Aging in place essentially means staying in your home as you get older.
It’s ideally suited for seniors who don’t like the idea of moving to a retirement community and assisted care facility.
Based on this, to make things work for you and your family, a well-planned approach is essential. Here are five tips that will help you meet your goal of successful aging in place.
Reassess your housing situation
As you get older, your real estate needs are likely to change. Kids grow up and move out, spouses pass away, and many facilities you took for granted in your youth, stairs for instance, become obstacles to assistance-free living.
In many situations, renting the upstairs portion to families can be a great way to improve your financial situation.
It also lessens the risk of loneliness. You can even have family move in, if possible, to get more care and attention.
Include your family in the process
If your current home is far away from your close family, consider selling the house and shifting to a place that allows them to visit you often.
Having family close by can be a boon as you get older, as they can come over to assist you with various aspects of your life.
Being near family who are aware of your aging-in-place plans can make a huge difference. Staying connected with your near and dear ones become more important as you grow older.
It can also stave off the inevitable depression that can seep in from solitude.
Pay attention to home safety checks
Whether you plan to stay on in your current home or buy a new one, you cannot afford to ignore safety precautions.
Have people, preferably professionals in home modification, walk around your property and look for potential hazards like slippery surfaces or other tripping hazards.
You also want to look at many other aspects of your house, including accessible electrical outlets, more handrails and walking supports around the house, improved lighting, levers instead of door knobs for better grip, and so on.
Consider your transportation needs
Can you still drive a car on your own? If driving is out of the question, consider locations with nearby access to groceries and other essentials within walking distance (when considering a relocation to a new area).
Availability of ride-share and nearby public transit can make things easier as well. If you have family close by, you can also have them help drive you around for doctor’s appointments.
Explore local community and support options
If you cannot live close to your family, look to cultivate closer relations with some of your neighbors. In many communities, there are programs and organizations in place to provide support for transportation, home improvement, companionship, and other services.
If you are well-acquainted with internet and mobile phone apps, things can get a lot easier as well.
You can use paid services for many things like groceries, hobbies, and companionship when living alone, as well as keep in touch with family, especially grandkids.
