Aging in place is a great option for many seniors. However, older adults can encounter issues if the transition isn’t done correctly. You may need to assess your loved one’s independence to determine if aging in place is the best option. Here are some facts about aging in place caregivers need to know.
It’s Important to Safety-Proof the Home
Being surrounded by familiar objects can boost the overall health of aging adults, but it doesn’t guarantee their safety. Safety-proof your loved one’s home, whether or not he or she is in good physical and mental shape. If your loved one is going to age in place, here are some important changes you should make to increase safety:
- Install monitoring systems
- Remove clutter and rugs, especially in the hallways
- Install grab bars
- Lower cabinets and toilet seats
- Add adequate lighting fixtures such as nightlights
- Make emergency contact numbers visible
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional homecare seniors can trust and rely on.
Caregiving Expenses Can Be Costly
Many seniors live on fixed incomes and have to prioritize their spending. Although your loved one is staying at home, he or she may still require assistance around the house from a professional caregiver. The good news is you can customize your loved one’s care based on his or her current health needs. However, you should check what medical expenses are covered under your loved one’s insurance policy and what will need to be paid for out of pocket. Before your loved one decides to age in place, make sure he or she has enough money to cover the cost of emergency situations.
Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Montgomery families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
There May Be a Need for Hospital Readmissions
The odds of a good recovery often depend on the type of post-hospitalization care. If the doctor allows your loved one to stay at home while recovering from an illness or surgery, make sure the home is suitable for the recuperation process. Many caregivers don’t take into consideration the impact of illnesses or medical procedures on their loved ones’ daily activities, such as the ability to bathe, get dressed, and move around the home. Assess the severity of your loved one’s illness and determine if he or she should recover in your home instead.
Isolation Is Fairly Common in Seniors
Aging in place can increase the risk of isolation. However, you can encourage your loved one to participate in as many social events as possible. Visit your loved one on a regular basis, and sign him or her up for social activities such as aerobics classes, art courses, dancing or reading groups, and volunteering. The more social seniors are, the lower their risk of depression, heart disease, poor bone health, and memory issues will be.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading Montgomery at-home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks. If you need professional care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (334) 593-3988.