Living in your home as you age is something truly special that most people don’t get to do. It’s expensive and hard to accomplish, as aging in place can be dangerous if you’re alone. But it’s entirely possible to do if you make the right plan and follow the steps to preparing for aging in place.
Make Your Home Safe
The first step is to run a full inspection of your home to make it as safe as possible. You need clear pathways to give you proper mobility. You should ensure everything is easy to open and use. Many people invest in shower chairs and handrails to make it safe to bathe by themselves. That’s the type of thing you should be looking for to make your home less hazardous.
Solve Transportation
A large issue with aging in place is finding transportation around the area. Getting to and from the park or store isn’t easy for many people. A care facility usually deals with these arrangements. But at home, you need to figure transportation out for yourself. Luckily, some companies specialize in making cars and vehicles capable of helping you get out of the house comfortably. For example, there are wheelchair-accessible vans.
Long-Term Care
Another aspect you need to consider is how you plan on dealing with long-term care. This includes planning for medical visits, who will visit you, and when they’ll come around if you need the assistance. You should also look for long-term care insurance and decide if that’s something you need.
Plan for Emergencies
Although these steps help reduce the possibility of medical emergencies, it’s still a good idea to plan for these emergencies. Plot a clear path that everyone can follow in case an ambulance is ever necessary. It’s also a good idea to get medical emergency devices that can call for help if anything does happen.
These are the steps to preparing for aging in place you need to follow if you want a home capable of housing you for years to come.
