Dorothy said it best in the “Wizard of Oz” when she clicked her ruby red heels together and exclaimed, “There’s no place like home!” Many of today’s aging seniors also echo this sentiment when it is time to consider where to live during retirement. According to report released by the National Conference of State Legislatures and the AARP Public Policy Institute[1], 9 out of 10 Americans, age 65 and older, want to stay at home for as long as possible. But is this possible? With some planning and knowledge of how to age in place, the answer is YES!
Things to consider:
- Make your home more accessible for yourself as you age or consider downsizing to a one level home. It’s not just about grab bars and raised toilet seats anymore. Type in the term “assistive technology devices for seniors” and you’ll see there are so many products and devices to make living at home easier, even with limited mobility or cognition.
- Plan your best tomorrow, today! Meet with a financial advisor and an elder law attorney to learn what you can do now to make your goal of living at home a reality. When your desire to stay at home is backed by a sound financial plan, your dreams meet reality. In addition to normal retirement plans, there are many financial products that can assist you in making sure there is money to pay for care.
- In home services. Home care is a valuable solution in the changing health care continuum. Caregivers can provide vital services that allow seniors to stay in their own home. They can also give family members a break from the responsibility of shouldering the caregiving burden alone. Things like companionship, housekeeping, medication assistance, transportation, meal preparation and personal care are just a few of the ways agency caregivers can help you ensure that your needs are adequately met at home.
Lastly, Make sure that your family is aware of your goals when it comes to aging in place. Family support can be a key component to being successful in your desire to stay at home. To read more about the value of home care, visit www.hcaoa.org/valueofhomecarerepot
For more information about our in home care services here in the Puget Sound, contact us at 800-690-3330 or www.advanced-healthcare.com Advanced Health Care has been serving this community since 1984.
[1] National Conference of State Legisluatures and AARP Pulic Policy Institute. “Aging in Place: A Study of Livability Policies and Practices.” Page 1. Dec. 2011.