Aging in place home care is an option we all hope is possible for our aging loved ones. But it’s important to make sure their home is safe and prepared for this new stage of their life. At Advanced Nursing + Home Support, we spend a lot of time with people in their homes, and we have aging in place specialists who can help ensure your loved one’s home is well-suited for their needs.
What is Aging in Place?
You may be asking, “What is aging in place?” Aging in place home care is a popular option for many people because it means your senior loved one can remain in their current home where they feel comfortable as they age. However, it may require your loved one to receive care from an outside agency, from a friend or family member, or for accommodations to be made to the home to ensure their safety.
Aging in Place vs Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Communities
There are a variety of options available for senior care. These include aging in place (with In-Home Care as an option), Assisted Living communities and Nursing Home facilities.
The primary differences between each option are where the care is provided and their cost. These care options usually offer a variety of services that may include help with personal care tasks like dressing, bathing, or using the bathroom. They can also include assistance with activities of daily living such as helping a client to shop for groceries, the preparation of meals, assistance with taking medication, assistance with making and attending doctor’s appointments or the pharmacy, housecleaning, help with paying bills, as well as other tasks to help a senior keep their brain sharp.
Benefits of Aging in Place
There are several advantages of aging in place. It may be a lower cost option for care as it is given to the client in their own home. For some people, the mortgage on this home has already been paid off, making this an even lower-cost option for care. Another benefit of aging in place is that seniors who choose this option are also able to maintain more independence as they remain in their own homes.
This may ensure they are able to continue enjoying some of their favorite things, such as the company of a beloved pet. As you can see, there are many advantages of aging in place.
Tips For Aging In Place
- Have Emergency Contact Information Readily Available
- Set Up An Appointment For In-home Care
- Keep The Floors Clear And Remove Any Rugs
- Install Handrails And Accessibility Ramps
- Install Safety Features In The Bathroom
Below are some tips to help you ensure your elderly loved one can age in place as safely as possible:
1. Have Emergency Contact Information Readily Available
Emergency contact information should be available in several places throughout your elderly loved one’s home and should be placed within easy reach. Good locations to keep this information are by phones in the bedroom, the kitchen, and the living room. Good information to include is the doctor’s name and phone number of your loved one, as well as that of a friend or family member who should be contacted in case of an emergency.
2. Set Up An Appointment For In-home Care
One of the first steps to take to help your loved one acquire extra help and security around the house is to set up an appointment with a home care agency like Advanced Nursing & Home Support. We offer a wide range of companion, personal and skilled-nursing care services that can meet your elderly, loved one’s unique needs. We can assist you in setting up a plan to help your loved one continue to safely age in place.
Learn more about our in-home care services
3. Keep The Floors Clear And Remove Any Rugs
It is important to keep the floor clear of anything your loved one could trip over. This is particularly important in high-traffic areas like paths to the bedroom, the bathroom, the kitchen, and the living room. It is also important to remove any area rugs that can cause a person to trip, slip, or that can become tangled in walkers and wheelchairs.
4. Install Handrails And Accessibility Ramps
If necessary, add handrails and accessibility ramps to your loved one’s home. In long halls, on stairwells and in bathrooms, handrails can provide added stability for seniors when they are walking or changing their position. Ramps are simpler to navigate than steps and can make the use of wheelchairs or walkers easier.
5. Install Safety Features In The Bathroom
The bathroom is an area where accidents and falls frequently occur. One of the most important things you can do to lessen these incidents is to install upgrades that are well-suited for aging in place such as the ones listed below:
- Add handrails in the shower, tub, and by the toilet
- Install a larger shower that includes a seat and room for maneuvering
- Add non-stick coating to the floor of the shower or tub
- Install a low-lip shower or a walk-in bathtub with an accessibility door for easy exit and entry
Click here for more information on making your elderly loved one’s home safe
Let Us Help Make Your Home Safe
At Advanced Nursing + Home Support, we have years of experience when it comes to empowering people to remain in their home as independently as possible for as long as is safely possible. Give our knowledgeable aging in place specialists a call with any questions you have regarding keeping your loved one safe in their home.
If you have an elderly loved one living in Maryland or the D.C. area who needs assistance in their home, take the first step towards peace of mind and contact Advanced Nursing + Home Support today. Our experienced, compassionate caregivers offer unparalleled service.
Contact us online or by phone at 240-414-4147 to request more information.
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