These are common issues for older people. You can share an often heard wish - "I want to be in my house!" The good news is that with the right help you may be able to do just that. Living in your own home is called the "aging space" as you get older. This article contains tips to help you find the support you need to live independently.
How to plan ahead by age
Old lady and her caregiver giving her food It's hard to plan ahead because you never know how your needs might change. The first step is to think about the kind of help you want in the near future. You may live alone, so there is no one in your home to help you. You may not need help right now, but you live with a spouse or family member who does. Everyone has a different situation.
One way to start planning is to look for any illnesses you or your spouse may have, such as diabetes or emphysema. Talk to your doctor about how these health problems can make it difficult for someone to move or care for someone in the future. If you are a caregiver for an older adult, learn how you can get the help they need to stay in your home.
Old age instead of infographic icon - click for full text
Read and share this infographic to get tips on how to make your home safe and accessible as you age.
What aids can help me with aging at home?
You can get almost any type of help you need in your home -- often for a cost. You can find out more about many of the services listed here from your local area agency on aging, local and state offices on aging or social services, tribal organizations, or a nearby senior center.
personal Care. Finding it difficult to shower, wash or get dressed? Perhaps a relative or friend can help. Or, you can hire a trained aide for a short period of time each day.
household chores. Do you need help with chores like cleaning the house, yard work, grocery shopping, or doing laundry? Some grocery stores and drug stores will take your order over the phone and bring the goods to your home. There are cleaning and yard services you can hire, or maybe someone you know has a housekeeper or gardener to suggest. Some housekeepers will help with the laundry. Some drycleaners will pick up and deliver your clothes.
food. Worried that you are not eating nutritious food or are tired of eating alone? Sometimes you can share cooking with a friend or have a potluck dinner with a group of friends. Find out if the food is served at a nearby senior center or house of worship. Eating out can give you a chance to hang out with others. Is it difficult for you to get out? Ask someone to bring you healthy food a few times a week. Meal delivery programs bring hot meals to your home; Some of these programs are free or low-cost.
money management. Are you worried about late payment of bills or not at all? Are health insurance forms confusing? Maybe you can get help with these tasks. Ask a trusted relative to lend a hand. Volunteers, financial counselors, or geriatric care managers can also help. Just make sure you get the referral from a trusted source, such as your local area agency on Aging. If you use a computer, you can pay your bills online. Contact your bank about this option. Some people have regular bills, such as utilities and rent or mortgage, paid automatically from their checking account.
Be careful to avoid money scams. Never give your Social Security number, bank or credit card number, or other sensitive information to anyone over the phone (unless you have called) or in response to an email. Always check all bills, including utility bills, for charges you do not recognize.
Even if you don't need it right now, consider giving it to someone you allow to discuss your bills with creditors or discuss your Social Security or Medicare benefits with those agencies. Learn more about legal and financial planning for older adults.
Health care. Do you forget to take your medicine? Devices are available to remind you when it is time for your next dose. Special pill boxes allow you or someone else to set your pills for an entire week. Have you just left the hospital and still need nursing care at home for a short time? The hospital discharge planner can help you make arrangements, and Medicare can pay for a home health aide to come to your home.
If you can't remember what the doctor told you to do, try having someone go with you to the doctor. Have them write down everything you're about to do or, if you're on your own, ask the doctor to put all the recommendations in writing
