Plan Ahead for Successful Aging at Home

Most older adults would prefer to “age in place” — that is, remain in their own homes and communities as they grow older. Yet far fewer have taken concrete steps to make that possible.

Why the gap?

One reason is that aging can be difficult to plan for. If you’re healthy and active at 65 or 70, it’s hard to imagine what life might look like 10 years from now. Some people remain active and independent throughout their lives. Others may experience mobility challenges, brain change, vision or hearing loss, or an unexpected illness.

“You just can’t predict exactly what you’re going to need 10 years from now,” said Tammy Hooker, Regional Operations Director — Austin. “But you can put things in place now that will give you more options later.”

Think of it as a 10-year plan — not an attempt to predict the future, but a way to make your home and your life more adaptable to whatever the future may bring.

Some key steps:

Address fall hazards. Falls are among the most common threats to independence as we age. About one in four older adults reports falling each year, and falls can result in injuries that make it difficult to continue living independently. Fortunately, some of the most effective precautions are also simple: Remove loose rugs and electrical cords, reduce clutter, keep walkways clear and improve lighting, especially around stairs and bathrooms. Nonslip surfaces and sturdy handrails can also make a difference.

Consider accessibility before you need it. Could you navigate your home with a walker? What about a wheelchair? Could you get into the shower safely if your balance became less reliable?

According to a study by the U.S. Census Bureau, only about 10% of U.S. homes have the key features needed to accommodate older residents: a step-free entryway; a bedroom and a full bathroom on the entry level floor; and at least one bathroom-accessibility feature (such as grab bars or accessible fixtures.)

That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to undertake a major renovation today. But some changes — lever-style door handles, grab bars, better lighting or a handheld showerhead — are relatively easy. And if you are planning a larger remodel, think ahead. Wider doorways or a zero-step entrance may become invaluable later.

Assemble important information in one place. Imagine being temporarily unable to manage your own affairs after an illness or hospitalization. Would your family know where to find your medication list? Insurance information? Advance directive? Financial contacts? Long-term care insurance policy?

Create one secure, accessible place for essential information and make sure a trusted family member or friend knows how to access it.

This is also a good time to review legal, financial and health care documents with the appropriate professionals. The goal is to make it easier for someone you trust to step in when needed, helping you remain at home if possible.

Think about who might help — before you need help. Aging at home doesn’t necessarily mean living completely independently. In fact, successful aging in place often depends on building a support system.

Think realistically about family and friends. Who lives nearby? Who could help with transportation, grocery shopping or appointments? What services, such as grocery delivery or ride share services, might help? What happens if those needs become daily rather than occasional?

“Families sometimes think the choices are either doing everything yourself or moving into assisted living,” said Gary Hooker, Director of Business Development — Austin. “There’s a lot of room in between. A little help at home can sometimes make a big difference in someone’s ability to remain independent.”

That help might come from family, neighbors, community resources, professional caregivers like Cambridge Caregivers, or a combination.

Know your care options. Learn about home care before a crisis forces you to make decisions quickly. Professional in-home care, such as the services Cambridge Caregivers provides, can help with everything from companionship and meal preparation to transportation, bathing, dressing and support for someone experiencing brain change.

Care doesn’t have to be 24/7. For some older adults, a caregiver coming a few times a week may provide just enough support to make living at home safer and more manageable. A care plan can then change as needs change.

Think about how you will pay for help if you need it. Review savings, insurance and other potential resources so you understand your options.

Finally, once you’ve put your plan together, don’t put it in a drawer and forget it. Revisit it every year or two, particularly after a major health or life change.

You can’t know exactly what aging will bring. But planning ahead can give you something almost everyone wants: more choices about where and how you live in the years ahead.