How can I stay in my home? A Simple Guide to Aging in Place

Aging in Place is the hot topic of the moment, and it should be, as we are in the midst of the pandemic. Understanding what it is and how you can do it, will expand your options to keep you safe and comfortable, as you age. 

As Covid-19 surges through the U.S., Nursing Homes and congregate living facilities for Seniors are seeing the highest levels of infection and resulting deaths. Despite their best efforts to contain the spread, and many precautions are being taken to protect them, Nursing Homes and Senior Communities have seen the virus spread like wildfire to the most vulnerable. Witnessing this leaves many of us wondering: how can I avoid this happening to me and how can I change my plans for the future?

If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that the safest place we can be is in our homes. We have learned to protect ourselves by wearing masks in public, the importance of social distancing, and to shelter in place, when necessary, to curb the spread of the Coronavirus. To Age in Place means that you will remain in your own home for the later years of your life. It does not mean moving into a smaller home, assisted living, or a retirement community, etc. 

Here is what you need to know so that you can Age in Place, in the safety and comfort of your own home, for as long as it is safe for you to remain there. 

Make a Plan

Determine what you want your future to look like and where you want to spend the duration of your retirement. Review your plan with a trusted retirement planner, financial advisor, elder law attorney, etc to determine your budget and a timeline. Be sure to discuss your plan with any family members who you feel should be a part of the conversation.

Identify Issues

What changes do you need to make to your home? According to a recent study, 90% of Seniors wish to remain in their homes; however, only 20% live in a home that requires no modifications. Modifications are changes that you can make to your home to make it more accessible, safer, and easier to navigate. Most importantly, you need to be the homeowner or have permission from the homeowner in order to make any modifications. You need to assess your home for potential safety hazards, fall risks, and accessibility issues. The AARP recommends that you have a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) conduct a home assessment.  If a home assessment by a CAPS professional doesn’t fit into your budget, you can use the AARP HomeFit Guide, here. 

Project Management

Based on the findings in the assessment, a CAPS professional will be able to recommend solutions (or modifications) to remedy the issues they uncovered.  You will need to prioritize the modifications to fit your budget and timeline. Finally, you can continue working with your CAPS professional who can manage the process for you as a Project Manager or you can coordinate the services, hire the contractors, and manage the project on your own.

Your Forever Home

Once you have identified potential problem areas in your home, prioritized the solutions based on your budget, and completed the modifications, you have made the home you love a place where you can age in place- your forever home. 

_{Want someone to handle the entire process for you? Brady Senior Home Solutions can. Click here to schedule a consultation.}