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Will staying at home work for me? Where you live and the house
itself may be a barrier to aging in place. There are several factors to
consider when deciding if staying in your home makes sense.
Adequate Housing:
- Changing
needs- A house that was ideal 30 years ago may now be too difficult to
handle alone. Older homes often need costly repair, maintenance, or
home improvements.
- Safety- A house with poor lighting or steep stairs is
an accident waiting to happen. Deteriorating neighborhoods may make you
reluctant to go shopping or attend social activities.
- Isolation- A
trip to the grocery store, pharmacy, place of worship can be a problem
when driving becomes an issue. It is easy to feel lonely.
- Ease of
Use- If you are using a walker or wheelchair, bedrooms on the first
floor are essential, as well as grab bars in the bathroom and ramps at
the entrance of the house.
Some of these conditions are an easy fix with minor home modifications. However, living in an unsafe area or away from family
or friends cannot be corrected without out moving.
Essential Help:
Many
older people rely on family and friends to provide help in their homes.
These are called "caregivers". Homemakers can help with transportation
and daily chores. There are also professional services available.
Nurses can check medication and give medical care, while a therapist
can offer rehabilitative services in the home.
Without good quality and reliable help, people with chronic health problems may find it difficult to live at home.
Cost of Supportive Services:
Help
at home typically involves someone coming into your home from a
reputable home health care agency. Services are usually paid on an
hourly basis. You may need to think about modifying the home. Home
modifications can vary from adding a grab bar to the bath to installing
a lift or bathroom on the main floor. Reputable Certified Aging in
Place specialists are trained to offer products and suggestions to make
the home accessible and safe.
Once you have evaluated and
understand the challenges of living at home, then you need to look at
the resources you have available.
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