AGE IN PLACE

Ok! We’re doing some smart and simple things to keep you safe and living in your home. You’d be surprised at how the littles things can make a big difference. Getting rid of throw rugs is one of the best ways to reduce your chance of falling. Adding things like ramps in and out of your home, setting up your kitchen so you’re not needing to use a step stool to reach common items, and updating to “smart appliances” are just a few ways you can make your home safer. A Senior Home Safety Specialist (SHSS) can suggest additional fixes to help you achieve your goal of staying home and being safe.

There is a whole industry dedicated to designing, remodeling, and/or retrofitting homes for the aging adult population.  While 90% of older adults want to age in place at home, 85% have done nothing to prepare their homes. “Granny flats”, also known as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), are one popular option adult children of aging parents are exploring to allow their parents to age in place.  Often, we are seeing the aging homeowner building an ADU on their property, in preparation for their own aging in place journey. It is imperative to consult an expert when considering more in-depth remodels or retrofits to accommodate safely aging in place.

Hiring a personal caregiver to come to your home and provide one-on-one care has many advantages: companionship, housekeeping, cooking, errand running, and personal assistance are just a few. The biggest drawback for many older adults is the cost of in-home care. Most care companies charge $25-30/hr, with cost increases based on level of care needs. Many states are starting to regulate this industry, which has led to higher operating costs for these companies.  Those costs are typically passed along to you, the customer. With the often-overwhelming number of in-home companies to choose from, finding the right one can be like finding a needle in a haystack.  Let us help.  We only work with licensed in-home care companies….you should too!

It is many peoples’ wish to live in their own homes until the very end. This becomes more of a possibility if the home has been set up or modified appropriately and hospice is involved. Hospice is a Medicare benefit yet many older adults and/or their families do not utilize this vital service aimed at quality of life rather than curing a disease or illness All hospice companies are not created equal, however. Many hospice companies offer the basic services using an Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) while others include services like music and reminiscent therapy, touch therapy, and memory bears once a loved one has passed. Understanding how and when hospice and palliative care services can be utilized is an important part of your plan to age in place. One of our aging experts can answer your hospice questions and help find the hospice organization that is right for you.