November 2020 – Ideally, most seniors want to age gracefully at home. However, older adults face several challenges aging at home. This is because most manage chronic conditions, have functional limitations, and are at risk of falls etc. However, proper planning and preparation can help your senior loved one go on living independently at their home for longer.

Plan

Aging in place is possible with a plan. Most older adults will need support at some point to stay safe and healthy at home. This means being aware of current and potential needs and risks and taking steps to prevent any crises.

For example, depending on their level of activity and needs, you may hire a professional caregiver for household support services, such as cleaning, laundry, running errands, gardening, organizing the pantry and more. For more dependent seniors, you can ask for personal care and grooming services too.

Nutrition

Older people, who live alone, may eat poorly. Some conditions and medications also affect appetite. Some people find it hard to prepare meals. Assess your senior’s needs and preferences to ensure they are able to follow a healthy, nutritious diet plan. For special dietary needs or restrictions, check with their nutritionist or dietitian.

Organizing the household

If your senior loved one is facing difficulty with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), they may need some extra help with their morning routine. In addition, you need to ensure that the house is safe and secure for them.

Independent living aids, elderly assistive devices and senior products can make aging at home easier for older adults.

Devices, such as grab bars for bathrooms, chair lifts, shower chairs, toilet lifts, can make daily routine safer, easier and more convenient for your aging parents.

Medication Management

Difficulty in self-administering medications is one of the primary causes of nursing home placement. Help your senior loved one follow the right dosage and schedule of medication. You could mark all medication or organize their medication in pill dispensers or with reminder systems and monitor it to ensure they are taking the right medication on time. If they aren’t able to follow that, you could hire a professional caregiver to help with medication management.

Transportation

The inability to move around freely and the resulting loneliness affects many seniors. If you are worried about your aging parent driving, check out convenient transportation options available for seniors. If you live with them or can visit often, make sure you take them out for grocery shopping, visit to the pharmacy or doctor and social visits.

If you are looking for independent living aids, such as chair lifts, Bellavita bath lift, or Roth Mobeli Grab Bars for seniors, check out My Home for Life or call 888-688-6435.