Considering aging in place? Take account of these factors.

When planning your later years of life, it’s important to consider whether you want to move to a new community or remain in your current home. While both options have benefits and drawbacks, the decision to stay at home for your later years, called “aging in place,” can be hugely comforting, allowing you to continue being a part of your community while staying as independent as possible. 

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has defined aging in place as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” If you or a loved one is considering aging in place, it is important to think about how to maintain safety, independence, and comfort given potential changes in one’s physical, mental, and social well-being over time. 

The following are some key aspects of aging in place that should be considered:

  • Personal care

    • Hygiene

      • Bathing, dressing and brushing teeth may get difficult to do, and caregiving may be required.

    • Food

      • Getting groceries and preparing healthy meals may become harder. Consider potluck dinners, meals provided by local senior centers, or meal delivery programs.

    • Exercise

      • Getting exercise can be especially difficult as one ages, so consider in-home equipment, a senior-friendly exercise group, or nearby classes.

  • Household care

    • Chores

      • Chores such as laundry, vacuuming, yard work, and cleaning hard-to-reach areas can become difficult. Consider cleaning services or help from a friend or relative.

    • Repairs

      • Home repairs are particularly important for older homes, so make sure to reach out to friends, relatives, or services when necessary.

  • Transportation

    • Walking

      • If you or your loved one has trouble walking, consider a walker, scooter, or electric chair, some of which are covered by Medicare.

    • Alternative transit

      • If you or your loved one does not drive or own a car, consider public transit, private car services, and/or consistent help from a friend, relative, or caregiver.

  • Healthcare

    • Transportation

      • A key aspect of getting healthcare is reliable transportation. If you or your loved one does not drive independently, ensure that alternative transit arrangements are made in advance of each appointment and are ready in the case of an emergency.

    • Medication reminders

      • If you or your loved one has difficulty remembering to take their medications, consider special pill boxes, reminder apps, or phone calls, which can be arranged through a variety of services.

    • Caregivers

      • At some point it may be necessary to bring a caregiver or respite part-time or full-time into you or your loved one’s home. This is a big decision, and may require significant research and/or the help of a family caregiver. For more on family caregivers, click here.

  • Social life

    • Activities

      • Staying at home can be isolating, particularly if someone has trouble with mobility. Consider looking into your local senior center for group activities.

    • Visits

      • If you or your loved one would prefer to be social at home, consider making a schedule for visitors, whether friends, family, or volunteers.

    • Community engagement

      • If you or your loved one has extra time on their hands, consider signing up for local volunteer opportunities such as helping out at local libraries, schools, and gardens.

  • Safety

    • House security

      • If you or your loved one feels unprotected, consider installing sturdy locks on windows and doors that don’t already have one, as well as an alarm system for increased protection.

    • Home modifications

      • Depending on ability, there are various changes one may make to their home to help as they age. Some examples of this include removing any tripping hazards, removing furniture to make passages as wide as possible, adding extra lighting, and installing grab bars.

    • Emergency warning systems

      • Prepare for a medical emergency by having a plan in place with someone you trust, as well as installing medical alert systems for any potential issues.

  • Managing money

    • Paying bills and filling out insurance forms

      • Bills and insurance forms can be complex and difficult to remember. If paying bills and filling out forms on time seems to be an issue for you or your loved one, consider getting help from a trusted relative or financial counselor.

While comprehensively planning for the future is impossible, the above factors are useful to keep in mind. Of course, you or your loved one does not need to make all changes at once. But by doing a bit of upfront research and staying aware of potential issues, it is much easier to deal with changes as they arise.

Finally, if these considerations feel overwhelming, remember they are meant to reduce stress, increase safety, and promote more peaceful end-of-life experiences. It is a gift to be able to age in place, and by putting in some effort upfront, you or a loved one is likely to have a much smoother experience in doing so.

— Rachael Alberts

live your best lifeJennifer Goodsenior livingComment