Aging in Place

Aging in Place is something we usually don’t think about until it becomes an issue. 90% of seniors want to stay in their homes, they know where everything is, they know the neighbors and everything is familiar to them.  They have a routine.  As we age, a house becomes more of a burden than the family home it once was.  If your decision is to age in place for as long as possible, then you need to plan ahead.  That plan needs to begin before it becomes necessary. 

Questions to Ask Yourself about Aging In Place

What are the financial costs to make essential modifications and maintenance to your home? 

Is your home in a more rural area?  Aging eyes often have problems driving in the dark and the location may reduce their ability to attend social outings and family gatherings.

Are there still friends and family close by?  If friends and family may have moved away, it will lead to isolation.

How far away is medical assistance?

What factors determine that it is no longer safe?  Some factors include safety from falls, chronic illnesses, loss of a spouse, malnutrition, isolation, break-ins, scams and more. How self-reliant are you?  How much can you rely on family, friends and other outside services?   Making a decision about that ahead of time takes the emotion out of the question and you will make the decision with a clearer head.

Or are you going to downsize?  Aging in Place may mean selling the family home but it doesn’t mean moving to an institution. Aging in Place has many different faces. A move to an apartment or condo does mean a smaller living space but it also means a lot less maintenance and upkeep.  There is no yard to tend, no snow to shovel or walls that need painting.  The plumber, HVAC technicians and electricians are only a phone call away to the manager.

Moving in with a family member or friend is another option. This option works best for all parties concerned when you have your own private space and you downsize before moving. If a private space isn’t available then perhaps remodeling a section or having an addition put on the house.  Inviting someone who is younger to come live with you is another choice.  As with any of the other options, a good deal has to be considered such as how well do you really know them, what are their lifestyles and personalities like.

If the best decision is to remain in your home, then there are ways to help you reduce your dependency.

Take Inventory of Possibly Aging in Place

Make a list of regular maintenance tasks.  For example, cleaning gutters.  It can be a hazardous job climbing a latter and reaching for the debris.  Solution: Install gutter guards.  Now you are no long going to have to rely on someone to do it.  Digging for things in kitchen cabinets…get pullout shelves.  Look for trip hazards, such as throw rugs, cords and uneven flooring.  Do hand rails need to be installed in the bathroom?  There is a comprehensive list on this website.

De-clutter to Safely Age in Place

Clear hallways and entrances reduce your chances of falling.  If you can’t freely move through you space with ease then you are inviting a fall.  Closets and cabinets that are overflowing pose the threat of having something fall on you and possibly leave you unconscious.  What served you in the past will not necessarily serve you in the future.  Your safety is paramount.

Your Golden Years

I don’t know where that phrase came from, perhaps the gold of a setting sun.  No matter.  What does matter is that you have lived a life that isn’t over, you have worked, endured, possibly raised a family.  Look at your hands and think about all they have done.  Now you should live your best life under the best circumstances for you.