Aging in Place
Many older adults choose to stay in their homes as they live out their retirement years. The familiarity of their home and neighborhood, along with maintaining a sense of independence are essential for some seniors. As the needs of aging adults change, it is important to consider the many options and resources to help create a home that promotes a life filled with happiness, health, and safety.
Home modifications can be a first step to ensure safety in the home. Beyond the obvious bathroom grab bars & toilet risers, there are many options for changes that can be made to a home to maintain independence with activities of daily living. Sometimes these changes are minor and others are more involved. Start by assessing your home one room at a time. Check for risks of falls, including rugs, clutter on the floor, and insufficient lighting around the home. All staircases should have sturdy handrails and light switches or motion-activated lights should be at the entrance to all rooms. Home changes to accommodate the use of a walker or wheelchair can be more involved and expensive but are often still possible. Ramps and/or stairlifts can be added and a bathroom tub can be converted into a walk-in shower. For further details, it is best to follow a comprehensive checklist.
The ability to alert medical help in an emergency can be a critical factor for safety in and around the home. Many wearable products on the market can detect a fall or otherwise be used to call for help if needed. Some home security systems also have medical alert products that can be linked together. A medical ID tag can provide important medical information if an individual is unable to speak for themselves due to a fall or injury. These different devices can provide some peace of mind for seniors as well as their families.
In-home care can be a great resource for help with activities of daily living. Numerous companies offer caregiving support in your home. These qualified and caring individuals can provide much-needed regular support. Caregivers can be companions to an otherwise isolated and lonely person. They can help with things around the house that might be harder to do such as cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation. Many caregivers are CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) and can help with personal care such as bathing, dressing, and toileting as well as providing basic medical care. If driving has become more difficult or unsafe, a caregiver can go grocery shopping and provide transportation to and from appointments. Additional support for daily living can include a medication container that can alert and dispense pills at designated intervals.
With the right modifications, accommodations, and help, many people can happily live out the best years of their lives in their own homes. This doesn’t have to be overwhelming as there are many professionals available to help with the process.