It is an undeniable fact that we will all get older and 1 in 6 adults over the age of 60 want to get old in their own homes. So how do we enable people to age in their own place as long as possible? We want to share some of the things that we have learned from serving our clients for the past 20 years here at BrightStar Care.
What is Aging at Home?
Aging at home is when you live at home, instead of a residential or assisted living facility, as you age to be close to family, friends, neighbors, and your community. People who choose to age at home speak to how they are able to better stay connected to the community in which they have lived and become accustomed to. The cost of aging at home is also less than living in a residential or assisted living facility.How Do You Prepare for Aging at Home?
This question seems counter-intuitive if you are staying in the home that you have lived in, but even though the space will stay the same, there may need to be alterations to the space in which you live so that you are able to age at home.Household Chores:
As you grow older your house doesn’t stop requiring up-keep. Clothes need to be washed, dried, folded, and put away. Meals need to be prepared. Floors need to be cleaned. Beds need to be made. Begin to compile a list of companies and/or individuals that will come in to provide these services when you are no longer able to do so.Transportation:
You may be able to drive now, but what will you do when health concerns make it so you are unable to drive yourself. What public transportation services are available in your area? Do community centers offer transportation? Are you comfortable using Uber, Lyft, or another ride-share service?Safety:
Walk through your home with a specialist to see how your home may need to be modified so that it is safe as you age at home. Are your doorways and hallways wide enough for a wheelchair? How many steps are in your home? Do you have a non-slip bathtub and/or shower chair? Do you need a security system to help you feel safe and that you can also use if you become injured at home?Company:
Physical health is important as you get older, but your mental health is as important. One of the ways to stay mentally and emotionally healthy is to not isolate yourself but to continue to have meaningful, in-person connectivity with other people. Plan times for get togethers with family and friends. Check in with your local community centers for pre-planned activities. Become comfortable with online communication tools like Zoom, Google Meet, or FaceTime.Concerns for Aging at Home
It is outstanding if you are able to provide home care, transportation, safety, and community in your home, but if these items are not able to be met, then you will want to carefully consider your decision to age at home. There might also be a physical disability, limited mobility, or memory issue that prevents someone from aging at home. Aging at home can be a beautiful thing, but your overall health needs to be taken into consideration before doing so.
If you have any questions, comments, and/or concerns about aging at home, how to prepare your home to age at home, or service providers while aging at home, please reach out to us at BrightStar Care. You can find us online where we can answer all these questions and more.