Retirement is the perfect time to explore new places to live; after all, there’s no job to worry about and no children to look after. But when it comes to choosing where to relocate, there’s so much more to consider than just picking a place with a warmer climate. You have to think of the affordability, access to healthcare and various long-term, senior care services.
Fortunately, Caring.com puts out a list every year of the Best and Worst States based on Senior Care and Quality of Life.
To help you narrow down your options, let me first walk you through the Worst States. Make sure to read tomorrow’s blog post to know which states made it into the “Best” list.
10. Rhode Island
The beautiful seaside towns in the state of Rhode Island would be an ideal place for retirees, but only for those who can afford it. This state in the New England region ranked 45th in home health aide costs and has the 10th highest nursing home costs in the nation.
9. Kentucky
When it comes to senior care, Kentucky is relatively cheap, with senior home care services at $41,184 a year. However, Caring.com states that it is not great for well-being. Survey shows that many residents aren’t in good health and are less likely to enjoy what they do every day.
8. Ohio
This Midwestern state ranks 8th on the list. Report shows low overall satisfaction with life among older residents, as well as social relationships, physical health and the whole community. But when it comes to adult day health care, it’s the top 4 cheapest in the country.
7. Mississippi
Older residents may love the quality of their daily lives and how costs are relatively low, but it ranks poorly in overall quality of care. And you know how important that is. The state actually has the highest obesity rate in the country. Let’s also not forget how summers here can be sweltering and mosquito-filled.
6. New Jersey
Top 6 on the list is New Jersey, ranked 45th most expensive state for assisted living and 44th most expensive for nursing homes. Despite of having good social lives, older residents reported that they don’t enjoy what they do every day, coming in last on the list for people who like where they live.
5. Wyoming
Known for its vast plains and Rocky Mountains, the scenic state of Wyoming ranks last in Caring.com’s list of older locals being satisfied with their social life. Aside from that, senior home care services are also very expensive at $59,484 a year.
4. North Dakota
Older individuals have reported that they have a good overall well-being, as well as financial well-being, and they enjoy their community and what they do every day. However, nursing home costs and home health aides and services are really expensive. Senior home costs run on an average of $63, 872 a year.
3. New York
Life, in general, is really expensive in New York. So it’s not a surprise for the state to rank 3rd on the list. Aside from expensive Senior care, reports also show that the state ranks low when it comes to residents having a sense of purpose, as well as social and financial well-being.
2. Indiana
General home health care costs are low but overall well-being isn’t great in Indiana, as reported by older residents. A number of residents nearer to Chicago often choose to head to the Windy City for better medical care. When it comes to air and water, the quality in this state is lower than average.
1. West Virginia
And the winner for the WORST STATE TO GROW OLD is West Virginia. Although home health aides and adult day healthcare costs are cheap, the state comes in last because of a poor well-being, physical health, social life and no sense of purpose among older residents.
As you welcome your senior years, you should look at the states that can provide you with the best quality of health care, and not just its affordability.
