Continuing to live in one’s own home while growing older is called aging in place and it’s a common goal for seniors. Unfortunately, there are some variables that might make aging in place a lot more complicated than some families expect it will be. What helps is to sit down and get the answers to some really important questions. These answers help families to find solutions like home care providers who can make aging in place safer, easier, and more likely to be successful.
Will the Senior Be Safe?
Safety is the biggest concern when it comes to anything involving aging adults. There are lots of different types of safety concerns to address, including things like fall hazards, clutter, accessibility, and more. There might be home modifications that can make the home safer for seniors, and those options need to be considered carefully beforehand.
How Will the Senior Get Around?
Mobility is another crucial aspect for families to consider. Many seniors may start out aging in place with full mobility. But gradually they become unable to drive or start to have trouble walking. Addressing these different mobility concerns is crucial for making aging in place a successful endeavor. Home care assistance can help seniors to deal with all sorts of mobility concerns safely and easily.
Does the Senior Need Help with Daily Life?
Managing daily tasks factors into the aging in place dilemma, too. What sorts of tasks can seniors handle on their own? Are they still preparing their own meals? Can they bathe safely? Are they having trouble with household chores? It’s vital to address all of these different areas of life to determine where help would be most appropriate. Home care services can help with so many of these daily tasks.
How Will the Senior Handle Difficult Days?
Some seniors have a handle on daily life without much trouble at all. But they might have days that aren’t so great, when they need a little extra help. What’s the plan for those days? Knowing how seniors are willing to address those more complicated days can be a big part of putting a care plan together for aging adults. For instance, seniors might not want to have elder care providers visiting every day, but they might be willing to work with them on an as-needed basis.
What Other Help Does the Senior Need?
There could be some other ways that seniors need help as they age in place. They may need help addressing socialization, for instance, especially if family and friends live far away. Companion care at home is a great choice for those situations. It’s important that everyone involved comes to these conversations openly and honestly so that solutions can be discussed and put into the plan.
Aging in place is definitely possible for seniors, even ones with serious health worries. But the key to the whole process is to have a plan that accounts for as many issues as possible and lines up home care providers and other assistance when needed.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HIRING HOME CARE IN LOS GATOS, CA, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS TODAY. (408) 317-4969
