If you talk with anyone over the age of 65, 98% will tell you they want to stay in their homes as they age. People want to stay where they have lived for so long, are comfortable and are surrounded by memories of earlier times. As a society, we have come a long way medically so there are very few medical issues that would prevent someone from aging in place. Instead, other factors can have more of an impact on someone’s ability to successfully stay home. Here are the top categories which should be considered by anyone who is planning on aging in place:

1.      Availability of caregivers – Many people count on friends and family to meet their needs as they age. Initially, they might just need a little help around the house with cooking and cleaning. As they progress, their needs will also include more personal care including bathing and transferring them from one location to another or on and off the toilet. Every family caregiver needs to ask themselves if they can be there for their loved ones as their needs grow. Are you comfortable helping a parent bathe or dress? If not, do you have the finances needed to hire professional caregivers?  These are difficult questions that only you can answer. What is most important is ensuring your loved one has support around them for all of their needs. If this isn’t possible, aging in place would not be a safe option.

2.      Accessibility – It is important that the home be as accessible as possible for someone who is aging. Are doorways wide enough for a wheelchair? Are there grab bars in the bathrooms and are they positioned properly? Are all major living areas on one floor? If the answer is no, the home can be modified to fit your needs. It is important to bring in someone who is familiar with “universal design” so they can help you to determine what needs to be changed. Then compare the cost of home modification to the costs of assisted living. This will help you to determine if modifying the home is a realistic option for your family.

3.      Transportation - As people age, there comes a time when it is no longer safe for a person to drive. Many people count on their friends and family to drive them where they need to go. This works well but what happens when you are not available? Are there services in the area (including buses, cabs, etc.) they can use to get to the store or the doctor’s office?  If not, can you create a team of individuals who can take turns with the driving? If a person cannot get out to do their errands or to go to the doctors, and there are no support services in the area, then aging in place would not be a good option for them.

4.      Socialization – Everyone wants to age in place but many people don’t realize that it can be a lonely option. If a person is alone most of the time and counts on weekly visits by family for their socialization, then they might become very lonely and depressed. It is important that people have activities and people to share them with. Having friends their own age to speak with is very important. Setting up times for them to get together and making transportation easy, will go a long way to having a successful aging in place experience.    

I hope that by focusing on these four items, you and your loved ones will have a safe, rewarding aging in place experience.