What is Aging in Place?
Many people want to remain in their homes as they age, hoping to maintain their independence, stay in a familiar location, and have access to family and friends when they need assistance or support. This concept is known as “aging in place.” While remaining in one’s current home has many benefits, many older adults and their families worry about home safety, potential limitations on mobility, or other obstacles that could make it challenging for them to go about their daily lives.
Making the decision to remain in one’s home while aging requires careful consideration and planning, as it may not be the right decision for everyone. Consulting with your or your loved one’s primary care provider will help you make an informed decision. The following article will provide information to consider while making this critical decision.
Plan Ahead (Whenever Possible)
Planning ahead allows you to make important decisions regarding your care and wellbeing. It’s best to have these discussions with loved ones before significant care is needed.
First, you may want to think about the different kinds of help you need now or may need in the future. Talk to your doctor about any chronic illnesses you have and how that may affect your future needs. This may also include an assessment of care options offered by organizations in your community. You may also want to have a home safety evaluation conducted to implement improvements that will support your mobility and reduce fall risk.
Start the conversation! Talk with your family, friends, and caregivers about what support is needed for you to stay in your home. Be realistic and plan to revisit the decision as your needs change over time.
How Much Will It Cost to Age in Place?
An important part of care planning is looking at the expenses. Comparing the costs of home-based services to the costs associated with moving into a residential facility, such as an assisted living facility or nursing home, may help provide context and clarity to your decision making.
Final costs will be impacted by many different factors, including, but not limited to, your financial situation, your eligibility for assistance programs, and the kind of services you anticipate needing.
Some people rely on a variety of payment sources, such as:
- Personal funds: savings, a pension or other retirement fund, income from investments, or proceeds from the sale of a home.
- Federal and state government programs: Medicare, Medicaid, and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Benefits.gov provides information about government programs for healthcare and financial assistance that you might want to consider.
- Private financing: long-term care insurance, reverse mortgages, certain life insurance policies, annuities, and trusts.
How to Make Your Home Safe and Accessible
If you and your loved ones decide that aging in place is the right decision for you, your next steps should be to increase the safety and accessibility of your home.
There are many ways to make your surroundings safer and easier to manage so that they meet your needs as you age. It may be easiest to go through your home room by room to identify potential problems and safety issues. First, correct any immediate and pressing dangers, such as loose stair railings and poor lighting, and then make a plan for future improvements.
See the NIA’s Home Safety Checklist for suggestions to help you identify and remove hazards around the house. Keep in mind that it may not be necessary to make all suggested changes. It is important, however, to reevaluate home safety occasionally as your needs change.
If you are worried that making changes might be expensive, you may be able to get help paying for repairs and safety updates to your home. Check with your state housing finance agency, social services department, community development groups, or the federal government for financial aid programs and discounts. You can also visit the Eldercare Locator or call 800-677-1116 for help finding resources.
Summary
- “Aging in place” can help an older adult maintain their independence, remain in familiar surroundings, and have access to family and friends.
- Plan ahead. Talk with your healthcare provider, family, friends, and caregivers about what support is needed for you to stay in your home.
- Consider the costs associated with aging in place, which will be impacted by your financial situation, your eligibility for assistance programs, and the kind of services you anticipate needing. Assistance via federal or state government programs may be available to you.
- Increase the safety and accessibility of your home. Correct any immediate and pressing dangers, such as loose stair railings and poor lighting, and make plans for future improvements.
Now that it has been decided that aging in place is best for you and you have gone through the necessary planning and preparation stages, you may be wondering what resources and services are available to help you maintain your independence. In “Aging in Place: Is it for me? Part 2,” coming next week, the ICRN will be outlining the support services accessible to you.
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