Factors Often Overlooked When Deciding to Age in Place
Written by:
Jeffrey Grossman, Lisa Brownell, Michelle Jepson, Julie Smear
Published:
January 31st, 2024
As the aging population grows, so does the desire to age in the familiarity of one's home. However, amidst the emotional attachment, critical safety considerations are often overlooked. In this blog post, we explore the least considered issues when working with elderly clients planning to stay in their homes, emphasizing the need to address these concerns proactively.
Addressing The Unseen Safety Concerns: In routine senior care situations, safety issues take a back seat. Clients resist significant changes, driven by a desire to maintain familiarity. Yet, many seniors face an increased fall risk and mobility issues, making safety discussions imperative. Initiating a dialogue about safety measures, such as removing area rugs, installing grab bars, and evaluating shower setups, is essential. Proactive steps can significantly impact the quality-of-care seniors receive in the event of health crises.
Planning for Health Issues: Failure to plan for health issues can have broader implications. Proactive steps, like retrofitting for safety and envisioning one-floor living arrangements, can impact the quality-of-care seniors receive during health crises.
Involving Family Decision Makers: Ensuring family decision makers are involved in the planning process is crucial. The POA should understand finances, LTC plans, and the overall vision for the senior's well-being.
Advanced Directives and Code Status: A surprising number of individuals lack advanced directives and fail to consider their code status. Discussing these matters with the POA is essential for ensuring the individual's wishes are known and respected by the care team.
Forgotten Companions – Pets: While planning for personal well-being is vital, the needs of pets are often overlooked. Clients should consider and plan for the well-being of their furry companions.
In the pursuit to age at home comfortably, it's imperative not to sacrifice safety for familiarity. Addressing unseen hazards, from home modifications to health planning and even pet care, is important for a holistic and secure aging experience. By proactively discussing and implementing these measures, individuals and their families can navigate the challenges of aging with greater confidence and peace of mind.
In-home elder care solutions in Charlottesville, Richmond, Williamsburg, VA and Charleston, SC.
