Aging in Place: A Comprehensive Guide to Planning for the Future

Are you planning to age in place—meaning you want to live in your own home and avoid the need to move to a senior residence or nursing home? Aging in one’s own private sanctuary—where we may have lived for decades—may be the ideal, but it does take planning (along with healthy living and a share of good genetics).

Planning to age in place involves more than just making physical adaptations to living spaces, such as improving lighting or adding grab bars. It requires big-picture planning that includes finances and preparing for possible changes in one’s health or abilities. Here’s how you can ensure that you are well prepared to age gracefully in the comfort of your home.

1. Home Adaptations for Safety and Accessibility

Start by thinking about what changes may be needed to support your lifestyle as you age. Would grab bars in the bathroom and shower help? If you shower in your tub, might there come a day when you can’t make that step over? Are there any rooms or spaces in your house that could use better lighting? Can you get into your home without having to use steps? Consider technology that can enhance your safety, such as medical alert systems or smart home technology that allows you to control lighting, heating, and security systems remotely.

• Think long-term: Invest in renovations that will accommodate potential mobility limitations, such as wider doorways and a shower accessible for wheelchair users.
• Consider getting a professional assessment: Different types of professionals offer services to help identify potential hazards or areas for improvement. Do an online search for a home safety specialist, an occupational therapist, or a Certified Aging in Place Specialist.

2. Financial Planning for Aging in Place

Financial preparation is crucial for a smooth transition into retirement and beyond. Work with a financial professional who can review your savings, pension, investments, and any other income sources along with your financial obligations. You will want to ensure you can sustain your lifestyle and are prepared for sudden home expenses or in-home care services if needed.

• Consider long-term care insurance: Some long-term care insurance policies can help cover the cost of home care services or a stay in a nursing home if necessary.
• Review government programs: Medicare and Medicaid may cover some of the costs associated with aging in place. Veterans should investigate what the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers.

3. Legal and Health Care Planning

Ensure all legal documents are up to date. You should have a will, health care power of attorney, a financial power of attorney, and advance directives. It’s also wise to have a clear understanding of your health insurance coverage.

• Get regular medical and dental checkups: Staying on top of your health by scheduling regular checkups can help you manage chronic conditions and keep minor issues from becoming major.
• Get vaccinated: Vaccines do indeed save lives, especially among older people. Everything from the annual flu vaccine to the shingles vaccine can help keep you healthy.

4. Build a Support Network

Community connections are invaluable for those aging in place. Maintain relationships with family and friends who can provide support. Additionally, consider services like meal delivery, transportation assistance, and home health aides.

• Find out what’s available in your community: Investigate local services geared toward seniors, such as community centers that offer social activities and support groups, which can be a great resource. Senior ride-sharing services or discounted transit programs might be available where you live. Learn about your local area agency on aging, which can help you make the most of available services.

5. Plan B: Prepare for the Unexpected

Despite the best plans, circumstances can change unexpectedly. Having a contingency plan in place is crucial.

• In case you need temporary care: Research local home care agencies, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes in case you require temporary professional care after a hospital visit.
• In case aging in place doesn’t work out for you: Explore local assisted living communities and what they offer, should you ever need to transition to a more supportive living environment.
• Stay informed: Keep up with changes in local real estate and care services so you are never caught off guard.

Preparing for Aging in Place

Aging in place successfully requires thorough preparation and flexibility. By adapting your home, securing your finances, and preparing for possible health changes, you can enjoy your later years in the comfort and familiarity of your home with peace of mind that you are well prepared for whatever the future holds. Right at Home offers a FREE Aging-in-Place Guide to help you identify potential roadblocks and how to address them. Download a copy today.

How Right at Home Can Help

Researching and understanding what needs to be done to age in place may seem daunting, but Right at Home has been helping seniors and their loved ones navigate the aging journey for almost 30 years. Our local offices can help guide you to services you may need and provide a wide range of in-home care services when the time comes when you need assistance. To find out more, use our office locator to call the office nearest you and speak to an aging expert. They can help you determine which services will help you and conduct a FREE in-home care consultation.

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