Aging in place gives seniors more control over their living situations. Seniors who are able to remain in their homes also have a greater chance of retaining their independence for longer. Figuring out the best options for this type of living situation is as simple as listening to expert advice from people who help seniors every day.
Run through a Typical Daily Schedule
One of the first things you’ll need to do is identify potential weak spots in your aging loved one’s daily routine. While your loved one might be able to manage many things independently right now, this might not always be the case. Start running through your parent’s daily routine, and make notes about potential challenges. For instance, you might worry about what could happen if your loved one can’t get out of bed easily one day or gets too tired or sick to cook. Once you find areas where your loved one needs help, you can then reach out for senior home care services that assist with each problem.
Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable homecare services. Families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Perform a Home Assessment
Home modifications can greatly decrease the chance of being injured in old age. Make sure there’s at least one entrance to the home that has minimal steps. If your loved one has a two-story home, you might need to consider turning a room on the bottom floor into a master bedroom so he or she can perform all daily activities on one level. Bathrooms can be transformed into senior-friendly spaces with the addition of grab bars, nonskid flooring, and other features that increase accessibility. A professional senior home assessment can also reveal things you might miss, such as areas that need more lighting.
Think about Long-Term Care Needs
A senior who lives at home will likely eventually need some type of help around the house. For example, your loved one might be unable to cook while recovering from a serious illness. Seniors who live with partners should also consider what could happen if they both get sick or one partner is no longer able to completely care for the other. Home caregivers are an option for getting through rough patches with health so there’s a better chance to recover without complications.
Remember to Plan for Socialization
Home safety is important, but mental health also matters. Having a plan to stay social prevents depression and enhances quality of life. Your loved one can take advantage of senior events in the community, but he or she might need help with transportation. You can plan to have a caregiver provide transportation, visit for lunch, or help your loved one connect with friends using technology. Creating a plan with multiple options for socializing helps your parent avoid loneliness in the later years.
For families living in Tucson, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Plan to Reassess Your Loved One’s Living Situation Regularly
Thinking ahead helps, but you may also encounter challenges you couldn’t foresee. Make sure to analyze your loved one’s current care plan at least once a year. You’ll want to do it again if your parent experiences an illness or injury that changes his or her abilities. Staying on top of the care plan helps you navigate unexpected changes in your loved one’s health or living situation.
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional elder care Tucson seniors can trust and rely on. If you need professional care for your senior loved one, Home Care Assistance is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (520) 276-6555.