Aging In Place – What You’ll Need

Most people desire to stay in their own homes as they get older, also known as “age in place.” In fact, surveys reveal nearly 90% of individuals would prefer to do just that.  With some preparation and planning, you may be able to live independently at home, just as millions of others have been able to do.

If you or a loved one is seeking to stay at home during their golden years, we’ve put together a list of 7 actions to take now:

Build a Social Life – For many individuals, work provided the bulk of their social life. Once our working days are behind us, so too can be our social life. Reach out and make new friends, join clubs, or find associations that provide regular opportunities to socialize.

Find Personal Hobbies – If you’ve recently retired, it can be a daunting task to fill all the hours in the day. Actively seek out hobbies and activities to participate in to keep your mind and body active throughout the day.

Review Your Finances – Managing household finances can be a chore for anyone regardless of their age. Review your financial plan for aging at home and if needed, solicit the help of a trusted relative or friend to review your finances monthly to ensure bills are paid and accounts are balanced.

Check Your Home’s Safety – The potential for slip and falls increases as we age. Make sure your home is equipped with bathroom grab bars, non-slip surfaces, and levered door handles. Additionally, make sure alert systems are installed to call for assistance no matter where you are in the home.

Develop a Transportation Plan – If you are unable to drive yourself, check out local public transportation options as well as ride share companies such as Uber or Lyft. Also contact your local city or county for senior transportation options which may be less expensive than private transportation yet more accommodating than buses or trains.

Create a Diet and Exercise Plan – Staying healthy and active can keep your body strong, which may help to reduce accidents. A well-balanced diet can provide energy throughout the day and help stave off illness.

Plan for Future Care – While those who wish to age in place wish to do so forever, it is likely you may require the assistance of in-home health care, assisting living, or nursing home care in the future. Have a financial plan in place to account for these potential future costs and the cost of maintaining your home.

If you have questions about how to protect your financial future while aging at home, contact my office today. I’m here to help!