is aging in place right for you?
TRANSCRIPT
Aging in your own “Home sweet home” is seen as desirable by Boomers and those who’ve zoomed beyond them in years. According to the government agency, HUD, 89% of Americans over age 50 wish to remain in their homes for as long as possible. That may be a situation devoutly to be wished, but aging in place is a lot more complicated than just standing there and putting down roots like a Redwood Tree (though Redwoods are lovely).
There’s aging in place, and there’s aging in place with grace, which requires many things, including positivity, proactive behavior (sometimes pretty substantial), support by family can care organizations, and finding solutions to really tough questions like “can I age in place even if I’m seriously ill and need 24 hr nursing care?
There are a wide range of agencies, like BrightStar Care with the mission and capabilities to help you maintain your independence within the comfort of your own home.
You may also be able to make home repairs or modifications to make your life easier and safer, such as installing a wheelchair ramp, bathtub railings, or emergency response system.
Let’s back up to the question everyone needs to ask at some point. “is aging in place right for me, or us as the case frequently may be? Here are some more answers caregiving agencies like BrightStar provide and even the government agency, HUD suggests.
Staying at home can a good option if:• You have a close network of nearby family, friends, and
neighbors• Transportation is easily accessible, including alternate
transportation to driving• Your neighborhood is safe• Your home can be modified to reflect your changing needs• Home and yard maintenance is not overwhelming
• Your physical and medical needs do not require a high level of care (intensive care, full-time monitoring)
• You have an outgoing personality and are willing and able to reach out for social support
• You fall within the geographical confines of an integrated community, such as a “village” or NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community)
• You require less than 40 hours of in-home care per week; more care than that at home tends to be cost more costly than assisted living facilities and be more difficult to manage and maintain.
When home care assistance gets excessive, family and friends usually play a much greater role in caregiving and, in fact, can benefit from care management software programs such as BrightStar’s CareTogether Program and another shared care program called CareTree and a real-time home health care management system.
Find Quality Care Now Locate a BrightStar Near You!
Find a location in Canada
Find a location in the US
