More and more Americans prefer to grow old in their homes or age in place, according to a study published in the Delaware Journal of Public Health.
The study reported that in 2020, only 1.2 million Americans aged 65 and older resided in nursing homes, while 77% of adults over the age of 50 stated that they wish to age in place.
However, to age in place safely and conveniently, it requires careful planning and consideration, ideally while you’re still able to do so.
To help you with planning for growing old in your home, here’s a cheat sheet on areas of preparations you need to consider for a safer and more comfortable aging in place.
Aging in place preparations cheat sheet
1. Mobility. As we grow older, getting around becomes more difficult as our muscles, joints, and bones weaken.
Thus, it’s vital to consider making safety modifications to your home. This may include installing ramps and safety rails, making floors slip-proof, or even opening up space to accommodate a ground-level room to avoid going up and down the stairs.
Some even opt to move to a smaller home that needs less maintenance and poses fewer mobility challenges.
2. Health. Preparing for health-related circumstances in the future involves assessing your current health status and checking for illnesses that run in your family.
This will help you assess whether you can take care of yourself when you reach those years or would you need the assistance of a loved one or a professional, such as a caregiver or private nurse.
Seeking the services of professional health workers can be for short-term such as for recovery from an illness or long-term such as for helping you with mobility and nutrition.
3. Wellness. Planning to age in place doesn’t only involve anticipating the conditions when you get sick, but also, and more importantly, how you can remain healthy in your environment.
Some considerations surrounding your wellness may include ensuring that you have in your home or in your community places where you can exercise every day, buy healthy foods from, and participate in recreational activities you enjoy.
Does your home have a garden or is there a nearby park? Are there farmers’ markets within your vicinity? Are there nearby pharmacies and hospitals?
4. Support. Perhaps the most important item in your preparations cheat sheet is sharing your plans with your loved ones.
If you’re a couple who plan to age in place, you may first discuss with each other your preferences. Afterwards, you can involve your loved ones to inform them of your wishes, and they can then in turn weigh in the options through which they can help.
Some families opt to take care of their parents by volunteering their time in assisting them or by helping finance the services of a caregiver or nurse.
In preparing to age in place, the National Institute on Aging or NIA advises that the best time to plan for it is before you need a lot of care, so you can make informed decisions while you’re still able.
To have an idea of the healthcare services you may need, consult your physician, community care services, or contact us at 707 383 4613 or info@solano-care.com.
