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Aging with Dignity: How to Age in Place

We can help you start thinking about a care plan to support a loved one who plans to age in place and continue to live in their home. Your benefit programs can help guide your care journey and find available resources. 

Nearly 80% of Americans prefer to age at home instead of in a nursing home, but 1/3 of older adults don’t have the resources or plan for long-term care. According to a recent poll, 72% of aging Americans want state-sponsored long-term care, but many states don’t offer it. 

Here’s a handy online tool to find out about government benefits, which can cover medication, health care, income assistance, housing, transportation and more.

Plus, here are some ways you can help your senior prepare for long-term support.

  • Start with a family meeting. Speak with your loved one about their wishes for their future and where they see opportunities for support. It’s important that they feel heard and take part in decision-making. 
  • Talk through what a day looks like - what are the routines and tasks involved? Which needs are met and which are unmet? What is the aging person’s biggest challenge?

Be sure to review:

  • Meals - do you need to plan for Meals on Wheels or grocery delivery?
  • Housekeeping & laundry- how physically able is your aging loved one? What are the tasks a family member or caregiver can help with?
  • Bathing - do you have the proper supports in place to ensure safety?
  • Exercise - what type of movement does your loved one enjoy? Sign them up for a virtual class and schedule daily walks with friends and family
  • Medication reminders - how will medication be organized? There are plenty of phone apps to help you set up reminders where you can also track what you’ve already taken. Talk to your pharmacist about having medications labeled and blister packed to reduce the chance of confusion
  • Fall prevention - what is set up in each room for security? How will your family member call for help?
  • Transportation - what transportation is regularly needed? Enroll in County public transportation services for seniors. Many grocery stores often offer rides.
  • Companionship and care - what social activities will help your senior stay connected? Plan regular visits from those in their network. Schedule regular Facetime calls with long distance family and friends. Join a local senior center.

Safety

  • Address safety concerns and emergency protocols. Falling is the most common way for older adults to injure themselves. Here are some ways to prevent falls.
    • Keep your senior as active and strong as possible
    • Look at stairs and decide if where handrails, ramps or stair lifts are needed
    • A bathroom is where falls are most likely to occur. You can help keep your parent safe by:
  • Installing handrails 
  • Adding non-skid bath mats in showers and tubs
  • Using a shower chair with a handheld shower-head
  • Installing a raised toilet seat or frame
  • Go over fire safety, check that appliances, electric cords, and outlets are in good working condition. Install smoke detectors and check the batteries twice a year. Ensure a phone is readily available with family on speed dial.

Review your care options, even a few hours of help each week can make a difference. There are plenty of government programs and community organizations who serve seniors, and you can use your benefits to supplement care. 

Need more help? Connect with the Helpr Core Care team.

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