As our world continues to witness advances in healthcare, technology, and quality of life, one inevitable consequence is the aging of our populations. While longevity is undoubtedly a triumph of modern society, it poses unique challenges that must be addressed collectively by communities. As we confront the needs of our aging populations, we must prioritize compassion, innovation, and solidarity to ensure the well-being and dignity of our elders. In this essay, we will explore several key ways through which communities can overcome these challenges.
Firstly, fostering a culture of respect and appreciation for the elderly is paramount. Ageism, discrimination based on age, can be harmful and perpetuate negative stereotypes. Instead, communities should celebrate the wisdom and experience that comes with aging. By organizing intergenerational activities, such as mentoring programs or cultural exchanges, we can bridge the gap between generations and cultivate a sense of belonging for all members of society.
Secondly, comprehensive healthcare services tailored to the needs of the elderly are essential. As the aging process brings unique medical challenges, healthcare providers must be equipped with specialized knowledge and training. Community health centers and long-term care facilities should be well-equipped to provide quality medical attention and emotional support to seniors. Regular health check-ups, mental health resources, and preventive care initiatives can significantly improve the well-being of older community members.
Thirdly, encouraging lifelong learning and skill development can enrich the lives of aging individuals. Many seniors possess untapped potential and a desire to remain active contributors to their communities. By offering accessible education and training programs, seniors can explore new hobbies, share their expertise, and remain engaged in societal affairs. This not only benefits the individuals themselves but also fosters intergenerational bonding and mutual understanding.
Moreover, addressing the issue of social isolation is vital. Aging populations are at an increased risk of loneliness, which can lead to various health problems. Organizing social events, community gatherings, and support groups can create a sense of belonging and reduce the sense of isolation that some older adults may experience. Additionally, technology can play a crucial role in combating loneliness by facilitating virtual connections and enabling seniors to participate in digital communities.
Furthermore, affordable and accessible housing is essential to cater to the unique needs of seniors. Age-friendly infrastructure, such as wheelchair ramps, handrails, and clear signage, can promote safety and independence. Collaborating with local governments and private developers to create senior-friendly neighborhoods can enhance the quality of life for the elderly and enable them to age in place comfortably.
In conclusion, the challenges posed by aging populations are significant but not insurmountable. By embracing compassion, fostering a culture of respect, and embracing innovation, communities can overcome these challenges and create environments where seniors can thrive. Through solidarity and collective effort, we can ensure that our aging populations receive the care, support, and dignity they deserve as valued me
Aging in Place
The Importance of Exclusivity in Home Care Agencies for the Elderly
In recent years, the emphasis on personalized and exclusive care for the elderly has grown significantly. While many factors contribute to the rising demand for specialized care, none is more pronounced than the increasing recognition that every senior has unique needs and deserves care tailored to them. Within the sphere of elderly care, home care agencies have taken the lead in ensuring that seniors receive care that is both personal and exclusive. Here’s why exclusivity is so vital in this realm.
1. Trust and Confidence
Elderly individuals often feel vulnerable, especially if they suffer from ailments or physical limitations. By offering exclusivity in care, home care agencies can assure families that their loved ones are not just another number on a list. There’s a bond of trust that develops when one knows that the caregiver is dedicated to their well-being. This trust is paramount in ensuring that the elderly feel safe, respected, and valued.
2. Personalized Care Plans
No two individuals are the same. The illnesses, preferences, habits, and needs of one elderly person can differ widely from another. An exclusive home care agency will take the time to assess the unique requirements of each senior and develop a care plan tailored specifically to them. Such personalization can significantly enhance the quality of life for the elderly.
3. Consistency in Caregiving
Exclusivity often means that an elderly individual will receive care from the same set of caregivers or even a dedicated caregiver. This consistency ensures that there’s no need for the senior to readjust to a new person frequently, fostering a deeper understanding and rapport between the caregiver and the senior.
4. High Standards of Training
Exclusive home care agencies tend to invest more in their staff’s training. Because they promote a model of personalized care, it’s essential for their caregivers to be equipped with a wide range of skills to handle varied situations. The result? Seniors receive care from professionals who are not only well-trained but also continuously updated with the latest best practices in elderly care.
5. Better Monitoring and Feedback
When an agency focuses on offering exclusive services, they also tend to have more streamlined monitoring mechanisms in place. Families can receive regular updates about their loved one’s health and well-being, and any concerns or changes can be addressed promptly.
6. Enhanced Emotional Well-being
Beyond the physical needs, the emotional well-being of the elderly is equally crucial. Knowing that they are receiving exclusive care can significantly boost their morale. They feel cherished and important, which can work wonders for their mental health.
7. Flexibility and Adaptability
Exclusive home care agencies are better positioned to adapt to changing needs. Whether it’s a shift in the care hours, incorporation of new therapeutic activities, or addressing emergent medical concerns, these agencies can pivot quickly, ensuring that the senior’s needs are always front and center.
The aging process can be a challenging journey, not just for the elderly but for their families too. Choosing an exclusive home care agency can provide seniors with the respect, attention, and specialized care they deserve during this phase of life. It’s a testament to our collective commitment to ensuring that our elders live their golden years with grace, dignity, and joy.
The Advantages of Embracing Home Care While Aging in Place
In the autumn of life, the concept of home holds a profound significance. A haven of memories, safety, and love, it’s no surprise that many seniors wish to stay in their homes for as long as possible. The concept of “aging in place” resonates deeply with this sentiment. Enabled by home care support, it has transformed the way seniors experience their golden years. This article delves into the manifold benefits of choosing to age in place with the pillar of home care.
1. The Embrace of Known Spaces
For many seniors, home isn’t just a building – it’s a tapestry of cherished moments and lived experiences. Aging in place ensures that seniors can continue to bask in the warmth of these memories. Every corner, every memento becomes an anchor, providing solace and continuity in their day-to-day life.
Target Keywords: Warmth of memories, tapestry of moments, anchor of solace_
2. Bespoke Support and Care
The beauty of home care lies in its adaptability. Recognizing the distinct needs of every individual, it morphs to provide anything from periodic companionship to round-the-clock care. Unlike the one-size-fits-all approach of many institutions, home care molds itself to fit the senior, not the other way around.
Target Keywords: Adaptability of home care, individual-centric approach, morphing support_
3. Financial Pragmatism
A significant advantage of aging in place with home care is its potential cost savings. By customizing care levels to immediate needs, many seniors find it economically more viable than the blanket costs of residential care, particularly when full-time care isn’t imperative.
Target Keywords: Economic viability, customizing costs, pragmatic care choices_
4. Upholding Autonomy and Daily Rituals
Being in one’s own home naturally fosters a sense of self-reliance. With the bolstering presence of home care, seniors can safely continue their cherished routines, hobbies, and passions. This continuation often leads to a heightened sense of purpose and joy.
Target Keywords: Fostering self-reliance, cherished routines, bolstering passions_
5. Emotional Harmony and Connectivity
The sanctuary of home can be a panacea for the heart. Being close to loved ones, in a familiar neighborhood, and having the freedom to choose one’s own schedule can be immensely reassuring. The emotional equilibrium achieved by staying at home is often unparalleled.
Target Keywords: Sanctuary of home, emotional equilibrium, reassuring familiarity_
6. Adaptable Care Paradigm
Aging is an ever-evolving journey. As the days go by, care needs may shift. Home care, with its inherent flexibility, can adapt swiftly to these changing requirements, ensuring seniors receive the right amount of care at the right time, all within their cherished abode.
Target Keywords: Ever-evolving journey, adaptable care model, swift modifications_
In Retrospect
The harmonious blend of aging in place, supported by attentive home care, presents a beautiful alternative for seniors. In the embrace of home, fortified by professional care, they can live their sunset years in joy, comfort, and dignity, cherishing the past and embracing the present.
Embracing Aging Populations: A Community’s Path to Overcoming Challenges
As our world continues to witness advances in healthcare, technology, and quality of life, one inevitable consequence is the aging of our populations. While longevity is undoubtedly a triumph of modern society, it poses unique challenges that must be addressed collectively by communities. As we confront the needs of our aging populations, we must prioritize compassion, innovation, and solidarity to ensure the well-being and dignity of our elders. In this essay, we will explore several key ways through which communities can overcome these challenges.
Firstly, fostering a culture of respect and appreciation for the elderly is paramount. Ageism, discrimination based on age, can be harmful and perpetuate negative stereotypes. Instead, communities should celebrate the wisdom and experience that comes with aging. By organizing intergenerational activities, such as mentoring programs or cultural exchanges, we can bridge the gap between generations and cultivate a sense of belonging for all members of society.
Secondly, comprehensive healthcare services tailored to the needs of the elderly are essential. As the aging process brings unique medical challenges, healthcare providers must be equipped with specialized knowledge and training. Community health centers and long-term care facilities should be well-equipped to provide quality medical attention and emotional support to seniors. Regular health check-ups, mental health resources, and preventive care initiatives can significantly improve the well-being of older community members.
Thirdly, encouraging lifelong learning and skill development can enrich the lives of aging individuals. Many seniors possess untapped potential and a desire to remain active contributors to their communities. By offering accessible education and training programs, seniors can explore new hobbies, share their expertise, and remain engaged in societal affairs. This not only benefits the individuals themselves but also fosters intergenerational bonding and mutual understanding.
Moreover, addressing the issue of social isolation is vital. Aging populations are at an increased risk of loneliness, which can lead to various health problems. Organizing social events, community gatherings, and support groups can create a sense of belonging and reduce the sense of isolation that some older adults may experience. Additionally, technology can play a crucial role in combating loneliness by facilitating virtual connections and enabling seniors to participate in digital communities.
Furthermore, affordable and accessible housing is essential to cater to the unique needs of seniors. Age-friendly infrastructure, such as wheelchair ramps, handrails, and clear signage, can promote safety and independence. Collaborating with local governments and private developers to create senior-friendly neighborhoods can enhance the quality of life for the elderly and enable them to age in place comfortably.
In conclusion, the challenges posed by aging populations are significant but not insurmountable. By embracing compassion, fostering a culture of respect, and embracing innovation, communities can overcome these challenges and create environments where seniors can thrive. Through solidarity and collective effort, we can ensure that our aging populations receive the care, support, and dignity they deserve as valued members of our community. By taking proactive measures today, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
Asking seniors and your loved ones tough questions is crucial for several important reasons:
Understanding Their Needs:
Tough questions help you gain insight into their specific needs and preferences, especially as they age. This understanding allows you to provide appropriate support and care.
Planning for the Future:
Discussing challenging topics like end-of-life wishes, healthcare decisions, and living arrangements helps everyone involved plan for the future with clarity and reduce uncertainty.
Respecting Their Wishes:
By asking tough questions, you show respect for their autonomy and choices. It empowers them to communicate their desires and preferences openly.
Avoiding Miscommunication:
Having difficult conversations prevents miscommunication and potential conflicts among family members, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.
Financial and Legal Matters:
Tough questions can touch on financial and legal matters, such as estate planning, wills, and power of attorney, which are essential to address before they become urgent.
Emotional Bonding:
Engaging in tough conversations can strengthen emotional bonds and create a deeper level of understanding and trust within the family.
Quality of Life:
Knowing their desires for medical care, hospice, or other services ensures that their quality of life is maintained and their wishes are respected during challenging times.
Preventing Crisis Situations:
Addressing tough questions early on can prevent crisis situations later, allowing for proactive decision-making instead of reactive responses.
Offering Support:
Tough questions open the door for offering emotional and practical support, letting seniors know that you are there for them.
Coping with Change:
As aging brings about changes in health and circumstances, asking tough questions facilitates the adaptation process for both seniors and their loved ones.
Remember, approach these conversations with empathy and compassion, understanding that discussing sensitive topics can be challenging for everyone involved. Being supportive and actively listening to their responses will foster a more positive and productive dialogue.
When to Consider Arranging Care for an Older Parent
As your parents age, you’ll find that their needs change and their ability to care for themselves diminishes. Many people in Colorado find themselves in a situation where one parent remains mostly self-sufficient, and the other requires nursing home care. If you approach the situation strategically and are diligent about evaluating potential options, you can find a safe and comfortable solution for both your parents.
For more information and care options, visit Amber Personal Care.
How to Know If a Parent Needs Assisted Living Services
Since older people can be resistant to the idea of assisted living care, it may be unrealistic to expect them to pursue the option themselves. If one of your parents has become particularly dependent on the other for everyday tasks, mobility, hygiene, or health-related needs, it’s probably time to consider bringing in outside help.
Nursing Home Care Can Improve Quality of Life for the Independent Parent
If your parents are still together, and one is reliant on the other, this situation can quickly become very stressful for the more independent parent. While they may be mobile, their own physical abilities might be on the decline, and having to care for a less-capable or even immobile partner on top of their own needs can have negative effects on their health and quality of life. However, the more physically capable parent may be resistant to placing their significant other in nursing home care for a variety of reasons, so it’s important to talk to them and help them understand their options.
Options for New Living Arrangements
One parent entering into assisted living in Colorado doesn’t mean they have to separate from their partner. Many assisted living communities offer companion suites. Downsizing is also an option if only one of them is going to move.
At-Home Care Is Possible
If an assisted living community doesn’t seem right for your parent, you can also explore options for at-home care. Nurses can visit each day between scheduled hours to help your loved one handle necessary tasks involving personal hygiene, nutrition, cleaning, and dressing. This option also helps to take some of the strain off of the parent who doesn’t need in-home nursing care.
How to Cover the Costs
Nursing home care in Colorado can be particularly expensive, and many families aren’t sure how they’ll cover the costs. Aside from insurance coverage, there are some options to help reduce the expenses and make the monthly fees more realistic. One option that many older people explore is renting out their homes. If your parent is a homeowner, they can become a landlord while living in an assisted living community. Being a landlord takes time and money due to the need for property maintenance and the ability to respond to tenant grievances, so you should consider whether that’s realistic for your situation. Property management companies can help with the monthly rent collection and maintenance coordination.
Considering a Nursing Home
While nursing homes can be great options for aging seniors in Colorado who need daily care, they aren’t for everyone, so be sure to vet potential communities. Remember, your parents have options that can keep them together if desired, there are alternative ways to pay for nursing home care, and at-home care from Amber Personal Care is a potential alternative.
Networking for Seniors: Tips to Improve Your Quality of Life
Amber Personal Care is your source for compassionate home care services in Colorado.
Contact us today to set up a free consultation! (303) 955-7018
Networking is an essential aspect of life. It can help you find a job, improve your quality of life,
and meet interesting people, and it’s not just for entrepreneurs or salespeople. Networking is
helpful for anyone who wants to improve their life. Whether you’re looking to create a business,
start a nonprofit, volunteer, or take up a new hobby, the process benefits all aspects of your life.
Amber Personal Care shares these helpful tips.
Join a Social Media Platform
Senior News notes that one of the best ways to network online is to join an active social media
platform. Many platforms help connect people who share similar interests or goals. Join groups
on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and other common sites. Also, look for niche platforms, such
as Goodreads, Reddit, Quora, or Meetup. Find a group of people who share your specific
interests, and start building relationships.
Don’t limit yourself to new people either. It never hurts to connect with long-ago friends from
high school or college. You can easily track down old friends through online directories by
plugging in your graduation year and your high school’s name and city.
Events for Senior Networking
You can also network at events. Find local events open to the public and attended by your
target market, such as social or business connections. Attending conferences, seminars, and
meetups is a great opportunity to connect with new people face-to-face. Check with
organizations in your local area to see what they have available, such as meetups with
professionals and business gatherings.
Maintain Relationships
Many kinds of events can benefit your networking goals. Even if the event isn’t for your specific
interests, it can still help you find new contacts. Avoid attending events that don’t help you grow
your connections. Follow up with people you met at events. Start a new conversation soon after
the group event — don’t wait too long.
Volunteer Your Time
You can also volunteer your time to network with others. NewRetirement suggests finding a
cause you believe in, and offering your skills to the organization. If you’re new to volunteering,
start with something local. For example, if you want to help animals, check with a shelter and
ask if they need people to help walk dogs or just spend time with the animals.
Start a Business
Retirement doesn’t mean you have to stop working. If you still enjoy working, consider starting a
business. It can be an independent project or something you do with other people. You can also
use your skills to make things you want or need, sell them online, and make a profit on the side.
If you go this route, be sure you first check off all the regulatory items required to start a
business in Colorado, including forming your venture as an LLC, corporation, partnership, or
running it as a sole proprietorship.
Join a Club
Another option is to join a club. Look for interesting groups in your area, such as book clubs or
cooking classes. If you’re not interested in joining an existing club, start your own. If you’re
worried about feeling awkward at first, find an activity related to your interests, and start a club
of people who want to learn or do the same things.
Networking Options for Seniors
Retirement can make connecting challenging. However, you can find many ways to get out and
make valuable connections, such as joining a social network, starting a business, or
volunteering.
Image via Pexels
When Is the Time Right to Move Closer to a Senior Loved One?
The Administration for Community Living reports that 69 percent of people 65 and older will require some type of supportive care as they continue to age. Statistically, your loved one is likely to need some extra help to perform daily living tasks safely at home. Knowing how to spot the signs that the time has arrived and what steps to take when it does can help your family more easily make the changes needed to keep your relative safe.
- Look for Signs of Self-Neglect
Older people often struggle to properly care for themselves. Pay your relative a visit to assess how well they’re doing on their own. If you spot any of the following signs of self-neglect, you should likely consider moving closer to help out:
• Hoarding items of little or no value
• Forgetting or refusing to take medications
• Leaving medical problems untreated
• Forgetting to turn off the stove
• Failing to dress properly for the current weather conditions
• Confusion or inability to recall key memories
• Signs of significant weight loss or poor hygiene
- Have a Family Meeting
Understand that your loved one may not want to accept your help, even if they desperately need it. Discussing the matter at a family meeting with your loved one and other close relatives can help them feel like they have some say in the matter. Prepare your case for why you believe your loved one can benefit from your presence, and practice how you’ll emphasize the benefits of your living close by.
- Assess Your Finances Before you begin looking for a new home, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends that you assess your financial health by:
• Finding out your credit score
• Checking your credit report for errors
• Establishing a monthly budget
• Determining how much money you have available for a down payment
- Find and Purchase a Home
Whether you plan to move to a house near your relative or buy a new home for all of you to live in, the first step is to begin shopping for a mortgage. Lenders will start their review of your finances by calculating your debt-to-income ratio. To arrive at this figure, the sum of your monthly debt obligations is divided by your gross monthly income. Using this information and your credit score, lenders will offer you preapproval for a home up to a certain value. The approval serves as your guide as you search the housing market and make offers on homes.
- Leave Moving to the Pros
Once you’ve purchased your home, it’s time to start packing for your move. Consider enlisting the help of a moving company to at least assist with the handling of large appliances and bulky furniture. Search for “furniture movers near me,” read online reviews, and look for companies in your area that are offering deals and discounts. Contact a few to discuss your needs and request quotes.
Your Presence Can Make a Big Difference Moving closer to your relative can allow them to safely age in place. Plan to visit your relative soon, and keep this step-by-step process in mind as you assess their well-being and take the next steps toward helping them.
Amber Personal Care provides compassionate senior services in Colorado. Get in touch with us today to schedule your free consultation.
Things to do This Spring for Seniors in Metro Denver, Colorado
Best Things to Do for Seniors This Spring
Go on some easy walks and hikes with your best friend with paws!
One of the best things Colorado has to offer is the wonderful nature trails all around. Whether you live in a busy city district or a quiet suburb, there’s a trail somewhere close to you. In the last 12 months, I’ve found these easy trails to be most relaxing and, in a way, encouraging to me! Just getting out and embracing the outdoors under the Colorado sun has given me much of a healing energy that I crave.
So, this Spring, let’s bring out the grandpas and grandmas to the easy trails, and don’t forget their best friends with paws!
Some of my favorite places include:
- Cherry Creek Trail – The Cherry Creek Trail offers an around 40-mile paved trail way that links several parks, and provides many amenities along the way. Leashed dogs are welcome, and just to be sure to watch out for fast bikes.
- Smoky Hill Trail – The Smoky Hill Trail is located around the Cherry Creek Lake, inside the Cherry Creek State Park. It has plenty of recreation options along its way, and leashed dogs are welcome. It might be a good thing to keep track of the location when you hike with a senior, because the trail is long, and it may be a good idea to cut the length in half.
- High Line Canal Trail – High Line Canal is another long expansive regional trail alongside of the High Line Canal. Similar to the Cherry Creek Trail, it links many parks and offers many stop posts. It is positioned roughly to a 90-degree angle to the Cherry Creek Trail, interestingly.
- Garden of the Gods – Garden of the Gods is a natural landmark in Colorado Springs. It is known for the unique rock formation of large, red sandstone. It is a very popular attraction to tourists, and a favorite for local residents around Denver and Colorado Springs. The hike here is very casual and easy. The park also provides guided tours for visitors.
Local attractions and outdoor dining
Denver and surrounding cities have many attractions that provide excellent recreation options for seniors this Spring. With the risk being indoors still exist, we will also recommend some outdoor dining options that are equally enjoyable.
- South Pearl Street Farmers Market
- Highlands Farmers Market
- Golden Farmers Market
- The Wolf’s Tailor (The private tent experience)
- Spice Trade Brewery & Kitchen
Bring the outdoor to indoors
Spring is the perfect time for some plant shopping and gardening.
You can find fresh houseplants and accessories at these places around town:
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Local Gardening season shops such as the Garden Patch garden center in the Platt Park neighborhood, is right across from a local bike shop. Small neighborhoods businesses like these are my favorite on a good sunny day.
- Supermarket, hardware stores, and other home and garden shops.
Home Improvements and Modifications for Aging in Place
By JULIA WEAVER / REDFIN BLOG | January 5, 2021
For more, visit REDFIN blog.
Now more than ever before, we’re seeing more adults choosing to live at home as they grow in years, or what is known as aging in place. Living at home helps aging adults maintain their lifestyle for as long as possible, rather than moving into a nursing home or assisted care center. In fact, three-quarters of adults 50 years and older would prefer to remain in their homes as they age, according to a survey by AARP. Though many of us won’t be able to live independently forever, home modifications will allow your loved ones to continue to live in their home longer by creating a more manageable environment. Whether they’re living in a single-story condo in Dallas, TX or a three-story home in Portland, OR, there are modifications that can be made to every home to help make daily tasks a little easier.
Helpful home modifications
As we grow older our bodies and capabilities change, and not all homes are designed to support this challenge we’ll face. A lot of times doorways are too narrow, bathrooms too small, floors too slippery, and kitchen cabinets too high to reach. For aging adults, a home designed for optimal accessibility, convenience, and safety is imperative to avoid falls or serious injuries.
Optimizing a home for safe and comfortable living while creating a home environment that makes getting around easier is essential for aging in place. That’s why we’ve gathered the most common home modifications, from simple adjustments to larger remodeling projects.
General Home modifications to aid in mobility
- Install handrails. For aging in place, add handrails to stairs, hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms for extra balance.
- Upgrade the lighting. Replace existing bulbs with LED bulbs to increase visibility. Consider installing touch-activated lamps, and placing night lights in the bedroom, bathroom, and hallways.
- Install lever door handles. Switch out standard round doorknobs for lever-style handles. These do not require the same level of grip.
- Install a stairlift. This is a great alternative when walking up stairs becomes more difficult. Install light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs to prevent your loved one from using the stairs in the dark.
- Install automated blinds. This style of window treatment allows aging adults to adjust their blinds without having to stand up.
- Create an open floor plan. Make wide passageways throughout the home with little obstruction. Widen doorways and hallways if your loved one uses a walker or wheelchair to navigate their home.
- Replace hardwood, tile, laminate, or vinyl flooring for carpet. If your loved one doesn’t use a wheelchair, carpet will be most forgiving and provides more floor consistency.
For the living room
- Rearrange furniture and remove clutter. To avoid tripping hazards, be sure furniture placement leaves plenty of space to move about the room safely.
- Install anti-slip mats. Add strips to the bottom of rugs to increase traction and reduce the chances of tripping.
- Replace unsteady furniture. Discard furniture that wobbles to prevent falls, and add plastic bumpers to the sharp edges on furniture pieces.
For the kitchen
- Keep daily-use items accessible. Store small appliances, cookware, and tableware between waist and shoulder height to avoid the need to crouch down or use a step stool.
- Consider purchasing a stovetop with an automatic shut-off feature. Once the sensors fail to detect motion for an extended period of time, the stove will shut off.
- Install a hands-free faucet and anti-scald device. Easily turn the water on and off with the wave of a hand, and install an anti-scald device to avoid the possibility of burns.
- Replace kitchen cabinets and adjust counter and sink height. For more convenient storage space, install drawers, open shelving, or pull out shelves. Choose a counter height where it’s easy to prepare meals and wash dishes while sitting.
- Adjust the location of major appliances. Place the oven, sink, and refrigerator as close to each other as possible.
For the bathroom
- Add adhesive strips to a bath mat in showers and tubs. This can help prevent slipping on wet surfaces.
- Install non-skid strips in case the flooring becomes slippery. Try to avoid ceramic tile as this can become slick when it’s wet.
- Install a walk-in bathtub or a shower transfer bench. This can greatly reduce the chances of slipping and falling. Climbing in and out of a traditional bathtub or standing for an extended period of time may become more difficult.
- Install grab bars or rails in bathtubs and near the toilet. This will improve mobility and help to prevent falls.
- Install a raised toilet seat. An elevated toilet seat decreases the distance between standing and sitting.
For the home’s exterior
- Create at least one no-step entry into the home. Replace exterior stairs with a removable ramp for a smooth transition into and out of the home.
- Add exterior lighting and landscape lighting. To avoid falling or tripping, add outdoor lighting to walkways and stairs.
- Install handrails. Add handrails on both sides of walkways for extra support and balance.
- Choose low maintenance materials. Opt for vinyl siding, metal roofing, composite decking, and low maintenance landscaping.
- Install a security system. A home security system can give your loved one a sense of security and protection.
How to pay for home modifications
While in the end, it’s generally less expensive to age in place as opposed to living in a senior living community, the upfront costs for a remodel can add up. Luckily there are resources and programs available, such as home improvement grants, equipment loans, and low-interest loans.
You should also consider researching programs like Medicare Advantage, Non-Medicaid Government assistance and Medicaid HCBS Waivers, Veterans programs, and non-profit organizations for financial help. As you’re crunching the numbers, it’s important to remember that the cost associated with home modifications has two components: the labor cost and the materials cost. Oftentimes, the cost of labor for installing the equipment will not be covered by insurance.
Create a support system with senior care and services
Forming a support system for your loved one is a big part of aging in place. Besides the support from family members, it’s a good idea to consider senior care and services for your aging parent. There is a network of services available, including meal delivery, nurses, transportation, and house cleaning services.
In-home care services are also offered at various levels depending on the situation. On days when you’re unavailable, an elder companion could spend time with your loved one to prevent social isolation. In-home caregivers can provide help with day-to-day activities like cooking, grooming, or shopping, while also making sure your loved one is safe in their home
Introduce technology into your loved one’s home
Assistive technology solutions, smart home features, and tech gadgets can be used to help simplify everyday tasks, promote independence, and stay safe while aging in place. There are all sorts of devices, like medical alert devices to signal for help, assistive seating devices to lift your loved one into the standing position, and smart bulbs that can be controlled remotely.
Individual results may vary.
This is not intended as a substitute for the services of a licensed and bonded home services professional.
Redfin does not provide medical advice.
All of the material provided on Redfin’s blog, such as text, treatments, dosages, outcomes, charts, patient profiles, graphics, photographs, images, advice, messages, forum postings, and any other material provided on Redfin’s blog are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on Redfin’s blog.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Redfin does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on Redfin’s blog. Reliance on any information provided by Redfin’s blog, by persons appearing on Redfin’s blog at the invitation of Redfin’s blog, or by other members is solely at your own risk.