South Asheville News

Nearly 90% of aging adults wish to age in place, and for good reason. Care Communities can be great for the well-being of seniors, but often it’s okay to let aging adults stay home as long as possible. Aging in place is defined as “letting older adults remain in their homes and communities as they age, rather than relocating or moving to a care community or institutional setting.” Here are five tips for helping your senior loved one age in place.

Safety and Security: Assess current risks in the home, such as stairs, rugs, or bathrooms, and consider what to change. For example, many people opt for a shower chair and grab bars in their bathrooms to make staying clean safer and more comfortable, or installing a stair lift system to aid in mobility if there is a concern about stair safety.

Health and Wellness: Support and encourage your senior loved one to eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and take all medications as prescribed, along with getting some exercise. Invite them for a walk, cook them a healthy meal, and attend scheduled doctor’s appointments.

Embrace Technology: Technology can be a lifesaver or help simplify complex tasks. If your senior loved one has difficulty remembering where they put their keys or remembering doctor’s appointments, consider a Tile or Google Home to help them.

Create a Care Plan: Many people lack a concrete plan for care as their loved one’s conditions worsen or change as they age. Consider creating a care plan while they can still live independently and be sure to include events with a calendar.

Plan for Caregiving Services: Consider at-home senior care businesses that can help make your aging loved one’s life easier and also give you more insight into their condition and the way they live. These services can offer everything from drop-in visits to help with meal prep or running errands, companionship or respite care, medication reminders, and more.

To learn more about how to support your aging loved one and their desire to age in place, click here.