Aging In Place
By Gail Hoins
Here is a topic that I did not expect to talk or write about for a long time. Guess what, a long time passed and here I am wondering how Jami and I are going to stay in our Belcoda Drive home for as long as possible. We talk about a possible move to a ranch style house, but we love our home and neighborhood. It is also paid for which is a huge plus! According to AARP, about 90% of older adults want to stay in their home as long as possible, so we are not alone.
I am certainly not an expert in aging in place, but I am aging so here are a few simple and inexpensive things Jami and I decided needed to be done to ensure our home was safer for us.
- Those basement steps to the laundry / makeshift exercise room as well as the upstairs steps to the full bath and bedrooms are located:
- Sturdy handrails for tired knees and balance.
- New brighter lighting in stairwells for those tired eyes and to see possible trip hazards before the tumble.
- The bathroom:
- Grab bar in the tub/shower for lifting those legs over the tub’s edge getting in and out.
- Raised toilets for reasons I am not going to share!!!!!
- Walking and exercise for strength and good health.
- Asking for help, which is not easy for us baby boomers. However, I found those younger adults and neighborhood children love to help, which bring a higher level of community, respect, and yes, love to all of us.
Again, I am just sharing my thoughts on aging in place. Remember I am not the expert but there many sources on the internet.
Locally, Eldersource, a service of Lifespan and Catholic Family Center, provides a wealth of knowledge and resources for both elders and caregivers.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines aging in place as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level”. Wikipedia
Safety Tip: Wear a mask, wash your hands, and social distance. Don’t let covid-19 get you!