How to Prepare for Aging in Place
Aging in place is about getting older while staying in the comfort of one's home and maintaining a sense of independence and familiarity.
Many elderly people prefer to live at home as they age, but aging in place requires careful planning and adaptability. There is much to consider when pursuing this type of care. Here are some factors that must be taken into account before deciding to age in place.
As previously mentioned adaptability is key to successfully aging in place. Those in need of care must assess their financial situation along with their care requirements. If an elderly person wants to receive care at home, house modifications may be necessary. Then there are meals, transportation and support to consider.
What to Consider When Aging in Place
Find Community Support
A reliable support team is absolutely necessary to successfully age in place and community integration becomes much more important with this living situation. Those considering aging in place should start engaging with their local senior centers and learning about the programs they offer.
Meal Services
Disabilities will impact how often, if at all, seniors can cook for themselves, so figuring out alternate options is vital. Senior centers can be a massive help in this area as they often provide congregate meals—meals served in a grouped setting—and nutrition programs. Some also provide meal delivery services. In addition to the centers, seniors should consider meal kit subscriptions. Many meal kit companies offer ready-made meals that can be tailored to different dietary needs.
Transportation
To avoid feeling trapped at home, seniors must find reliable transport. In addition to buses and taxis, ride-sharing platforms should be considered when evaluating one’s transport options. Rideshares can be scheduled, which is great when trying to get to appointments on time. Community centers may also offer transport if a relative or caregiver is available for health checks.
Smart Devices
Smart devices are an underrated way to make the home more adaptable for those aging in place. Seniors can use these tools to turn on the lights with a simple voice command and give themselves reminders to take medication.
Set Up a Medical Alert System
Setting up a medical alert system is a simple way to make a living at home as an elderly person that much safer. These systems send emergency messages to a medical alert center with a press of a button. Medical alert systems require configuration, but the peace of mind these devices offer is worth it. Anyone considering aging in place should have one.
Home modifications
Home Modification: Assessment
The first step to modifying a home for aging in place is knowing what to modify. That’s why a licensed care coordinator should assess the home. They can help identify areas that require modification and create a care plan.
Declutter and Reorganize
Removing objects that impede movement is a step in the right direction when it comes to aging in place. Elderly people should ensure that their walkways are clear of clutter. Also, mats should be removed from the home to limit the risk of falls.
Add or Replace Light Fixtures
Stumbling around in dark rooms should be avoided at all costs. Therefore, dull bulbs should be replaced in homes, extra lights should be added to patios and garages and motion activated LEDs should be added to hallways.
Build Your Care Team
The beauty of in-home care is getting care on your own terms. Call Emmy offers companion care services that can be tailored to suit your schedule. There are also cleaning and home organization services. Companion services make a great addition to any existing care team, and the part-time nature of the services promises flexibility.
Conclusion
Choosing to age in one's own home can be a lonely experience if there are no relatives and close friends around but Call Emmy offers companion care for those who need it. Call Emmy also offers home organization, home cleaning and babysitting services whenever they are needed. Book a service here.