Most senior adults usually prefer staying in their homes as they age instead of moving to an assisted living facility. If your parents are in this boat, here are a few ways you can help them age in place.
Choose the Aging-in-Place Location Carefully
While this may not be a place where the senior adult has been living all their life, it should be a safe space where they will feel at home. The place you choose should be closer to the basic things they will need to lead a good quality of life. For instance, choose a location near social activities, quality outdoor air, an exercise facility, and other important things. If you are having trouble locating one, talk to a skilled realtor to help you choose a place. Around 78% of recent property buyers found that their realtor can be a source of helpful information. They will direct you to various senior living communities, and you and your parents can choose something suitable.
Address The Safety Concerns for Aging in Place
When your parent is aging in place, you will obviously have safety concerns which you will have to address. Senior adults are at a high risk of burning themselves, falling, or poisoning. So you and your parents have to come up with ways to minimize these risks. It is common to find people holding on to things they no longer need. Go to someone’s attic, basement, or garage, and you will find many things that you do not need. About 25% of people with two-car garages barely have room to park the cars inside, and about 32% only have enough room for one car. This is due to clutter stored in those spaces which most people do not need. In addition, clutter is a safety hazard for senior people. Get rid of it and implement safety measures in the house that will minimize falls, poisoning, or a house catching fire.
Be Proactive and Organized in Matters of Healthcare
Whether you choose to seek information on geriatric health or not, you will have to be proactive about health concerns when dealing with aging parents. This is because most senior adults suffer from various health issues. A recent survey by the National Council on Aging found that about 75% of seniors suffer from a chronic condition, with some having even two or more. That is why you should work with a healthcare giver and stay on top of any issues that may arise. If you notice your parents struggling, inform the medical team so as to address the problems before they escalate.
Explore Home Care Options
Talk to your parents about home care or assisted living options like respite care in Walnut Creek, CA if they want to age in place. What are the major areas that your parents need help with? It could be something simple like someone coming to clean and prep meals then leaving. Many professional caregivers can help with different things from housekeeping, exercising, medication reminders, laundry, grocery shopping, bathing, transportation, and companionship and care. This can ensure your loved one is safe and happy at their home.
If further care and assistance are needed like memory care services for seniors, why not check on amenities like Fallbrook Glen senior living options. Be sure to have your research and learn about independent living options, memory care living options and respite care for seniors. You may also visit sites like https://www.chelseatbaldeagle.com/residences/floor-plans/ or terrazaseniorliving.com/ if you want to know more about assisted living options for seniors.
Support Your Parents in Staying Active
One of the biggest strategies for aging in place is being physically active. Exercising regularly will help older adults maintain strength in their muscles, bones, and joints. Also, physical activity can help minimize the risk of falls, reduce memory problems, treat depression and hinder dementia or mental decline. Help them find ways to stay active, whether through getting a trainer or joining an online exercising class.
Aging in place comes with many benefits, like independence and control, happiness, companionship, and safety. That is why if your parents have said this is the option they wish for, you both need to sit and discuss how that will work depending on the available resources. But if further assistance is needed, don’t hesitate to seek out help from the professionals at Western Slope Memory Care community.
