More seniors around the United States are choosing to age in place rather than move to a nursing home or a senior community building. Aging in place has become one of the most popular choices for seniors and it allows them to thrive as they get older. If your loved one needs more help around the house, they have options! They can get help from family members but also professionals like home care providers or even skilled nurses depending on what kind of help they need.
Here are some things that you need to know about aging in place, before considering it as a good option for your senior mom or dad.
The Option Is Not Good for Everyone
The truth is that most people want to age in place and die in their homes, but it is not a great choice for everyone. If your senior loved one is having serious health issues, they are constantly needing help with medications, and treatments, or leaving their houses and not coming back they may not be able to age in place. Home care can help in a lot of ways and they can keep your senior loved one home for much longer but there is a point where your senior loved one may need more help.
Always Do Research
Some seniors may just need help managing their household and doing small chores which allow them to thrive while aging in place. However, when you choose home care you should always do your research. There are many different companies and thousands of home care providers to interview and choose from. You should also be researching how a senior can age in place more effectively and healthily. A senior may need to rearrange their home, focus on different routines, and a lot more but they won’t know this unless they do some research about aging in place first.
Look At Modifications
If your senior loved one is super mobile and independent they may be able to thrive while aging in place. However, some modifications may need to happen and most of them are cheaper than you think. A senior may need a walk-in tub, new door handles, different light switches, or even a higher toilet. These small changes can have a huge impact on how well your senior mom or dad lives at home. The more changes you can make to allow your senior mom or dad to be comfortable the more likely they are to be healthy while aging at home.
This May Not Be a Long-Term Solution
Care will always change and it is important to note when things in their lives start changing. They may be fine on their own for a long time but as they age things do change. If you start to notice they aren’t bathing or changing they may need home care to step in and help them. However, if they need help with medication management or other things they may need a skilled nurse. They might be too embarrassed or resistant to ask for more help but it’s important to observe what is happening around them. This is also something home care can help with if you are not always with your senior mom or dad.