by National Institute on Aging
Many people want the same things as they get older: to stay in their own homes, to maintain independence for as long as possible, and to turn to family and friends for help when needed. Staying in your own home as you get older is called “aging in place.” But many older adults and their families have concerns about safety, getting around, or other daily activities. Living at home as you age requires careful consideration and planning. This article offers suggestions to help you find the help you need to continue to live independently.
The best time to think about how to age in place is before you need a lot of care. Planning ahead allows you to make important decisions while you are still able.
The first step is to think about the kinds of help you need now and might want in the future. You can learn about home-based care and other services in your community and find out what they cost. Planning ahead also gives you time to set up your home to meet your needs as you age.
Another step is to consider any illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease, that you or your spouse might have. Find out about how the illness could make it hard for someone to get around or take care of themselves in the future. Your health care provider can help answer your questions.
Talk with your family, friends, and other caregivers about what support is needed for you to stay in your home. Be realistic and plan to revisit the decision as your needs change over time.
Support for aging at home
Home-based care includes health, personal, and other support services to help you stay at home and live as independently as possible. In-home services may be short-term — for someone who is recovering from an operation, for example — or long-term, for people who need ongoing help.
In many cases, home-based support is provided at home by informal caregivers, such as family members, friends, and neighbors. It can also be supplemented by formal caregivers and community services.
Help you can receive at home includes:
Personal care: Help with everyday activities, also called “activities of daily living,” including bathing, dressing, grooming, using the toilet, eating, and moving around — for example, getting out of bed and into a chair
Household chores: Housecleaning, yard work, grocery shopping, laundry, and similar chores around the house
Meals: Shopping for food and preparing nutritious meals
Money management: Tasks such as paying bills and filling out health insurance forms
Health care: Help with many aspects of health care, including giving medications, caring for wounds, helping with medical equipment, and providing physical therapy
Transportation: Assistance getting around, such as rides to the doctor’s office or grocery store
Safety: Home safety features and help in case of a fall or other emergency
