Your parents are important to you, but the fact is your parents are getting older. Being independent is important to them. They are determined to stay in their own home and continue to do things they enjoy. It’s called aging in place. Many seniors are choosing to live out their days in their own home rather than a nursing home or a retirement community. If aging in place is vital to your parents, it is important you know more about it.
Why is Aging in Place Significant?
By 2030, your parent’s age group will account for approximately 20% of the population. Aging in place is what 90% of baby boomers would rather do than moving to a nursing home, says the latest study from AARP. Staying where they are is more than a want; it is a need for this expanding demographic.
The growing concerns for children, are safety, accessibility, transportation and the home itself. Those are valid concerns no one would dare dispute, yet have you looked for the pros instead of the cons? One major pro of aging in place, is it will keep your loved ones active and happy.
Listen To Your Parents’ Wants
Making your parent’s home functional and pleasant while adjusting and easing them into this new stage in their journey won’t be easy. Yet, it is necessary. Don’t lose sight of the fact that these are your parents and you should still listen to their wants and needs.
If your parent’s home is not ideal for aging in place safely, it may be time to broach the topic of moving. If they agree to relocate, it is important to select the best neighborhood, housing development, retirement community or step down home for their needs. Taking the time to discuss every step and desire with your family will ensure they feel comfortable and happy as they grow older in their home.
Prepare Your Loved Ones For Anything
If your parent isn’t tech savvy, now would be the time to introduce them to certain things, such as text messaging, online banking and bill payments. If your parents approve, ask them to give you access to the bill accounts so you can be sure they are paid each month. Making sure your parents are living near preferred hospitals, their doctors and or specialists can make all the difference in the event of an emergency.
In Home Solutions
In home solutions will ensure a senior’s safety in addition to making living easier. Easy home improvement things to consider include lighting, home controls with easy to read thermostats, as well as wide home doorways.
Purchasing certain items may help your parents continue to be independent as they age in place. Consider buying a grab bar for the bathroom or a non slip bathtub mat. Other ideas to help your family age in place in their own home include an adjustable or hand held shower head, a shower chair or a medical alert system. The medical alert system should be first on your list because it can truly give you a piece of mind, especially when you are not present.
Medical Alert System
Being injured and unable to help yourself or even call for help can be a terrifying and sometimes fatal situation. This is why making sure your loved one is protected with a Medical Alert System is critical. Here are 3 reasons why this should be the first solution you address in your family member’s aging in place plan.
- Get help sooner. There is an 80% chance of a full recovery after an injury if care is provided within the first hour.
- The system is customizable to fit all needs in addition to having a broad range of monitoring.
- Monitoring can also log when your parent leaves home. This is a special feature that is available with only certain systems.
Be your parent’s hero and contact Pioneer to get them a pendant or bracelet designed specifically for your family member to get the help they need right away. Call them today at 1-800-824-8844 and they’ll explain how they can provide peace of mind to you and your loved ones.