Bloom Where You’re Planted: Why You Should Think About Aging in Place By Emily Graham
Guest Author, Emily Graham of Mighty Moms
The idea of spending your golden years in a retirement community or an assisted living facility is a comparatively recent one. For most of human history, people finished out their lives in their own homes or with family. During the latter half of the 20th century, age-restricted communities were established as lifespans began ticking upward. Now, almost a century on, we’re about to hit a demographic shift in our elderly population as the Baby Boomers move into retirement.
Now, it’s time to reconsider where we want to spend the rest of our lives. For many, aging in place can be the most livable option in retirement. Magnolia Physical Therapy and Wellness presents some information that you should keep in mind during this time.
Decide If It’s Practical
AARP research indicates most people would like to continue to stay in their current home for as long as they can. But few have made the necessary modifications that will support that decision.
Before committing to your current home, you must consider the cost of modification. A single-story home is more user-friendly than one with lots of stairs, for example. Look over your home with a critical eye. How is the neighborhood? Do you have good relations with the neighbors and nearby loved ones to help you? Are you close to public services and hospitals? Is the home accessible? If it doesn’t meet these criteria, you should consider downsizing to a smaller home or relocating to one closer to family and medical services. Just make sure the new home has everything you’re looking for in age-related mobility and safety modifications. Also, make sure you pay close attention to the housing market to ensure that you’re getting a house you can realistically afford.
The Benefits of Staying Put
The primary advantage of staying where you are is saving money. Most likely, by the time you’re in retirement, you’ll have your home paid off. Your independence is actually important to your overall general good health, both physically and emotionally. Studies show that removing to a care facility increases the likelihood of depression and can contribute to a sense of hopelessness and worsened health outcomes. The longer you can remain in your own home, the better your health is likely to be -- and the better your finances, too. Nursing care is pricey, and elder communities have a steep markup compared to other, non-age-restricted properties.
What Kind Of Improvements Will You Need?
Whether you’re retrofitting or shopping for a new property, you should look for specific upgrades. Wider doorways and hallways will accommodate a wheelchair or walker. If you have steps, look for good handrails and deep treads. You’ll want plenty of lighting — it’s easier to dim down than add more later -- both inside and outside of the home. Grab bars in the shower and bath and non-slip flooring can prevent dangerous falls. User-friendly knobs, light switches, electrical outlets, and appliances will benefit everyone in the family. The principles of universal design can make your home more accessible while preserving the home’s value.
If you’re in a wheelchair, you may need to create a ramp to your house to help improve accessibility. However, it’s best to leave this type of construction to the professionals. For instance, if you decide you want to create a cement ramp for your wheelchair, hire cement contractors to ensure that everything’s handled correctly. Read online reviews and check ratings from previous customers before you hire any contractors for the job.
Get the Right People
You may find you’re eligible for one of many grants or loan programs that exist solely for the purpose of making homes livable for people with disabilities, but you’ll still need to find a general contractor who is experienced in handling age-related modifications if you’re to succeed in your remodel. And speaking of contractors, talk to your local council on aging and your nearby senior centers to get recommendations. Check internet listings such as the National Directory of Home Modification and Repair Resources. Once you have a few prospects, look into their references and examine their past work. Discuss your plans and get multiple quotes to evaluate.
Even a modest nursing home can run you several hundred dollars per day, and continuing care communities, with their exciting amenities and glossy brochures, are actually the most expensive of the available long-term care solutions on the market. It may be more cost-efficient to source medical assistance in your own private home as the need arises. Planning for the long term will help to make that possible. With the proper modifications, your home can continue to be your castle, helping to make your life easier and more enjoyable.
Emily Graham is the creator of Mighty Moms. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life. On her site, she offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms -- from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family.