better health or increased well-being. Like all options, however, take the time to consider your current and future priorities, including your safety, available transportation, maintenance, privacy, community, care options, quality of life and costs as outlined in the other sections of this page.

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Order Resources

Click here to order free resources on exploring your options.

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Helpful Links

Harris County Housing Resource Center

Harris County RIDES

MetroLift Program

Telephone Reassurance Program

Meals on Wheels

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