Aging in Place
Let’s face it. For most of us our home is our sanctuary of peace and tranquility from the hustle and bustle of the world. We work all of our lives to make our home comfortable and the ideal place to grow old in.
As we age, there are many issues that can impact our health, finances, and ability to remain in our home.
If you or someone you love is getting older, you should explore all of the necessary steps to take so that you or they can remain at home as long as possible. Some of the components that you should think about and address are discussed below.
Why Seniors Enjoy Aging in Place
More than 80% of Seniors remain in their own homes well into their golden years. They enjoy the comfortable environment, their feelings of independence, the familiarity of their surrounds, and the safety and security that they know they have. They also are usually close to their loved ones and convenient to the services that they need on a regular basis.
All of these factors combine to keep their quality of life at a level on which they are happy and satisfied.
Changes That Come with Aging
Changes that are normal with the aging process should be addressed promptly when you begin to notice them. Doing a home assessment can help you to discover areas of concern. These can include:
Hearing impairment
Failing vision
Osteoporosis
Increased chances for hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis
Mental changes such as memory decline and delayed response time
Visual decline such as peripheral changes and reading smaller print
Your Home Environment as You Age
Because your mobility as well as your endurance and stamina may decrease as you age, some physical changes made need to be addressed in your home. Explore the innovative products and technology that can help you to remain in your home for many more years. Some of these are:
Hand rails and grab bars to help you get into and out of the bathtub
Chairs that are easier to enter and exit
Monitors for your kitchen area
You should give attention to safety issues around your home. Keep traffic areas free from clutter. Remove throw rugs and other items that can cause a fall; falls are the number one injury for Seniors who age in place. Brief inspections can prevent injuries that can rob you of your independence.
Just a Little Help
At some point in the aging process you may begin to feel that you or your loved one needs some assistance. There are services available that can help you with gardening and outdoor home maintenance. You’ll find organizations that also provide cooking and cleaning services, driving assistance, and home health care to assist with meals, personal care, and bathing and dressing needs.
Aging in place is definitely an option that you have if you research new products, address safety issues in your home, and you ask for help when you need it.
