How to Help An Older Adult Age in Place

Nov. 1, 2010 - PRLog -- HOME INSTEAD SENIOR  CARE


New Port Richey, FL (Nov 1, 2010) - The great majority of older adults say they’d  prefer to live out their days in their own home. For many, this desire is so  strong that they’ll insist on staying in the face of what seems to be an  impossible situation.

But even as a friend or relative begins to  decline and need more support, “aging in place” can usually continue to  work.

The good news is that there’s a wide and growing array of  supports available to help older adults age in place safely and in comfort,  from high-tech home-monitoring systems to skilled in-home caregivers. The key  to successful aging in place is learning about these supports — and how to  “future-proof” her home — before a health crisis or other emergency  strikes.

Practical needs to consider  include:
   * Transportation. Driving — which many  older adults perceive as the key to their independence — is a touchy subject,  but talking about it is crucial, as is assessing an older adult’s ability to  continue to drive safely. If she does lose the ability to drive, there are a  number of available alternatives, from paratransit and door-to-door vans to  enlisting family, friends, and church members to help out with rides on a  rotating basis.

   * In-home safety. You’ll want  to do a top-to-bottom review of her home for comfort and potential safety  hazards. Put yourself in her shoes and look for (and be prepared to install)  things like bright lighting throughout the house, light switches at the top  and bottom of stairs, and grab bars in the bathroom, for starters. A certified  aging-in-place specialist can make suggestions and help figure out how to  implement needed changes.

   * Finances. Like  driving, money is a touchy subject, but it’s important for aging-in-place  older adults to have a clear sense of their financial resources and how long  they will last, especially if their need for in-home care  increases.
Assuming that your friend or relative is comfortable discussing  finances with you, sit down with her and go over whether she has the income to  cover her needs over time, including in-home care should it become necessary.  A financial planner who specializes in eldercare can help. If it looks like  there’s going to be a lack of funds, become familiar with financial options,  from reverse mortgages to Medicaid’s Cash and Counseling program, which pays  for in-home care in some states, for those  eligible.

   * Healthcare. Again, planning is key.  If she’s willing, review her healthcare coverage with her and make a list of  her doctors and nearby hospitals. Make sure everyone caring for her knows what  the plan is if a medical problem arises on the weekend or on a holiday. The  more information you have at hand before something happens, the better  prepared you’ll be to help when it does.

   *  Household maintenance. One of the main reasons older adults wind up moving to  retirement communities is because they have trouble “keeping up with the  house.” But if you make a list of household tasks — both routine and  intermittent (mowing the lawn, cleaning the rain gutters, taking the trash  cans to the curb) — and figure out together which tasks she can still handle  and which she needs help with, an unwanted move can often be  avoided.

The next step is figuring out who’s available — volunteers or  professionals — to help.  A neighbor may be more than happy to take out  the trash cans each week, and more time-consuming maintenance tasks can be  delegated to a handyman or gardener. If you live nearby and are willing to  help with something as minor as changing a light bulb that requires climbing a  ladder, let her know — it will bring her and you peace of mind, and will help  keep her safe.

Sensitive issues like these prompted Home Instead Senior  Care to  launch a public education campaign called the “40-70 Rule.” This campaign will help adult children or caring relative begin to  address difficult issues with their  aging loved one such as driving,  finances, independence and even romance.  Good communication also is  vital to helping families know when it’s time to seek additional resources.  

“Oftentimes both adult children and their loved  ones can  benefit from outside help, such as a professional caregiver,” said  Mrs. Cook.  “But the only way that will happen is if they can talk about it.  Copies of  the free “40-70 Rule” guide are available by contacting Cook at (727) 845-5819.

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Home Instead Senior Care and its caregivers provide a vitally needed and compassionate service to our community’s seniors. From meal preparation and light housekeeping to respite care, Home Instead guarantees that their staff of professional caregivers will be there for the aging loved one as a caring companion so our seniors can remain Home Instead. Call the local office in New Port Richey, Florida at (727) 845-5819 for details about services.