Aging in place refers to being able to stay at your home when you’ve officially become a senior. A lot of people decide to live in care homes instead because it’s a lot cheaper and you get a sense of community with other people in the home itself. However, many people would prefer to just stay put at home and age on their terms. After all, you’ve spent so much time investing in your mortgage and you’re probably comfortable around your local area, so why bother moving?
If your parents are in this situation and are deciding between living in a care home and staying put, then there are a couple of ways that you can help your parents age in place if they’re leaning towards that as their choice.
Understand the need for companionship
It’s a good idea to learn more about companionship for the elderly. This is arguably one of the biggest reasons why seniors prefer to live in care homes and communities. As they age, it’s more difficult for them to go out, make friends and even attend communal events that become a source of companionship. If they live alone, then it’s even more difficult because they’re less likely to have people to speak with at home.
Understanding this need is the key to overcoming many of the challenges that come with ageing in place. It’s important to establish a friendly community for your elderly parents so that they’re able to age in place and still get the companionship they’re looking for.
Consider home care services for when you can’t be there to help
If you can’t always be there to help your parents then you may want to consider hiring home care assistance instead. This is a fantastic option for a number of reasons. First, it ensures that your parents get quality care from trained professionals. Secondly, it gives you peace of mind knowing that there’s someone always looking after your parents and puts their safety as a priority. Lastly, it’s also good companionship and gives them someone to chat to on a daily basis.
Address safety concerns around the house and installing assistive technologies
Another potential problem that you might face is the lack of assistive technologies around the home. As our parents age, the likelihood that they need extra help around the house increases. For example, you might find that your parents need handles near the toilets, or they might be considering adding a stairlift to their home. If this is the case for you, then it’s a good idea to look at local companies that can offer these services.
Do your parents want to age in place or would they prefer a care home?
Lastly, don’t forget to sit down and have a chat with your elderly parents about the possibility of staying at home or moving into a care home. Moving elderly parents can be a lot of work and there’s a possibility that they want to stay in place, but it’s also possible that they want to sell off their house or even hand it down to the family instead and just move to a care home.