Is Staying In Your Home Right For You?
Our older community members are sometimes faced with choosing between leaving a home that they’ve lived in for years and moving to an assisted living facility or staying in the home they love and making proper modifications to make it safe and livable.
We’ve helped many of our neighbors add accessibility aides and other tools to help them stay in their homes after they had weighed the pros and cons of each choice.
Let’s take a look at some things to consider if you or a loved one need to make this choice.
Choosing Assisted Living
Senior citizens may choose an assisted living facility for a variety of compelling reasons that enhance their quality of life.
The level of care and support that these facilities provide. Assisted living facilities offer personalized care plans that cater to the individual needs of each resident, including assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and meal preparation. This support helps seniors maintain their independence while ensuring their safety and well-being.
The social environment that assisted living facilities foster. Loneliness and isolation can be major concerns for seniors living alone. Assisted living communities provide a vibrant social scene with numerous opportunities for residents to engage in group activities, events, and outings. These interactions not only improve mental and emotional health but also create a sense of community and belonging, which is vital for overall well-being.
The convenience and peace of mind that come with assisted living facilities are attractive to many seniors and their families. These facilities are designed to be senior-friendly, with features such as accessible living spaces, emergency response systems, and on-site medical care. Families can rest assured knowing that their loved ones are in a safe and supportive environment, with professional caregivers available around the clock. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially for those with health concerns or mobility issues. In summary, assisted living facilities offer a holistic approach to senior care, combining personalized support, social engagement, and safety, making them a desirable option for many older adults.
Things to Consider If You’d Like to Age In Place
Aging in place is a popular choice among senior citizens who wish to maintain their independence and stay in familiar surroundings as they grow older. However, this decision requires careful consideration of several key factors to ensure safety, comfort, and overall well-being.
Home modifications are essential. Seniors should evaluate their current living space to identify potential hazards and make necessary adjustments. This may include installing grab bars in the bathroom, ensuring proper lighting throughout the house, removing tripping hazards like loose rugs, and possibly even remodeling to create a more accessible living environment, such as widening doorways or adding ramps. These modifications can help prevent falls and make daily activities easier and safer.
Access to healthcare and support services is crucial. Seniors should consider their proximity to medical facilities and the availability of in-home care services. This includes regular visits from healthcare professionals, assistance with medication management, and emergency response systems. Additionally, having a network of family, friends, or neighbors who can provide support and check in regularly can be invaluable. It’s also wise to explore local community resources such as senior centers, meal delivery programs, and transportation services.
Financial planning cannot be overlooked. Aging in place can be cost-effective compared to other options, but it still requires a solid financial strategy. Seniors need to account for the costs of home modifications, ongoing maintenance, healthcare, and any in-home care services. It’s advisable to work with a financial planner to ensure that resources are managed effectively and that there are contingency plans in place for any unexpected expenses.
By thoughtfully addressing these considerations—home safety, healthcare access, and financial planning—seniors can create a supportive environment that allows them to age in place comfortably and securely.
How Oakley Home Access Helps
We specialize in providing a range of services to enable individuals to age in place comfortably and safely in their own homes. One of the core offerings is home modification and renovation tailored to the specific needs of older adults or individuals with mobility challenges. This includes installing ramps, grab bars, and stairlifts, as well as widening doorways and modifying bathrooms to be more accessible and help minimize the risk of falls
We also offer our FREE Comprehensive Home Safety Assessment conducted by an experienced team of professionals. We evaluate your current living environment and recommend customized solutions to improve safety and accessibility. We also provide ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure that any modifications or installations remain effective and safe over time. This can include routine inspections, repairs, and updates to existing accessibility features.
Contact us today to learn more about your options and also learn about financing through Hearth.