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Aging in Place: How to Stay Safe and Independent in Your Home as You Age

July 3, 2024

Type the word “aging” into your web browser, and you’ll get a full array of popular suggestions, a glimpse into what we, 21st century Googlers, have on our minds when it comes to getting older: aging backward, aging skin treatments, aging with comfort … and aging in place. There’s no doubt about it—we’re concerned about aging and the changes it will bring to our appearance, our health, and how we live. While I can’t speak to the attainability of the fountain of youth that underlies the question of how to age backward, aging with comfort and aging in place are a different story.

What is aging in place? It’s a buzzword in the senior sphere these days. Still, it simply refers to the ability of seniors to remain in their own homes, living as independently as possible and for as long as possible as they grow older.  To age in place requires some planning and preparation, so the best time to lay the groundwork for the aging-in-place lifestyle is before you meet any health and mobility-related setbacks. Here’s everything you need to know to get started, plan for care in your home, and even how know when it might be time to consider alternative housing arrangements.

Assess Your Home for Safety and Accessibility

Even if you currently have no trouble getting around in your home, imagine you have more limited mobility or stability and take a look around from a safety perspective. The National Institutes of Health offers this safety checklist to guide you on what to look for in and around your home. Sturdy handrails, ramps, and bathroom grab bars might be some of the more obvious considerations, but would you have thought about having a bench near your door for setting down packages and bags as you unlock your door? Make sure your space is well-lit, indoors and out, and keep the area free of clutter to avoid tripping hazards. Addressing these factors now can prevent injuries and help ensure you can age in place comfortably.

Consider Your Needs and Resources

Aging in place doesn’t mean you must go alone without needed support and care. Plenty of help exists when you need it, including:

  • Help with activities of daily living
  • Home health care
  • Meal delivery, prep, and food shopping
  • Household chore assistance
  • Transportation

Chester County Aging Services is a helpful resource for local seniors to connect with the services they need to continue living independently at home. Here, you’ll find an extensive directory of local home care service providers, complete with a list of questions to ask when contacting providers and tips for getting started. Consider familiarizing yourself with your options and considering what you might need in the future.

Is It Time to Leave Home?

At some point, you may find that aging in place is no longer your best option. This realization could stem from various reasons, such as feeling overwhelmed by home maintenance, needing more care than can be provided at home, or simply desiring the social interaction offered by a senior community. The decision to leave your home is deeply personal and one that you and your loved ones can navigate together.

The Hickman makes for a great next step in the transition from home, offering several living arrangements that suit a variety of needs and keep autonomy and quality of life at the forefront, including:

  • Independent Plus+
  • Personal Care
  • Memory Care
  • Short-Term Respite Stay
[9:27 AM] Tim