Aging at Home

Posted on

Jan 22, 2021

Most older adults want to live in their homes for as long as possible. Aging at home brings with it many benefits as well as concerns. A longtime home is a place of comfort, memories and can be a source of connections to family, friends, places of worship, shops and health providers.
However, most homes were not built to support the mobility, sensory and cognitive changes that often accompany aging. As one ages, everyday tasks such as climbing the stairs, standing at counters or in the shower, getting in and out of the bathtub and reaching objects in cabinets can become more difficult.
With some preplanning, the use of todays technology, some home modifications, and outside assisted services when needed, you can make your home better suited to meet the changing needs of the people who live there.
Simple precautions clearing the floor of clutter and removing rugs, improve lighting, add no-slip strips or non-skids mats on floors that may get wet. Place items on lower shelves for easier access.
Modifications-
Through-out the home replace door handles and facet handles with levers rather than knobs. Add ramp access and/or wider door ways for better mobility and access. Handrails on both sides of stairs or stair lift.
Bathroom Higher Toilet seats, grab bars at toilet, shower and bath, level entry shower (no step) with bench.
Technology Medical Alert Systems, smart home devices and home monitoring systems enable residents to call for emergency assistance, perform simple tasks by voice command and creates peace of mind for yourself and loved ones afar.
In-Home Assistance Services
In-Home care and Home Health care are options to assist aging at home.
All of these modifications can be tailored to be make your life easier and keep you independent at home for longer. Most importantly, keep your overall health, safety and everyones peace of mind a top priority.
When the time comes that you or your loved ones are unable to stay in the home safely, turn to your SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) to assist in the transition. As Seniors Real Estate Specialists (SRES)we have unique training and experience in helping home buyers and sellers.
Information in this article was extracted from NAR and Eldercare Locator by Bonnie Warren of Pathway Home Team at Keller Williams. Bonnie can be reached at 407-222-4508 or email bonniewarren@kw.com

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