Wanting to remain in your own home is a top request for the older generation. After having resided in one dwelling for an extended amount of time, and during a time of life where so much other change is inevitable and out of your control, being able to have the familiarity of home as you know it can be critical. With everyone having varying degrees of capable independence, it is important to try to plan for any scenario. None of us have a crystal ball, but spending some time to think about what types of help you might need in the future might be the difference maker when it comes time to determine if you can in fact age in place.
Consider Mobility
Physically getting around is an easily anticipated challenge as we age. While it is important to think about how you will get to and from places, it is more important to think about how you will be able to get around your own home. If you live in a multi-level space, stairs should be the first concern to attack. Switch to a domestic lift so that the fear of climbing up and down stairs is eliminated. A residential lift not only removes the obstacle of the stairs from your life now, but it will also add value to your home that will become important later. If you switch to a domestic lift you can provide your loved ones with peace of mind as well and create an environment where they can feel more comfortable with your plan to age in place.
Convert Necessary Spaces
Your kitchen and bathroom are two rooms in your home that will have you thinking about how they will work when and if you develop any type of physical limitations. Small changes can make a big difference in creating a suitable dwelling for aging in place. Curb less showers and step in tubs in the bathroom are the most common adaptations homeowners opt for. Considering the potential dangers that water can bring to a room, slippery floors can create disaster so fast there is little to no time for your reflexes to kick in. Proper handrails in both your bathroom and kitchen can be installed as available support features facilitating your goal to remain in your home.
Remain Engaged
Consider how you will continue to interact and engage in a social way as you age. These considerations will also help your financial planning as a part of this process. You might need or want home health care, whether to aid in medical necessities or provide companionship both of which are essential for geriatric care management. Participate in discussions with the people associated with your hobbies now and begin to learn about what these groups offer in the way of nontraditional participation. Isolation can accelerate the aging process and it is essential for your overall health that you continue to be active in the communities of hobbies that you have always enjoyed to whatever degree that is possible.