Age In Place

Read any report, survey, or article about aging in place, and you’ll find that the majority of older adults featured in those publications say they want to remain in their own homes as they grow older.

This is primarily because aging in place allows seniors to continue their daily routines, stay connected to their community, and most importantly, maintain their independence.

Aging in place also gives older adults greater control over their lives, allowing them to rely on family, friends, and neighbors for support when needed while still making their own decisions.

If you are an older adult who wants to stay in your home, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) recommends establishing a plan to age in place. As part of the plan, the NIA says to:

• Consider any illnesses you have now. If you have a chronic illness or disorder, learn more about how the health condition can progress and affect you in the future. For example, health disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, can eventually interfere with a person’s daily living activities. The aging-in-place plan should address these types of issues.

• Consider how you will respond to a medical emergency. What will you do if you fall and cannot get up? You might consider purchasing a medical alert monitor, whether it’s a specialized watch or a pendant. These devices can detect heart rates, falls, and track other activity. They can also send automatic alerts to contacts or emergency services if you need urgent medical assistance.

• Consider what role your family and friends will play. Older adults turn to family members first when they need help. Discuss with your family and friends about the support you may need to stay in your home. You may want to research the duties of a caregiver and decide whether your family or friends could provide this service or whether you need to contact a professional home caregiving agency.

Make your home safe and accessible

While some seniors may opt to age in place, their families may not be as enthusiastic about that option. Families may worry about their loved one’s safety, especially if they have a chronic illness or trouble with their mobility. They may also worry about safety issues in the home.

When planning to age in place, a safe, accessible home is a top priority, so home modifications may be necessary. The NIA has a home safety checklist that alerts homeowners to potential safety hazards. Some of the items include checking to see whether:

• The entrances to the house should be modified to accommodate a walker or a wheelchair.

• A plastic shower stool and a hand-held showerhead need to be installed to make bathing easier.

• The stairs are manageable, or a ramp is needed.

• A drain trap should be installed in the kitchen sink to catch anything that may otherwise become lost or clog the plumbing

According to the NIA, it may not be necessary to make suggested changes all at once. However, it is important to correct any immediate dangers in the house, such as loose stair railings or poor lighting. Then, continue to re-evaluate home safety as your behavior and needs change.

Making repairs or remodeling a home can become costly. However, you may not have to pay out of pocket for safety updates. To find financial aid programs or discounts, the NIA suggests checking with your

• Social services department

• Community development groups

• Programs offered by the federal Housing and Urban Development or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (for rural areas)

You can also contact the Administration for Community Living, a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, by calling 202-401-4634 for more resources.

Support for aging at home

When you’re healthy and mobile, you can carry out home-based activities, such as bathing, cooking, and sweeping floors, without giving them a second thought. However, some activities may become more difficult to do as you age or face health challenges.

An aging-in-place plan should consider the types of health, personal, and other support services you may need to help you stay at home and live as independently as possible.

Some of the help that you may need at home involves:

• Preparing meals. This involves planning what to eat, shopping for ingredients, preparing them, and cooking meals.

• Household chores. There are many routine chores to perform when living in a home, such as cleaning the house, doing laundry and ironing, sweeping or vacuuming the floors, and taking care of the yard.

• Transportation. You will need transportation for trips, such as medical appointments, grocery shopping, visiting family and friends, and attending community events.

• Money management. Paying monthly expenses, insurance bills, and handling banking are essential tasks.

• Health care. Caring for wounds, taking medications as prescribed, getting medication refills, accessing and correctly using medical equipment, and getting assistance with physical therapy.

Consider the Costs of Aging in Place

Another aspect to consider when planning to age in place is how to pay for what you need, according to the NIA. While home care can add up, depending on how often you use the services, it could be less expensive than moving into a residential facility.

How you pay for care and other needs depends on your financial situation, the services you need, and whether you are eligible for financial support programs.

For the most part, older adults use multiple payment methods, which include:

• Private financing, which includes long-term care insurance, reverse mortgages, specific life insurance policies, annuities, and trusts.

• Federal and state government programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Visit USA.gov for more information about government programs for health care and financial assistance.

Is it time to leave home?

While most people prefer to stay in their own home, there may come a time when it’s no longer safe to live alone. The decision to move is often difficult and emotional. So, the NIA recommends discussing the pros and cons of moving with your family before making a decision. The NIA says the best time to create an aging-in-place plan is before you need extensive care because planning ahead allows you to make decisions while you still can.

Source Links:

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place/aging-place-growing-older-home
https://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/worksheet-home-safety-checklist_1.pdf