THE FACTS ABOUT AGING IN PLACE

What to consider when deciding to stay in your home or move elsewhere

Aging in place. It sounds like the ideal scenario for post-retirement living. In fact, that’s what most people initially think of when they picture their golden years. In fact, aging in place is a popular option for many folks as they get older and healthcare needs increase. AARP’S The United States of Aging Survey, 2012, found that “approximately 90 percent of seniors intend to continue living in their current homes for the next five to 10 years.” The phrase ‘age in place’ originated in social service and academic circles, meaning the place you want to be your forever home. However, for many, growing old in the family home may mean dealing with a big empty house, home maintenance, changing neighborhoods, loss of social connections, and more. So, is aging in place a practical choice for everyone? How do you make it happen? What are the challenges to overcome? It’s important to consider each aspect of aging-in-place and who will take care of things as the homeowner needs more help. As healthcare needs increase, it is imperative to ensure that your home is safe for aging-in-place. And there are many things to consider for safety, cost and ease of living. Planning is the key to staying put, but planning ahead is hard because you never know how your needs might change.

Experts say:

The first step is to think about the kinds of help you might want in the near future. Some questions to consider if you need to make home modifications to ensure that your home is safe are: 1. Do I want to add a bathroom and possibly a bedroom on the main level? 2. How can I make my kitchen more functional? 3. Am I worried about preventing falls? 4. Will these home modifications increase the energy efficiency of my home?

Considering to age in place?

Maybe you live alone, so there is no one living in your home who is available to help you. Maybe you don’t need help right now, but you live with a spouse or family member who does. Everyone has a different situation. Either way, be sure to attend the next Let’s Talk Seniors Lecture Series where expert panelists will address these issues and many more related to aging in place, during free lectures this month.

Panelists will discuss:

■ Easy and smart home modifications

■ Making your home more accessible

■ Finding reliable in-home care providers

■ Services available specially for seniors

■ Questions to ask when hiring service providers

■ Ways to stay active and involved

■ Transportation options The truth is – not everyone will move into a senior community. For those who choose to stay at home or live with family, this class will help you plan ahead for possible future care needs, identify resources, and explore the costs associated with aging in place.