I want to stay in my own home!
This is a common theme as we move forward with an aging population. The good news is that with the right support that is exactly what many older adults are already doing successfully. The new terminology for staying in your own home as you get older is called “aging in place.”
Aging at home is the preferred way to retire for most older adults because they can:
● Continue to live in their own home
● Keep housing costs low by staying in a home they own
● Enjoy familiar surroundings with their belongings
● Feel safe in a familiar place they know
● Stay connected to their local community
● Socialize with neighbours they already know
● Avoid the stress of moving and relocating
Planning ahead is also hard because you never know how or when your needs might change. The first step is to think about the kind of help you might want in the near future: think 6 months to one year. Even if you don’t need help right now, things can change in an instant as we age or have increasing medical needs.
Aging at home can also be preferable from a financial perspective. By staying at home, costs are kept lower as older adults and their families do not need to relocate or pay for extra services and accommodation at a new facility.
Just a few things to consider when looking forward:
● Medical conditions you currently have and what support you might require
● Household chores: lawn care, snow removal, home maintenance
● Meals at home or meal preparation support
● Money management support
● Healthcare
● Decluttering, downsizing
As time progresses there may be some additional considerations:
● Mobility
● Transportation
● Personal Care
● Social Activities
● Safety Concerns
● Housing adaptive aids
● Meals
● Medication support
● Companionship
● Medical emergency
Planning allows you and your family to know the local and community resources available to you and your loved ones to navigate aging at home. In addition, any government or agency resources that might be of assistance.
The additional costs of having support to live at home can add up if you require more medical support. It is valuable to know what these services cost locally to determine if they would fit within your budget.
Lastly, aging in place can be a worry for your children. Planning ahead and having open discussions with adult children can help to ease their concerns for your safety and well-being.
Contact Hello Darlene for help in any type of senior transition support.
