Aging in Place to Avoid Nursing Homes

avoid nursing homes

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted lives in many incredible ways. Notably, it has not only affected day to day undertakings but also the lifestyle choice people make every day. Aging in place has become more than a common adage — especially now when many want to avoid a nursing home, living community, and assisted-living homes.

The coronavirus has taught the young and the old the significance of maintaining proper hygiene and keeping the environment clean. It has become hard to maintain homes as physical movements and activities have become limited and more challenging.

Many family members want to help a loved one retain the quality of life and remain at home, especially if they’re not in urgent need of nursing home care.

The good news? Staying indoors has presented many people with incredible ways to cope with the pandemic and not end up in a nursing home.

Aging in place has become a key facet in many peoples’ lifestyle choices. Many people are able to undertake routine housekeeping, yard work, and property upkeeps with little assistance. In essence, it has become easy and a wise decision to figure out how to succeed with your home’s upkeep as you age.

Time to Keep Loved Ones at Home- What to Know

People no longer want to go to a nursing homes these days. And it’s high time to figure out how to keep loved ones at home as long as possible, through home care. But, is this possible with ever-increasing living standards and changing lifestyles?

Aging in place is not a new thing or concept. People (especially older adults) have always discussed ways to avoid a nursing home care. Many seniors desire their independence and want to age in their own home.

Although, many seniors also don’t want to burden family by need care more easily provided by nursing home services.

Most adults have been embracing the idea of remaining in their homes of choice for as long as they can. Seniors on the other hand have always treasured the idea of spending their retirement close to their children and grandchildren.

Even with the advent of the internet, it has even become easy to live at home and enjoy life regardless of one’s age.

Communication and engagement have become effective, health and wellness have become a key consideration at home. Substantially, many people are investing in safety and security in their homes, and learning is no longer a challenge.

If you are still wondering, what is to age in place? It’s the idea of remaining in your own home for as long as you can, and not planning of moving into an assisted living setting, facility care, or retirement home. This means you will live in a residence of your own choice as you age, and this is even when cognitive and physical decline makes it hard to live independently.

What many people may not know is that an aging in place plan is not all about senior people. This is a lifetime endeavor that is for responsible people who want to enhance the quality of their life. These are liable people who wish to live to their fullest and in dignity.

In the long run, you are not going to be a burden to your loved ones and community in general. So, you have to plan ahead and age in place stress-free. You have to research your options and decide whether you are making the right lifestyle choices.

Plan to Age in Place- Essential Things to Consider

Most people may dread the idea of planning to age in place in advance. The majority feel that it’s not easy to predict the future and one’s needs might change with time. But if you want to enjoy life and improve its quality, you have to plan ahead no matter what.

In this light, here are a few things to put into consideration that are secrets to aging in place stress-free. Have a look:

Weigh Your Finances

You have to assess and balance your finances and make an informed decision. Look at the many ways you are going to benefit or end up in a financial crisis if this is a wrong decision. Ensure you evaluate your decisions on a yearly basis and determine whether you are on the right track or not.

Don’t get stuck into the perception that aging in place is less expensive. Staying in your own home may be cheap, but consider the long-term expenses you may incur in the long run. As you age, you will need to seek assistance and you might end up hiring a few people to aid in day to day chores.

Prepare Your Home

Upon deciding to stay in your home (opposed to nursing home care) is the best option for you, go on and figure out whether your home will meet your needs as you age. Your home likely requires improvements as well as structural changes. The changes you make to your home will reduce the chances of exposure to unexpected risks and catastrophes.

Things to think about include:

  • Ramps to make it possible to enter/exit without stairs
  • Door handles that are easy to open
  • Bright, natural light

Maintain Social Connections

Being financially stable and able to care for yourself are not just the most important things in your aging in place plan. A key factor to consider as you age is having and maintaining social connections and interactions. Social isolation is a key issue affecting many senior citizens.

It’s wise to build and maintain personal contacts with loved ones, friends, neighbors, and the community in general. Always have a talk with your loved ones before you make any decisions. But it’s great to take charge of your life as you age in place. Make known your plans no matter what.

Understand the Risks Involved

Share your perspectives about staying at home with your loved ones and senior care service providers in advance. Go on and consider cautiously the risks involved as you age in your own home. You will have a clear mind about whether to opt for a care plan or not.

Make a Care Plan

An individualized care plan will work for you in times of need. And as you age in place, start planning on a care plan early. A healthcare plan will help you take control of your life and reduce unnecessary stress in the near future. With this plan, your needs will be easily met as a senior.

Know who will help

As you plan the transition to age in your own place, consider the different people you will work with and are eager to help. Don’t just focus on only having your family members by your side. You will need several reliable service providers in your dial.

Know who to call when you want to travel, who to seek medical help from, and who to cater to other essential needs. If you live with chronic diseases at home, consider the type of support you will need, and who is there to help. Feel free to work with in-home caregivers, geriatric care managers, and a reliable companion as a senior.

Why Aging in Place has Appeal

You are not alone if aging in place is a decision you keep contemplating. The surge in the number of people considering staying at home as they age is unimaginable. With varied calamities hitting the globe now and then, this is a wise decision to make.

It is a real possibility to age in place as it costs less than living in assisted living or nursing homes. You will as well enjoy the comfort you yearn for each day and do what you wish independently.

Significantly, as you stay at home, you will monitor your health, and strengthen your social networks. Don’t have any misgivings planning to age in place as you will get a chance to live and enjoy a lifestyle you choose or set your heart on.