Aging in Place: How To Make Your Home Age with You
Many seniors, if not all, wish to stay in their own home for as long as possible, and avoid nursing home placement. As we age, it’s important to make changes to our homes to ensure that you remain safe, comfortable, and accommodating. Adapting your home as you age can help you maintain your independence and prevent accidents or injuries – all of which will keep you living at home for as long as possible.
Below are things you should consider when you want to “Age In Place”
1. Accessibility
Accessibility is one of the most important considerations when adapting your home as you age. This means that the living space should be free of barriers that would make it difficult for you to move around. This includes features like wider doorways, grab bars in bathrooms, and ramps or lifts for those with mobility challenges. In addition, it’s important to ensure that the living space is on one level, or that there is an elevator or lift to access upper floors as mobility tends to be one of the bigger issues as we age.
2. Safety
Safety is another important consideration when adapting your home as you age. This includes features like non-slip flooring, adequate lighting, and fire safety precautions. In addition, it’s important to ensure that the housing is free of foundational issues and other critical stability issues. It’s imperative that you feel safe in your own home.
3. Technology
Technology can be a valuable tool for seniors who want to age in place. This can include features like smart home technology that can be controlled through a mobile device or voice commands. This technology can help you stay connected with family and friends, monitor your health, and stay safe in your own home.
4. Community Spaces
Often times, when we are thinking about home adaptations, we think of all the physical changes that need to occur to our home. It is also important to consider the mental wellbeing available to us as we age. Community spaces are important for seniors who want to socialize and stay active. These can include shared spaces like a community room, library, or fitness center. It also could be as simple as availability of neighbors for in-person conversations.
5. Home Care Services
Many seniors require access to home care services, so it’s important to ensure that these are available on-site or nearby. This can include services like meal delivery, transportation, and home health care. Having these services close by can help you feel more secure and independent. If you want to stay home, but don’t know where to start looking for home care and medical care services, please contact us today! We can help you find the services you need in your area, and if you qualify for medicaid and live in the community – you could receive all your healthcare at no cost to you through Senior LIFE.
6. Flexibility
Finally, it’s important to ensure that your home is flexible enough to accommodate changing needs. This could mean having the ability to modify the living space as needed or providing access to home care services.
Adapting your home as you age requires careful consideration of accessibility, safety, technology, community spaces, home care services, and flexibility. By taking these factors into account, you can create a living space that is comfortable, accommodating, and supportive of your needs as you age. It’s important to start planning for these changes early, so that you can make the necessary adjustments to your home before they become a necessity.
Want to Age in Place – Contact Senior LIFE Today!
Senior LIFE is designed to help older adults live their best lives at home for as long as possible. Through Senior LIFE services, members are able to access the health care and support they need while maintaining their independence at home for as long as possible.
Senior LIFE has an impressive array of services available to members to help them each get the individualized care they need. We also know that seniors’ healthcare needs change. Our trained staff are always on the look out for these changes, and can adjust individual cares plans as their needs change. To learn more visit our website, or for more personalized information, contact us today!
Categories: Aging At Home
