How To Make Aging In Place As Easy As Possible
Many seniors lead active lives after retirement, and while some individuals have physical or mental limitations that prevent them from doing so, most want to remain in their own home for as long as they can. When faced with the choice of moving toward assisted living or staying comfortable in the house they have lived in for years, there’s no question of which is the more appealing option. Yet for every senior, safety and comfort are two of the most important concerns when considering aging in place.
It can be difficult to think of all the things one must take into consideration when aging in place; not only does the home need to be assessed for hazards, it’s also important to think of how you will handle daily life should you choose to live alone. Think ahead and consider the changes you might go through in the next few years; will it be a problem to climb stairs? Take care of the garden or lawn? If so, there are things you can do to combat the issues, but it’s best to plan ahead.
Here are some of the best tips for aging in place safely.
Communication
It’s imperative to have a good communication system with friends or family members. If you have a cell phone, make sure to program the phone numbers of all the important people in your life so they will be easily accessible. Landlines should have a list of important numbers beside them, in large print. It’s also a good idea to install a phone in the bedroom and/or bathroom, in case of emergency.
Safety
If you have throw rugs in your home, consider discarding them or checking to make sure the corners don’t turn up to create trip hazards. They also need to have non-slip backs. Living areas and stairwells should be well-lit, and chairs and toilets need to be at a good height for getting up without risk of a fall. The bathtub should have a non-slip mat and a grab rail or shower seat.
It’s also a good idea to wear sturdy, rubber-soled shoes or slippers; this can prevent falls or other injury. Clear all walkways of clutter or furniture that could trip you up.
The reality is that your home may just not be a good fit for aging in place safely, particularly if you have any disabilities. Don’t be afraid to consider the option of moving. You can still buy a home to live in rather than going to an assisted living facility.
Accessorize
Think about the things you might need to assist you in daily activities, such as a long-handled shoehorn, a walker, a rubber-soled cane, and medication. It’s a good idea to keep these things organized, in reach, and in good working order.
Get some help
When it comes to living alone, from time to time you may need some help. Enlist a capable family member or friend to assist you in financial planning, cleaning, lawn work, or traveling if you aren’t comfortable driving yourself. You might also consider getting a service animal; they can be extremely helpful to seniors in daily activities and can provide comfort, company, and stress relief.
How to Prepare for Senior Living
As Americans age, they must face the prospect of what to do when maintaining their independence is no longer recommended or feasible. The following resources from Senior Care Central will help you and your family figure out how best to make decisions about retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.
How Do I Know When to Make a Change?
Sometimes it is difficult to know when it’s time to change your living arrangements or those of an aging loved one. Check out these sources for help in knowing when the time is right.
- Consumer Affairs lists 17 signs that it may be time to consider assisted living.
- If you’re still unsure about moving into senior care, perhaps aging in place is an option, at least for a little while.
How Do I Know a Facility is a Good One?
Once you are certain a senior care option is necessary, you have to choose the location. However, there are so many facilities in operation that it can be difficult to tell which one is best for you or your loved one. Utilize these tools to make sure you’ve made the best choice.
- There are several websites that rate retirement communities, so be sure to take these reviews into consideration.
- However, many people are more comfortable with consumer reviews, so don’t neglect this source of information.
- It also doesn’t hurt to check out what government inspection procedures are and to make sure the facility you’re considering has few if any citations against it.
How Do I Pay for Long-Term Senior Care?
It is hard enough figuring out senior care without even considering the costs associated with it, but sooner or later, the price of assisted living must be taken into consideration. Fortunately, there are many ways to make the cost affordable.
- Today’s low VA home loan rates make refinancing — and using the proceeds to pay for care — an attractive option.
- Understand what Medicare and Medicaid do and do not provide in terms of assistance.
- Look into the benefits of Long-Term Care Insurance (LTC).
It may not be pleasant as you investigate options for senior living, but it will likely be necessary. The process can be confusing and stressful, but the resources discussed in this article will make the process a little easier to understand and navigate.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Series: When Grandma Becomes Mama
Being a Grandmother is a wonderful benefit of aging. The experience is truly all that your friends told you it would be. When you didn’t think you could love anyone as much as your own children, your grandchildren come along and prove you wrong. You can spoil them and send them home, feed them junk food and cookies for dinner, snuggle and take time to play like you didn’t have time for when you raised your own kids. And the best part is that all those things that would have made you a bad parent then, make you an awesome, fun Grandma now.
But what happens when, for reasons beyond your own control, your find yourself moving from the role of Grandma to Mom? According to the Profile of Older Americans (2016), “approximately 1 million grandparents age 60 and over were responsible for the basic needs of one or more grandchildren under age 18 living with them in 2015. Of these caregivers, 593,495 were grandmothers and 429,377 were grandfathers” (pg. 15). The role change from Grandma to Mama is a significant one. The little one you have spoiled and coddled is now yours to raise for the next 20 years into adulthood. This can be a shocking transition, but also a tremendous blessing.
This surprise happened to me at the age of 57. My husband had just retired and we had relocated to a more relaxing place in our life. We already had 7 children between us with an age span of 15 – 34 years of age, the last two of whom were adopted from Russia. So, when our teenagers were ready to graduate from high school, we were looking forward to being empty nesters, having raised children for many years.
Then, along came JJ. Substance abuse, which our pediatrician calls “the scourge of our community”, was the culprit that led to our current situation. This is a common problem, although not all children of substance abusers are fortunate enough to be placed in a loving home out of the influence of parents who use drugs. Our journey started when we offered to take our 6 week old grandson for a few hours so his parents could enjoy some free time together. Those hours turned into several days when the parents didn’t show up to get their son and nobody could find them. They didn’t call to check on him and seemed not to mind that they didn’t contact us for days. It wasn’t long before CPS removed little JJ from his birth parents due to their substance abuse and neglect of their infant and placed him with both sets of grandparents sharing temporary kinship care. Unable to break free of the chains of drugs, even with unlimited free resources and counseling provided by the community, JJ’s parents lost custody of him permanently and we became new parents again through adoption of our precious grandson.
The process of adapting to this life-changing event affects everyone differently. If you find yourself in a similar life-altering stage, then you may benefit from this series on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Today’s tips are for Grandmas who are now Moms again:
Some things have changed
If you are anything like me, your last biological child may be in his/her 30’s, so raising a little one might be a bit intimidating. Lots has changed in 30 years! There is so much more technology to help children learn and play. But this means we have become more tech savvy and not avoid the latest cellphones, computers, or apps. (Any teenager is happy to help you learn to be more techie). Toys are more fun now. Clothes are cuter. There are great innovations like disposable diapers, better bottles, and on-the-go baby food. Kids go to preschool and all-day kindergarten now. But, there are negatives too, like many more immunizations to keep track of. The world doesn’t seem as safe in the big cities as it did long ago when we let our children play outside without as much fear of gang violence, guns, or being kidnapped. Yet, there are more guidelines for child-rearing, research on how to educate kids, and better job opportunities for when they are grown. While all these changes may be daunting, you can use them to your benefit and to make your life easier when raising children in your later years.
Some things never change
Fortunately for us, some things never change. Babies are babies, kids are kids, and teenagers are still teenagers. Changing diapers, bathing a baby, suctioning a nose with the blue bulb syringe, putting clothes on a wiggly toddler, and rocking a little one to sleep are still the same. Strategies for teaching math have changed, and maybe kids don’t always have books in high school, but the major concepts of the major subjects are ones you will remember. Don’t worry – this will all come back to you and you might be surprised how much better you are at parenting now than when you raised your first set of children. You are more relaxed and comfortable because you have decades of experience to draw on.
Your experience is a plus
One of your best assets as a new Grammy Mama (as I like to call this role) is your experience. For me, I raised or help raise 7 children before JJ, so I am way ahead of the new mother learning curve. We already know what works and doesn’t work in raising kids. We are not novices, but seasoned experts! So, when you are tempted to feel you are not up to this new challenge, remind yourself that this is not your first rodeo.
You are not too old
It is a normal feeling to think you might be too old to raise another child. Let me assure you that you are not, and you are not alone. There are more than a million other grandparents in America just like you who are doing it, and many are older than you are. Your age gives you wisdom and experience. If you were in another job, you would be a Senior Executive, VP, or CEO – that is what you are in this new job. Embrace your Grammy Mama role. There is a reason why this child (or children) has been entrusted to you. You have been chosen for a remarkable task: to nurture a child who will later thank you for not giving up on him. You are never too old to undertake such a legacy as that.
Guest Blog: Questions To Ask When Selecting An Assisted Living Facility
If you have a senior loved one in need of assisted senior care, it’s time to look around for a good assisted living facility. There are several factors to consider, so the ideal thing to do is arrange for a tour of the facilities on your list.
It would help if you also asked questions. Getting the answers you need will determine which facility is ideal for your loved one. Here are some of the most vital questions you should be asking.
1. Questions about the staff.
You have to get all the information you can about the assisted living facility’s staff. You will be leaving the care of your senior loved one to them, so it is vital to ensure that they’re well-trained and experienced. Here are some helpful questions.
-What is the staff’s training and experience?
-What is the estimated number of staff members? What is your staff-resident ratio?
-Do you have staff working at night?
-Is there a nursing assistant or a nurse available 24/7?
2. Questions about living spaces, food, and activities.
After ensuring that your loved one is in good hands, you’d want to be sure their living spaces are comfortable, safe, and equipped with the necessary amenities.
-What are the room options we can choose from?
-Do they come with bathrooms, kitchens, and furnishings?
-Can residents decorate their apartments and bring in extra furniture?
-Is housekeeping part of the package?
-Do the rooms come with Wi-Fi connectivity and cable TV?
-Are residents allowed to bring pets?
-Are there common spaces for residents?
-What kind of activities can residents participate in?
-How are meals served to residents?
-Is there a nutritionist or dietician in the facility?
3. Questions about admissions and medication.
It is also essential to gather all the information you need about admissions requirements. Likewise, if your loved one needs medication, you also have to ask all the questions you can think of.
-Is an assessment test required before aspiring residents can be admitted?
-Do you have a waitlist for seniors who need to be transferred or relocated right away?
-How is medication administered and managed?
-How is healthcare provided? Are healthcare visits allowed?
-How much is the monthly fee?
-What’s the billing and payment process?
The answers to these questions will help you choose the best assisted living facility for your loved one.
About the Author
Melissa Andrews is the Content Marketing Strategist for Paradise Living Centers, an assisted living center for seniors with locations in Paradise Valley and Phoenix, Arizona. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and going on hiking trips with her siblings and cousins.
Guest Blog: Selecting comfortable clothing for boomers
Introduction:
As we age, it’s especially important to dress comfortably. Your clothing should allow you to move freely and be easy to get in and out of—no matter what your day has in store.
The clothing you choose should be comfortable and appropriate:
You should always dress for the occasion, but when you’re older, it’s especially important to choose clothing that makes you feel good. You want to be confident in what you wear and comfortable with how people perceive your appearance. You should always dress appropriately be it your formal dresses or casual ones!
While comfort is key for everyone as we age, it’s especially important for boomers who may have mobility issues or other physical limitations that make dressing difficult. If an item isn’t comfortable enough to wear on its own merits (i.e., without being treated as a “fashion statement”), then it probably won’t look great on anyone no matter how expensive or well-designed it might be!
Look for clothes with easy access to pockets and zippers:
- Zippers are easier to use than buttons, so it’s best to look for clothing that has them.
- Pockets are important for boomers because they can hold their phones or keys, which makes it easier for them to get around without having to carry a purse or bag all the time.
- Pockets can be placed in convenient locations on the body; pockets on shirts (like those used by men) tend to be higher up on the chest area near their shoulder blades while women’s shirts usually have lower pockets located closer towards their waistline so they don’t interfere with their skirts/dresses when sitting down at desks or tables during lunchtime meetings at work!
Pick clothing that is easy to put on:
For those who have difficulty dressing, look for clothing that is easy to put on. Pockets, zippers and hooks are all good options. Consider clothing with a button-down front as well as snaps or Velcro closures. This makes it easier for you to reach the buttons or fasteners without assistance from someone else.
If you’re concerned about keeping your shirt tucked in throughout the day and don’t want to wear suspenders (which can be uncomfortable), try a belt clip instead of suspenders! The belt clip attaches directly onto your pants so there’s no need for an extra strap around your waistline–it simply sits on top of them when worn under jackets/coats etc., but still keeps everything looking neat when worn alone too!
Pair slacks with ankle boots or flats:
Ankle strap boots are more comfortable than heels and flats, whereas, flats are more comfortable than heels.
Heels are not always the best choice for people who have to stand or walk a lot during their day. If you’re going to be on your feet all day in one of these shoes, make sure that you have some cushioning on the sole of your foot so that it doesn’t hurt too much after a while (and make sure not to wear socks with them).
Choose soft fabrics, such as cotton or fleece:
Soft fabrics, such as cotton and fleece, are ideal for summer clothing. They’re also great for winter wear because they keep you warm without making you sweat.
If you have allergies or are sensitive to wool, cotton is a good fabric choice because it doesn’t irritate your skin like other materials do.
Choose stretchy, flexible fabrics:
Stretchy fabrics are more comfortable because they allow you to move freely, and they’re more forgiving of body shape changes. They’re also less likely to cause pain or discomfort as you age, as well as more likely to be breathable and allow for better circulation.
If you want a specific example of this principle in action, look at yoga pants! They’re designed with stretchy materials so that they’ll be comfortable even when you bend down into all kinds of different poses during your workout.
Wear socks that provide extra cushioning and support:
It’s a good idea to wear socks that provide extra cushioning and support under your feet. Wearing socks that are too tight can cause blisters on the top of your foot, while wearing socks that are too loose can cause your feet to slide around in your shoes.
When shopping for new footwear, try on different sizes until you find ones that feel right for your foot size and shape by measuring from heel to toe before purchasing them (you should be able to cover this distance easily without taking off or putting on shoes).
Lastly, make sure that any athletic-style sneakers shoes have room at the back of their tongues so they don’t rub against sensitive areas like Achilles tendons when walking around all day long!
Wear loose-fitting clothes that allow you to move freely in them:
Loose-fitting clothes are more comfortable, easier to put on and take off, and don’t restrict movement. They also allow for extra layers to be added or removed as needed.
Dress in layers so you can adjust as needed throughout the day:
Layering is a great way to stay comfortable throughout the day. You can add or remove layers as needed, which means you can adjust your clothing to keep warm or cool, dry or dry.
If you have a long day of activities planned and don’t want to have to change into different clothes at each stop along the way, then layering is a good option for you. It helps keep your clothing clean too!
Consider a sleeveless dress shirt or top:
Sleeveless dresses and shirts are an alternative to traditional button-front shirts. They are easier to put on, especially for people with limited dexterity and strength in their hands. And unlike regular buttons, there’s no risk of losing a sleeve!
Sleeveless tops can be worn alone or layered over other clothing items like sweaters or jackets. This makes it easier to dress for cooler temperatures throughout the year–a significant benefit for boomers who may experience temperature fluctuations due to medical conditions such as diabetes or arthritis.
The right bra:
The right bra can help you look great and feel good. It will be comfortable and provide the support you need. A good fitting bra will also help prevent back pain, shoulder problems and other issues that can be caused by wearing an ill-fitting bra. If your breasts are sagging, it’s important for them to be supported so they don’t bounce around when walking or running.
You should replace your bras every six months or so depending on how often they’re worn (the more they’re used, the sooner they’ll wear out).
Conclusion
There are many ways to dress comfortably as we age. By paying attention to the details and choosing clothing that fits well, you can look good while feeling great while also maintaining your independence. If you have mobility problems, look for easy-on/off clothing with elastic waists or cuffs, zippers or hooks that allow for quick dressing without assistance. If you’re looking for something special but don’t want to worry about getting dressed in the morning, consider a sleeveless top or dress shirt instead of button-down shirts with buttons!
Simple Ways to Find Purpose as you Age
Having a purpose in life impacts its quality regardless of our age. A recently published study on Purpose of Life (PIL) in older adults found that people with purpose experienced fewer disability problems and chronic conditions. PIL is defined as a life with goals, direction, and meaning. People with a high PIL were found to be resilient, healthy and with social support, faith, and good knowledge of health-related matters. Here are some simple ways of keeping these factors in your life as you age.
1. Join an Age-Friendly Gym
Find a gym that has programs for elders. If you don’t know many fitness centers that offer such programs, use an online tool like this facility locator on the International Council of Active Aging website. The map shows the available options in a city by name, number, address, and allowed gender. Next to the name of the center, there are icons to show what type of services they offer. Besides fitness centers, you can use the tool to find other services as well, including recreation centers, retirement living facilities, YMCA, community services, etc. Here are 5 places you can visit to stay in shape and find new friends.
2. Become a Volunteer
Consider becoming one of the many elderly who volunteer. Some popular forms of volunteering include fundraising, teaching, mentoring, and preparing/distributing food. Retired individuals are a good fit for volunteering programs because they come from a variety of businesses and sectors. For instance, your input can be valuable for a fundraiser if you have spent your career in marketing and have a strong connection in the community that takes years to develop. Sites like Volunteer Match list opportunities in a variety of areas and for people of different age groups.
You can also offer your services as a mentor to young people in general or in your field of expertise. For food related jobs, check at your local food banks and at any local food service companies. Volunteering can offer both physical and mental benefits. When choosing a form of volunteering, make sure that it engages you, so you don’t find the work to be tedious and boring.
3. Visit Your Favorite Places
Start signing off the places you have on your travel bucket list. Hit the road, take the plane, rail, or ship. Don’t allow a limited budget to come in your way – look for discounts. A variety of discounts are available, including airfare, dining, clothing, grocery, and entertainment discounts. Here is a list of some of these discounts. Go through them to plan your trip for less. If your travel appliance have gone out of shape, use a home warranty to fix or replace them for free.
4. Learn Something New
Join a class at your library or senior center to stay mentally agile and find people who share the same interests. Check courses at your community college as well. Take a driving course if you feel like your driving skills need a little sharpening. Continue the process of learning.