Aging in Place: A 5-Step Roadmap for Living at Home Safely

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ComForCare Home Care Northern Colorado

For more information about the author, click to view their website: ComForCare Home Care Northern Colorado

Posted on

Jul 11, 2023

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Colorado - Northern Colorado

If you are reaching retirement age or have a loved one 65+, you may have heard the term “aging in place.” Aging in place simply means that you stay at home as you grow older, rather than entering a senior living community or moving in with family members. Over 75% of older adults want to stay in their current homes. But to honor those wishes, it’s important to have a plan in place.

As people grow older, their needs change. Maintaining physical health, safety, personal care, and mental health may all require you to make adjustments and even seek a helping hand. Fortunately, services like in-home care are making it possible for more adults to stay at home for longer periods of time.

If you or a loved one is approaching their senior years, it’s important to put a plan in place now to ensure your preferences can be met safely. Let’s talk through the most important steps for making home a safe and healthy place to grow old.

Your Aging in Place Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you live alone, have a spouse that will soon need care, or are concerned about an aging parent, this list can help you plan ahead to ensure their safety and comfort.


Step 1: Assess the Kinds of Help You May Require

The first thing to consider is the types of care you or your loved one may be most likely to require in the near future. Some illnesses and long-term conditions can make getting around harder, such as diabetes or dementia. But even when medical care isn’t required, many seniors still need assistance with various other aspects of daily life.

In-home care services can help seniors with most of the support they need to stay in their own homes. With in-home care, you can add any of the services you need on a schedule of your choosing, including:

  • Personal care
  • Light housekeeping & chores
  • Meal preparation
  • Companion care
  • Transportation
  • Medication reminders & monitoring chronic conditions 

Step 2: Make a Plan for Monitoring Health Conditions

While home care services don’t typically include skilled nursing care, they can help you manage chronic diseases. Between visits to your doctor, an in-home caregiver can check in and provide extra peace of mind, preventing disease progression and coordinating further care if and when needs change.

With services like remote patient monitoring (RPM), even seniors who don’t yet need full-time assistance can get a helping hand managing and tracking conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and more. RPM devices can even detect falls when no one else is in the home, ensuring that if an accident does happen, you or your loved one will receive the right care as quickly as possible.

Step 3: Complete a Home Safety Assessment

Every home has its unique quirks and features that need to be considered when making a plan to age in place. Therefore, the earlier you can start reducing hazards and making modifications, the better. 

With a little pre-planning, making a home accessible for the elderly doesn’t have to happen all at once! We recommend starting before you need care and making at least one major modification per year to make your home an age-friendly place.

Safety Hazards to Watch For

  • Electrical cords in walkways
  • Cluttered rooms with too much furniture to navigate around
  • Loose rugs without tape or slip-resistant backings
  • Stairs without sturdy railing
  • Outdoor steps with loose stones or rotting wood

Recommended Aging-in-Place Home Modifications

  • Install grab bars and slip-resistant floor surfaces in bathrooms
  • Move the main bedroom to the first floor
  • Purchase kitchen appliances with safety features
  • Replace round door knobs with lever handles 
  • Ensure ample and easily accessible lighting throughout the home (consider voice-activated smart lighting)

ComForCare is available to help—our teams perform thorough in-home assessments to develop customized care plans and make home safety recommendations. For more information on how to reduce fall risks in the home, download our free guide!

Step 4: Start Prioritizing Health & Nutrition

Regular activity, a balanced diet, and stress management are all important components of maintaining an independent lifestyle, managing health conditions, and reducing your risk of injuries. If you haven’t started setting these healthy habits, now is the best time to start. After all, nutrition needs change after 65, so it’s important to understand what you’ll need to accomplish your health goals.

It’s also important to be realistic about your ability to cook meals for yourself, which may be affected by changes that come with age. In-home caregivers can develop a personalized nutrition plan and prepare meals, helping you stay healthier—and therefore live at home—longer. 

Step 5: Plan Ahead for Transportation & Social Connection

Staying connected to your community is extremely important, as isolation is one of the biggest risk factors for seniors living at home alone. Being able to go out to social events, make your doctor’s appointments, and reach local shopping areas for what you need is critical.

If your ability to drive is or becomes compromised, you need to understand what other options are available to you. For some, that could mean public transportation or getting rides from a loved one, but these options aren’t always realistic (or reliable) for everyone. 

If transportation or isolation is a concern, home care services can help. Whether you need regular assistance getting to appointments or just need a ride on an as-needed basis, our care services can be tailored to your unique preferences.

Learn More About Whether In-Home Care is Right for You

At ComForCare, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality senior care services in the comfort of our clients’ homes. Whether you need us for a few days each week or around the clock, our compassionate caregivers are ready to tailor services to you. Browse through our wealth of resources to learn more about the signs that it’s time for home care, how to talk about home care, and much more. Or contact your nearest location today to start a conversation!

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Supporting Seniors to Live Comfortably and Independently at HomeAs the population of older adults continues to rise in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties, more seniors are opting for a solution that allows them to age with dignity and independenceaging in place. This approach enables seniors to remain in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible, avoiding the need for relocation to nursing homes or assisted living facilities. With the right support, seniors can continue to live independently while receiving the necessary care and assistance to maintain their quality of life.In this blog, we will explore the benefits of aging in place, the services available to support seniors, and how Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties are fostering this trend to ensure older adults can live comfortably and independently in their own homes. What Does Aging in Place Mean?Aging in place is the concept of seniors staying in their own homes as they grow older, instead of moving to a senior care facility. It is all about creating a living environment that supports the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of seniors, enabling them to maintain independence, participate in their community, and receive the care they need.This lifestyle choice requires a combination of home modifications, health care services, and social support that helps seniors age comfortably and safely at home. The Benefits of Aging in PlaceThere are numerous benefits to aging in place, especially for seniors in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties, which are known for their warm climate and vibrant communities. Here are some of the most significant advantages:Comfort and Familiarity: Staying in a familiar environment allows seniors to feel more secure and comfortable. This can help reduce anxiety and feelings of isolation.Independence: Aging in place allows seniors to retain their independence and continue doing the things they love, such as participating in local activities, socializing with friends, and maintaining a routine.Cost-Effective: In many cases, aging in place is more affordable than moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home. Home care services can be tailored to a seniors needs, allowing for flexible hours and less cost.Personalized Care: Aging in place enables seniors to receive care that is customized to their individual needs, whether that means assistance with daily tasks or more specialized medical services.Increased Social Engagement: By staying in their community, seniors are able to maintain social connections with neighbors, friends, and family, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. Services that Support Aging in Place in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte CountiesAging in place is not just about staying in a home; its about ensuring that seniors have the right support to thrive. Fortunately, there are many services available in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties that make aging in place a viable option for local seniors. Some of the most common services that support this lifestyle include:Home Modifications: Simple home modifications, such as installing grab bars, ramps, and wider doorways, can make a significant difference in a senior's ability to move around safely in their home.Personal Care Assistance: Seniors may need help with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, and meal preparation. Personal care aides can assist with these tasks, ensuring seniors maintain their dignity and independence.Home Health Care: Skilled nursing services, physical therapy, and medication management are crucial for seniors with medical needs. Home health care services can provide in-home visits from healthcare professionals to support seniors physical health.Companion Care: Many seniors need assistance with social activities, transportation, or simple companionship. Companion care services ensure seniors remain socially engaged and active.Transportation Services: For seniors who are no longer able to drive, transportation services allow them to continue to participate in community activities, attend medical appointments, and stay connected with family and friends. How to Make Aging in Place Work in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte CountiesFor seniors in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties, aging in place is entirely possible with the right resources. Here are a few tips for making it work:Assess Home Safety: The first step to aging in place is ensuring the home is safe. Consider making necessary home modifications and addressing any potential hazards such as slippery floors or inadequate lighting.Create a Care Plan: Whether its personal care assistance or home health care, creating a care plan tailored to the individuals needs is essential. It can be helpful to consult with a healthcare provider or senior care expert to determine the most appropriate services.Stay Active and Socially Engaged: Seniors should try to stay active by joining local clubs, participating in community events, or exercising. This not only promotes physical health but also improves mental and emotional well-being.Consider Community Support: There are many local organizations, churches, and senior centers in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties that offer resources and support for aging in place. These can provide additional help with transportation, social activities, and caregiving services. Aging in Place Resources in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte CountiesIf you or a loved one are considering aging in place, there are numerous local resources to explore. Seniors Blue Book provides a comprehensive directory of senior services in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties, including home care, senior housing, medical care, and more. By utilizing these resources, you can find the right services and support to help your loved one thrive at home.To start your search, visit the Seniors Blue Book directory here: Explore Senior Resources in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties Browse Home Care Options in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties Final Thoughts on Aging in PlaceAging in place allows seniors in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties to live independently and comfortably in their homes while receiving the necessary support to maintain their health and well-being. With the right services and planning, aging in place is an excellent choice for seniors who wish to enjoy their golden years in a familiar and supportive environment.By exploring local resources and services, seniors can access the care they need while remaining active and engaged in their communities. 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Aging in Place in Dallas, Texas: A Growing Trend in Senior Living

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ComForCare Home Care - Northern Colorado

Non-Medical 561 East Garden Drive, Windsor, Colorado, 80550

ComForCare is family-based. Laura and Chris the owners have both been caregivers for 30 years. Laura started as a caregiver when she was 16 and now has a masters degree in nursing. Chris was a career firefighter for 25 years. Through in-home care services, ComForCare Fort Collins helps older adults to stay in their own homes and continue to do all the things they love. Whether care is needed for a few hours a week or 24/7, our professional caregivers are available to provide the services you need.

ComForCare Home Care - Northern Colorado

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ComForCare is family-based. Laura and Chris the owners have both been caregivers for 35 years. Laura started as a caregiver when she was 16 and now has a masters degree in nursing. Chris was a career firefighter for 25 years. Through in-home care services, ComForCare Fort Collins helps older adults to stay in their own homes and continue to do all the things they love. Whether care is needed for a few hours a week or 24/7, our professional caregivers are available to provide the services you need.