Last week I described how I would like to spend my twilight years. This week I am going to describe how much it costs. I will be using today’s dollars, and of course these prices will have to be adjusted in the future due to inflation. The fees shown are monthly and approximate, since days of the month vary. My house is not yet paid for, but hopefully will be by the time I am 80, which is when I am guessing I might want to stop working at the club and start partaking of what the club has to offer.

Twenty days at the club (breakfast, lunch and afternoon heavy snack included. Hygiene and medical care included) =$1460.

Twenty days of Help at Home, four hours per day (two hours in am and pm, dressing and undressing, evening meal prepared) =$1440.

Twenty days of transportation to and from the club with Wheels=$64

Four weekends of Help at Home, twelve hours per day (shopping, house cleaning, laundry, home repair and maintenance done as well as meals and personal care)= $1728.

Food and materials for home, toiletries, detergent, clothing, etc.= $400.

Security system (video surveillance and personal alert system)= $70.

Taxes on home= $250

Utilities= $400.

Miscellaneous=$100

Grand total=$5912

Still less than a nursing home. Of course, services can be adjusted for the level of care required. The scenario described is for someone who requires medical care and supervision during waking hours. The cost would be greater for someone requiring 24 hour supervision. Less for someone who is able to do for themselves (get dressed and ready to come to the club on their own, for example). Family members, friends and volunteers could also be asked to help mitigate the costs.

I am thinking maybe I should charge rent for the lower level apartment at my house.

May you and yours have a blessed week ahead.