As we grow older, our homes become our sanctuaries, a place where we can rest and feel loved. However, many seniors find it challenging to care for themselves, much less their homes, and may consider moving out. But did you know that over 90% of seniors prefer to age in their homes? Aging at home, also known as aging in place, provides seniors with a sense of independence, familiarity, and comfort and can often be more cost-effective than moving to assisted living facilities or nursing homes. To make aging at home realistic, there are several things seniors can do to make their living situation more comfortable, safe, and accessible.
- Make modifications to your home: You can make modifications to your home to make it more accessible, such as installing grab bars in the bathroom, widening doorways, and lowering countertops.
- Plan for the future: Consider how your needs might change over time and plan accordingly. For example, install a stairlift or ramp to make it easier to get around your home if mobility becomes an issue.
- Stay socially connected: Loneliness and social isolation can be significant issues for older adults living at home. Stay socially connected by joining clubs, taking classes, or volunteering in your community.
- Get help when you need it: It’s important to recognize when you need help and to ask for it. This might mean hiring a caregiver to assist with daily tasks or arranging for home health care services.
- Communicate your wishes: Communicating your wishes to your loved ones and healthcare providers is essential. This might include your preferences for end-of-life care, funeral arrangements, and other important decisions.
If you require help to age at home successfully, you may want to consider Home Health Care or Home Care. They sound the same, but they are different.
Your healthcare provider usually prescribes Home Health Care after an event, such as a fall, surgery, or injury. It is a short-term solution to get you back to your “baseline.” It is typically covered by insurance. Home Care is a long-term solution to your needs.
With Home Care, you can receive hands-on medication management and assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as grooming, dressing, and using the bathroom. Home Care also assists with errands and light chores and can even care for your pets. Care provided can range from a few hours a week to 24 hours a day.
Aging at Home with a Life-Limiting Illness
When living with a life-limiting illness, aging at home can be a challenging prospect. However, with the proper support and resources, it is possible to make your living situation more comfortable and manageable. Here are some tips:
- Begin transitions care: Transitions is a non-medical program that supports you by providing recommendations to enhance your and your loved ones’ quality of life. This can include connecting you with non-medical assistance through a network of trained volunteers.
- Seek palliative care: Palliative care can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. It can be utilized alongside curative treatment and provided by a specialist team of healthcare professionals in your home.
- Consider hospice care: When no longer seeking curative treatment, hospice care should be considered. Hospice care can provide you and your family with medical, emotional, and spiritual support during the end-of-life process.
No matter where you are, solutions are available to help you age at home. At Hospice of Redmond, we support our patients so they can age how and where they want. Our staff and volunteers are trained to help support our patients’ and clients’ needs. If you have questions about how best to age at home, please call us at (541) 548-7483 and let us help support you.