Evaluate Support Needs

Most people want to retain their independence as much as possible as they grow older, but many of us develop physical and cognitive impairments that can make it harder to function. Aging in place requires the involvement of caregivers that can provide an ongoing assessment to ensure that basic needs are being met.

Some older adults might simply need a little help with household chores. Some people may need mobility aids to help them navigate daily life, while others may hire home health aides to administer medical care. Whatever the case, these needs are likely to change over time and should be reevaluated on a regular basis.

When we discuss the support needs of older adults, we should not overlook emotional support. Social isolation can have a profound negative impact on overall health, and staying at home may not be the ideal choice for individuals who do not live in close proximity to friends and family. Aging in place is best approached as a team effort.

Make Modifications to the Home

Many older adults find it necessary to modify their homes to better accommodate their mobility needs. When making the decision to age in place, the home environment should be closely inspected to identify obstacles and potential hazards. An occupational therapist can be enlisted to help with a home inspection.

The bathroom is statistically the most dangerous room in modern households, and there are a variety of products on the market that can help make bathrooms safer and more accessible. These include handrails, toilet safety frames, and shower chairs.

The home should have at least one accessible entrance, and ramps may need to be installed to make that possible. If the house has more than one floor, a stair lift might be a necessary addition. Home hospital beds and power lift chairs can also help those with mobility impairments feel more comfortable at home.

Of course, mobility is not the only consideration. Additional lighting may be needed in some areas of the home to compensate for impaired vision. Those with hearing loss can benefit from wall treatments to enhance acoustics, and alerting systems (such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors) that produce a flashing light instead of an audible alarm.

Plan for the Future

Aging in place is not a one-time decision, but an evolving process that should respond readily to the inevitable changes that come along with aging. Many of these changes are easy enough to predict and plan around, and coming up with a strategy ahead of time will make them easier to deal with.

Transportation is a good example. Most older adults need to move on from driving at some point, and that will be a much smoother transition for those who are already familiar with their public transit options. It might also be worth looking into car services that cater to older people.

The support networks of older adults should also plan around their changing needs. That might mean more home visits, helping out around the house or with grocery shopping, or simply checking in by phone to provide emotional support.

The key takeaway is that aging in place is not just about staying independent – it’s also about staying connected. When older adults have the support they need, they can continue to play vital roles in the community.

In today’s world, older adults living at home have more resources available to them than ever before. That includes the products and services we provide at Southwest Mobility. You can shop a wide selection of medical equipment at our locations in Mesa and Sun City, AZ.