What is Aging in Place?
As mentioned before it is choosing to live in your own home/community as you get older. There are many reasons for why you may want to live in your own home like wanting to be near your family, wanting to feel independent or not wanting to go to a nursing or elderly facility. Aging in place is becoming a more and more sought after retirement plan and the trend isn’t wavering anytime soon.
Preparing for the Transition
When you are ready to make the transition to aging in place, it is important to know if you will be living independently, with a homecare aid, or with a loved one.
If you are planning on living alone, you may want to establishment emergency contacts in the event of one. Whether it is a family member, friend or neighbor, this person should be a trusted individual who is available to help you. In addition to having people to rely on, you may want certain equipment to aid you in doing your daily tasks depending on your condition. For example if you have trouble walking a ramp or stairlift for your home may be a good investment for you, especially since you plan on staying in the home. If you do have a condition or want to prepare for a time that you may need mobility equipment feel free to reach out to us here at Patriot Mobility and we can find the right solution to your situation.
If you plan on living with a loved one or have a homecare provider the tips above are helpful along with a few other ones. Settling on an agreement to care for you from a loved one or homecare aid will alleviate future disputes and put both parties at ease. These agreements don’t need to have legal binding to them, but a plan for care and reimbursement is recommended. Setting up a budget can also be beneficial for you, saving you time and energy it would normally take to do finances. Also speak with your doctor about any conditions you may have or might have in the future.
Potential Roadblocks & Solutions
One of the biggest obstacles to aging in place is the cost of all the services, equipment, resources, and aid you need. You may need to pay for medicine, a homecare aid, or a stairlift. For financial resources see if your state has any programs for aging in place, or any federal programs that have living assistance. The other biggest obstacle is getting the proper help you need.
Ideally you want a trusted individual to take care of you like a family member, however there is a possibility that they may not be available to help all the time. Not only that, but family homecare is usually unpaid and costs them. Check with your state to see if there is a family homecare payment program. Some states do provide government reimbursement for family homecare, but most do not.
Your diet and physical can also be a potential roadblock. Getting a balanced diet and enough exercise may be difficult to start and/or maintain. Being physically active everyday can help make daily tasks easier and also keep your body healthy. A proper breakfast, lunch and dinner can be provided by a friend, family or healthcare aid. Any potential illness, diseases or disabilities you may have can shape your planning as well. Whether you need certain medical equipment or medication, it takes time and resources to get what you need. Speak with your doctor about what path to go down when eating healthy, getting the medication you need or medical equipment you need.
As long as you prepare for the future early on and commit the time and resources to your plan, aging in place is a safe and viable option. With the elderly population expected to grow more in the coming years, now more than ever it is imperative to prepare for your future.