A 2018 survey by AARP found that three out of four Americans over 50 would rather “age in place”. Your parents, or you, could be one of them.
Seniors who wish to age in their own homes have many options. Let’s start by looking at what they are.
Maintaining a house
Maintaining a house can be difficult as we age, especially when we are less mobile. Safety hazards can result if you don’t make necessary repairs. It’s worth paying someone to take care of your property, even if you aren’t able to do so.
Modifications to your home
Homes that are good for raising children don’t always make the best homes for seniors. If stairs are a problem, multi-level homes with multiple bedrooms can be difficult to navigate. These kinds of obstacles can sometimes be overcome by home modifications, such as the relocation of a bathroom or laundry room to the main floor. Outdoor ramps, indoor stairlifts, or relocation of laundry and bathroom to the main floor can be used to address these kinds of barriers. You can also improve safety in the bathroom by using equipment such as grab bars.
Transportation
If you are unable to drive, this is even more important. You may lose important social connections or find it difficult to reach important medical appointments. Friends and family may offer assistance, but may not be able or willing to do more than they can. Volunteer or paid transportation services may be able to fill in the gaps.
Personal care at home
Personal care at home can be anything, from monitoring blood pressure to reminding you of your medication, cooking meals and bathing, and helping with dressing and bathing. Personal at-home care can be provided by home health aides. These services range from an hour per day to 24-hour live-in care.
At-home healthcare.
A few health professionals, such as social workers, occupational therapists, and home nurses, will offer services right where you live. It reduces the need to travel to get healthcare services ).
Is at-home care a good choice for me?
There are many factors that will determine whether these at-home services will suffice to keep you safe in your home.
Your current home’s layout. How practical it is to modify your home to make it more accessible if your health conditions change. Are the modifications that you would need to make too expensive or too difficult? Is it possible to move to a more accessible home if that is the case?
Services availability. Is the service you require available in your area? There may be difficulties recruiting staff for at-home care agencies, even if they do exist. You may have to cancel visits and find other options.
Cost. Hourly rates are standard for at-home care services. These costs can quickly rise as your needs change, making it difficult to afford them, even if insurance is available. It becomes more costly to get care in your home than in senior living communities. Our article provides information on how to compare assisted living and home care costs.
Family members are under constant strain. Family members can still provide a lot of support, no matter how much at-home care you have. Is this their limit?
These are just a few of the many factors to consider when you decide if in-home care is right for you or someone you love.
Moving to an assisted living facility may be an option. They are designed to be senior-friendly. Many include housekeeping, property maintenance, and transportation services. There are many social activities available on-site. Community staff can also provide personal care if needed. If you have any questions about our assisted living services, contact us today!
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