As people start thinking about retirement, they need to consider the possibility of age-related decline. People experience physical limitations. They may also decline cognitively due to age or medical challenges.
Many older adults want to age in place. Their goal is to stay in the home where they have lived their lives until they pass. Doing so optimizes their comfort and can help limit the costs incurred during their golden years.
What forms of support are often critical for older adults who want to age in place in their own homes?
1. Support from their social network
Hands-on care from children, grandchildren, members of the same church and even long-term neighbors can make aging in place more feasible. They can help with chores that require ladders and heavy lifting. They can even drive when older adults cannot.
2. Home health aides
Friends and family members are not always capable of meeting the needs of vulnerable older adults. When their support services fall short, people may want to bring in professionals.
Home health aides can cook, grocery shop, clean and attend to personal hygiene matters for older adults. Their assistant can make aging in place safer and more comfortable.
3. Household modifications
As older adults develop mobility limitations, they may want to adjust how they use their space. Moving a bedroom onto the first floor, adding a ramp to the front door or even replacing a traditional bathtub with a walk-in tub can make it easier for older adults to continue living independently throughout their golden years. Even changing doorknobs and faucets to make them more accessible can be helpful.
Planning in advance can help people afford home health aids and similar expenses. Sitting down with an elder law attorney can be beneficial for aging adults and family members who want to ensure their safety if they remain at home indefinitely.
