The vast majority of seniors asked about their future living arrangements answer that they prefer the option to stay in their home, known as aging in place. The reasons behind this preference often include familiarity, fear of institutions and concerns about finances. There is not a one-size-fits-all plan for long-term care planning. Every senior’s situation is different. The one commonality is that truly aging in place is not about inaction or avoiding change. It requires careful and meticulous planning.
If proper planning does not occur and a senior slips into elder orphanhood, the living conditions could become very dangerous. Elder orphanhood describes seniors who find themselves living alone without local family members or any real support system. This may happen gradually or due to a sudden change of circumstances. Either way, an orphaned senior needs help making their home environment safe and comfortable. They also need a way to get necessary in-home care and a social support system. Finding all of these services requires having enough money to hire a team of caregivers who have the flexibility to adapt to the senior’s ever-changing needs.
Often aging in place requires downsizing or moving into a more senior-friendly home. Sometimes the current home can be renovated to accommodate the senior’s needs. Some common renovations that help a senior age in place include:
- Adding a walk-in shower or tub to the bathroom. Walk-in showers are flush with the floor and have no lip that the senior must step over. Walk-in tubs allow a person to sit down and slide into the tub. Including benches and no-slip tiles also help prevent falls and make bathing easier.
- Placing handrails in appropriate places throughout the home such as in the kitchen or down long hallways can provide seniors something to grab and hold to prevent slipping and falling.
- Adding a stair lift or elevator is likely a necessity for multiple level homes. Getting up and down stairs becomes increasingly difficult as we age.
- Replacing round door knobs with levers has been shown in consumer studies to be an easier way to open and close doors.
- Making sure light switches are accessible and that adequate lights are available throughout the home will help ensure the senior can see where he or she is going.
Every situation has a solution. At Stouffer Legal we help seniors will long-term care planning and other elder law services. Aging in place requires careful planning. Let us help you create a plan that allows you to remain in the comfort and care of your home. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at (443) 470-3599 or emailing us at office@stoufferlegal.com.
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