Aging in Place - Ideas to Help You Stay Home in the Later Years
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Many of today's older folks are choosing to "age in place" - live out their final years at home instead of moving into a nursing home or retirement community. This can be done with some care and forethought. Here are some tips to help you or someone you love prepare to age in place.
Home Changes. Assess you home with an eye on your future needs. Is it possible you may be in a wheelchair someday? Then hire a contractor to make your home maneuverable using a wheelchair. Also, you need to be able to reach things in your kitchen, so counters and shelving may need to be lowered.
Meal Delivery Service. This can be anything from gourmet meals delivered to your home to affordable programs for the elderly such as Meals on Wheels. Consider your budget and dietary needs when deciding. Check your local Yellow Pages or look online for these services.
Shuttle Service. Most urban areas and suburban areas offer door-to-door shuttle services for the elderly and disabled. They'll even help you with your wheelchair. These services are usually very affordable and helpful as they are trained to help you in and out of the shuttle.
Books. You can order books mailed to you from online booksellers. And most public library systems allow you to sign up for their free books by mail service. Select the books online that you want sent to you.
Medical Alert Service. How it works is you sign up and pay for this service and then you or your loved one has to carry an alarm around at all times. If you have an emergency, just press the button and the service will respond. This service works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
New Gadgets. There is a plethora of new gadgets geared for the aging population. Everything from large print TV screens to easy-to-push remote control buttons. You can find catalogs online and have them delivered in paper form to your home for your browsing pleasure.
Caregivers. If you should need one, it is best to have it figured out before the fact. Check with your insurance company to find out what they will and will not cover. Also consider asking family or friends to help if you feel comfortable doing so. You may need full-time care towards the end or just someone to check in on you each day to help you out a little.
Aging in place is not for everyone. Some people prefer the sociability of a facility such as a nursing home. But for the independent minded who like the privacy and comfort of home, with some time and forethought, this is a perfectly doable option.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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