Aging in place has become a new retirement option in which people choose to remain in their home rather than transitioning to a retirement community. This growing trend allows for older adults to safely maintain a high level of independence in their own home with the proper support. If choosing to age in place, you should identify the support that can assist you through your retirement. According to a survey published by AARP, 76% of adults aged 50 and older want to remain in their current homes as they age, and 77% indicate they want to live in their homes, even if the space won’t meet their needs.
Older adults may safely age at home with the correct support, resources, and programs. In this blog, learn about all the ways you or your loved one can safely age in place or live independently.
Is aging in place right for you?
When it comes to aging in place, there are many factors that go into making this decision. Three key factors must be considered before deciding that aging in place is the best option for you or your loved one: the individual, the home, and the support system.
The questions you need to ask include, do you have a connection with the people who live around you or a supportive family member? Do you have an accessible home that allows you to easily move about? Do you have any medical issues that require daily assistance?
Sun Health At Home provides support to make aging in place possible through personalized support and coordinated services offered by a Wellness Coordinator. A Sun Health at Home Wellness Coordinator can even help recommend home service providers such as home and landscape maintenance, financial planning, and legal assistance, as well as medical equipment rental.
Read more on the top four things you need to think about.
Personal care
If daily tasks get more difficult to do, a family member or friend might assist, or you can hire a qualified assistant. Having a walk-in shower may be something to invest in so no injuries arise while stepping over a bathtub. Keeping essential items in reach is also a great way to stay clear from injury. You or your loved one may also need to set daily reminders for important medications.
Sun Health at Home offers supportive technology that enables members to live safely and independently, such as devices that provide medication reminders or assist in dispensing medication.
Chores around the house
Do you require assistance with household or yard maintenance, food shopping, or laundry? Some pharmacies and supermarket stores may deliver prescriptions and items to your home. For cleaning or landscaping, there are many services that you can hire, or a family member may be able to help with routine maintenance work and weekly tasks like tidying up the house or laundry.
Meals
When deciding to age in place, having the correct nutrition is one of the most important priorities. Being able to grocery shop is vital to making healthy meals to ensure you are getting the right amount of vitamins, minerals, and calories. Inadequate nutrition can lead to a weakened immunity, decreased bone mass, low weight, etc. and can lead to hospitalization.
In addition, you can always subscribe to a food delivery service or have a friend or family member do the shopping for you. Sun Health at Home members have guest privileges at any Sun Health Community location—Grandview Terrace, La Loma Village, and The Colonnade. Take advantage of the gourmet dining prepared by trained chefs! There will undoubtedly be something to please every pallet with an extensive array of entrée and dessert selections. To accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences, gluten-friendly and health-conscious options such as low sodium and low sugar items are available.
Bills & money management
Consider having your monthly bills on autopay; connecting to a checking or banking account each month will help avoid late payments. Be aware of financial fraud. Never provide a caller your social security number, bank or credit card information, or any other personal information.
Common concerns
If being at home is vital to you, you may still be worried about safety including transportation, being home alone, or even small everyday tasks. Sun Health at Home can provide in-home assistance including a companion or caregiver, transportation, and homemaker assistance. Read into some of the top concerns below.
Being social & staying busy keeps a sharp mind
Maintaining vital friendships and a vibrant social life can help older adults avoid dementia, which can decrease depression and improve overall health. To refrain from getting lonely, it’s important to have friends or people you can talk to throughout the day. If you can, it is vital to enroll yourself or your loved one in a program at least once a week to get out and socialize with others.
Being able to get around
The inability to drive may be one of the largest concerns you or your loved one has while making the decisions to age in place. You will need to look into transportation options to get to doctor’s appointments and to other necessary trips when operating a vehicle is no longer a safe option. It is important to make sure you or your loved one has a safe ride, whether it is a family member, a friend, or a safe driving program, including driving services that specialize in transferring older adults.
Housing layout/design
Is your or your loved ones’ home easy to navigate and safe for aging? Many houses aren’t made to accommodate aging adults who need mobility devices or are in serious danger of falling. Installing a ramp at the front entrance, grab bars in the bathtub or shower, or even accessible shelving will contribute to a safer and comfortable living environment. Sun Health At Home offers home safety reviews and recommends home modifications to ensure each members ability to successfully age in place.
Safety concerns
Living alone can bring up many safety concerns including whether you or your loved one lives in a safe area or have a potential to fall. With Sun Health at Home, an emergency response system is provided to give members and their families peace of mind. Using GPS technology, members can speak directly to a response agent for assistance with the touch of a button.
Contact Sun Health at Home
Aging in place about being able to live independently and keep control over your life, but it is also important to have the right tools and support system to stay safe while doing so. If you or your loved one is wanting to age in place, prepare by doing adequate research and building a support system.
Sun Health At Home is here to support you as you begin thinking of a plan for your future. If you have questions or would like to become a member, contact us today!
