Tips For Aging in Place

WRITTEN BY WANDA CURTIS

As folks method the later years of their life, one tough determination they need to make is whether or not to stay in their very own house. The rising prices of sustaining a house and decreased mobility are two massive the reason why some folks resolve to relocate to a retirement group or assisted dwelling facility. However most older adults — the AARP experiences as much as 90 p.c — would favor to “age in place” in the consolation and familiarity of their very own house for so long as attainable. 

The trick is guaranteeing you are able to do so safely and independently.

Native Assets

Thankfully, there are various assets for people or {couples} who select to age in place. Maine’s 5 Space Companies on Aging function “one-stop-shops” to reply questions from older adults and people with disabilities and their care companions about a variety of in-home, community-based, and institutional providers. 

Lindsay MacDonald is the vice chairman of Group Engagement for Spectrum Generations, the Central Maine Space Company on Aging and Aging and Incapacity Useful resource Middle. She stated some of the necessary issues each individual ought to do is pay shut consideration to their bodily and psychological well being. Having a main care supplier you belief and maintaining with common exams and screenings are all necessary for anybody who desires to dwell independently in their very own house.

“Keep lively each bodily and mentally,” MacDonald stated. “Preserve your thoughts sharp. Learn totally different books, observe crossword video games, phrase searches, mind video games, and many others. Discover a passion you get pleasure from. If attainable, attempt to get exterior day by day, even when it’s simply standing on the entrance door and taking in a breath of recent air.”

Spectrum Generations gives a lot of packages to encourage older adults to stay bodily and mentally wholesome, together with health courses, well being and wellness workshops, foot clinics, well being screenings, social actions, and on-site meals, in addition to Meals on Wheels. In addition they present short-term and long-term private assist providers for anybody needing help with the actions of day by day dwelling. By means of a partnership, additionally they present in-home emergency response and medicine reminder techniques to assist people stay secure at house.

Construct a Help System

Along with paying shut consideration to their bodily and psychological well being, MacDonald advises older adults to construct robust assist techniques with individuals who can help with on a regular basis wants and in tough instances. Pals, members of the family, and professionals who can lend a serving to hand or a listening ear are necessary.

“Share any issues along with your PCP and your assist system,” MacDonald stated.  “No element or concern is simply too small.”

A Secure Setting

In regard to your bodily setting, MacDonald says to make sure that all stairways and ramps have sturdy rails and are away from tripping hazards. She additionally recommends preserving home items at a snug degree.

“Don’t stack issues too excessive or too low,” she stated.

Sure modifications, like handicap ramps and loo modifications, may assist you stay extra safely at house. MacDonald encourages folks to contact their native Space Company on Aging to be linked with assets. Some folks could qualify for monetary help to assist with modifications. Go to spectrumgenerations.org for extra particulars.
Kennebec Valley Group Motion Program, or KVCAP, is one such company that assists with house modifications by their Group Aging in Place program. Senior Power, Housing & Group Initiatives Director Monica Grady stated this system is supposed to help folks 55 and older with minor lodging wanted to stay in their house. A house evaluation is carried out to see the place they will leverage assets or present people with referrals to different packages which may be of help to them.