The costs of living in a facility continue to rise across the country. Locally in Ohio, assisted living facilities range from $7,000 to $11,000 a month, depending on the required level of assistance. In light of these costs and the desire for many to stay at home, the term “aging in place” aptly describes this aspiration.
What is aging in place?
Aging in place means exhausting all possibilities and solutions to remain at home before needing to move into a facility. The home holds cherished memories, providing a comfort that’s hard to replace. For those committed to staying at home, I’ve crafted this post as a guide.
So where do we begin?
Each person’s ability to stay at home begins with covering all of life’s necessities. I have created a list including these necessities. Each needs a plan to be completed or else your safety may be at risk. These items are listed below.
- Able to enter and leave home safely.
- Access to nutritious food and ability to prepare it and eat it.
- Able to safely access bedroom, bathroom, kitchen as needed.
- Able to dress and bathe oneself.
- Able to manage schedule/medical appointments.
- Able to manage medications.
- Have access to transportation (as needed).
- Have the ability or access to errands (grocery shopping, post office).
With the patients I work with, I make sure we talk about each of these tasks at a bare minimum. My hope is that they are able to complete each task without any help but this may not always be the case. As we go through the list, I tell them to mark an X on the items they are not able to do or do not feel safe completing alone.
For tasks marked with an ‘X,’ we’ll go through planning steps to find safe solutions. These planning steps are listed below.
Planning Steps:
1.Alternative Process:
Determine a different way to complete the task. For example, if driving or walking to the grocery store is challenging, explore grocery delivery services. If you are no longer able to dress yourself standing up, can you do it sitting down? If you have trouble cooking, have you tried pre-made meals? They have many easy and nutritious options. With each passing year, companies are making life more convenient. We just need to find the right solution. If we can’t find a solution yet, we move onto the next step.
2.Equipment Assist:
Consider if any equipment purchases could make the task safer. Consult a Physical Therapist (PT) or Occupational Therapist (OT) for guidance on equipment like pill organizers or shower benches. There a shoe horns to help you with shoes, a sock aid to help with socks, a long handled sponge to help with bathing, a lift chair to help with standing and a toilet seat riser to more safely get on and off the toilet. The equipment solutions are endless and could help make most daily activities a little safer. This should be a part of your solutions to solving any of life’s necessities. However, if a solution is still not reached, we then move onto the next step.
3.Free Outside Help:
If alternatives and equipment prove insufficient, the next step involves reaching out to family and friends for assistance. The initial approach is to identify the specific task requiring help and determine the minimum amount of time needed for its completion. For instance, you might feel uneasy taking baths alone and estimate that with assistance, it would take approximately 30 minutes, twice a week. Clearly defining the task and time commitment makes it more manageable for a helper, ensuring they understand the specifics of how and for how long their assistance is required. This approach fosters a positive relationship, turning the assistance into a heartwarming experience.
4.Paid Outside Help:
If family or friends are unable to assist, exploring professional help is a viable option. Platforms like Care.com can facilitate connections with caregivers who undergo background checks and training. As in step 3, focus on seeking assistance for essential tasks, allowing you to preserve your independence while effectively managing costs. Strive to handle as much as you can independently, recognizing that the balance between self-reliance and external support may evolve based on your changing needs. Flexibility is a valuable quality to embrace in navigating these dynamics.
Additional Areas To Address:
Addressing additional tasks follows the same planning steps. Common issues include yard work, house cleaning, less frequent tasks, and socialization.
1.Yard Work:
Check with the city for free or reduced-price yard maintenance services. If not available, use platforms like Angie.com to find reputable services.
2.House Cleaning:
Inquire with local cleaning services for senior discounts.
3.Less Frequent Tasks:
Many fire departments offer free services like checking and changing smoke detectors.
4.Socialization:
Explore virtual options if leaving the home is challenging. Websites like Meetup and the Virtual Senior Center (https://www.vscm.selfhelp.net/) can provide connections.
Solving these problems empowers individuals to age where they want while maintaining independence. For family members, discussing these items with loved ones or observing their handling of tasks can identify issues early, preventing the need for a facility.
Each person’s journey is unique, but this guide covers 90% of the issues. A keen eye will help detect the remaining 10%. Remember, the steps to finding solutions remain the same.
Good luck, stay strong, and keep moving.