Planning for the future is something that most people do all throughout life. It’s especially important to plan for situations like when seniors decide they want to age in place. A plan involves addressing possible issues seniors might encounter and figuring out in advance what solutions might be the best option. For seniors who are ready to start aging in place now, senior home care can make that goal easier to achieve and also help with ensuring seniors have a plan going forward.
Assess Health and Care Needs
The first hurdle when talking about aging in place involves looking more closely at health and future care needs. A good place to start is the senior’s healthcare providers because they can offer detailed information about health issues, prognoses, and anything else that might help with making a plan. New family caregivers need to make sure they fully understand their aging adult’s health conditions and possible future issues.
Modify the Home
A safe and accessible home is a necessity if seniors are planning to age in place. Often families worry that they’ll need to make big changes, but that isn’t always the case. Clearing excess clutter and making small additions like brighter lighting and handrails in key locations can do the job. Home care providers can help families understand more about what types of safety issues their seniors are facing at home.
Look for Support Now
Often families think that it’s not necessary to get outside help just yet, especially when seniors only need a little extra help. But becoming a family caregiver is a lot more challenging than many families realize. It takes a lot of time and energy, which can sometimes be a bigger demand than expected. Senior home care services can fill in those care gaps, helping family caregivers do more while expending less energy personally.
Explore Tech Solutions
Technology has come a long way even in the last decade, especially in the ways seniors can use it to overcome challenges related to aging. Telehealth, remote monitoring systems, and devices that dispense medication and remind seniors to take it all can be helpful. Finding the tools that are right for each individual may take some time and trying a few out.
Build a Support Network
Seniors tend to do better when they have a strong support network behind them. Family caregivers and other family members, friends, and neighbors are a great start. As seniors face bigger challenges, help from personal care at home and other types of services also add a layer of support. The best support network is one that grows and adjusts to the senior’s needs.
Review and Update the Plan
No plan is carved in stone, especially one for seniors who want to age in place. Families need to revisit the plan every once in a while and make sure it still meets the senior’s needs. Having a variety of different support options and solutions helps make this process seamless for the seniors receiving assistance.
Creating a plan for aging in place keeps seniors involved in the process and lets them be proactive about their future. Senior home care providers can help aging adults and family caregivers navigate this process confidently.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior home care in Oakwood, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.
We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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