Are You Prepared to Age at Home?

 As we age, our home’s setup becomes crucial to our comfort and independence. But aging at home is more than basic modifications – it’s about creating a supportive, thriving environment tailored to your unique needs.

When you think about getting older do you imagine living in your own home, surrounded by memories?  75% of people would prefer to stay at home, instead of moving into a facility. [Source: AARP]

Whether it’s for ourselves, or our aging parents, preparing for this requires thought and planning. And when it comes to planning for the future, the earlier, the better.

As you age, your needs change, especially when it comes to the set-up of your home.  But aging at home involves more than just ramps and handrails. It’s about creating a supportive environment where you can thrive as you get older. 

Yes, you might need a wheelchair-accessible home, but you also need to consider what services may need to come to you.  Are you in a location where you can get services for healthcare, lawn care, snow removal, or even putting up Christmas lights?  There’s a lot to consider.

For some, the best option might be relocating to a one-level home where everything is designed to meet your needs.  For others, it could mean moving closer to a family member for an extra layer of support.

Take my mom, for example.  At 93, she lives independently in her home, which we’ve modified over time, to fit her specific needs. Things like rearranging all the essentials that she needs daily on the main level to make them more accessible, and adding safety rails to her walk-in shower, have helped my mom continue living in the home where she and my dad made so many memories.

The level of social interaction you have access to also means a lot.  Continuing to be social will help ward off loneliness and stress.  Do you have family or friends nearby that can take you to the church, family gatherings, and doctor’s appointments?

While staying at home is ideal for a lot of people, sometimes a situation warrants a move to a facility.  Moving my Grandma into a nursing home was a tough decision, but it brought an unexpected blessing.  My grandpa visited her every day, and in doing so found a new social circle.  At breakfast in the mornings, he would take the coffee pot around and serve the other residents while he visited with them. You could see the stress lifted off of him as someone else took on the burden of caring for my Grandma.  And my Grandma got the care she needed.

Everyone’s situation is going to look a little different, which is why it’s so important to have a plan established before life throws you a curve ball.

Aristata Financial is here to help you weigh your options to find what works best for you and your family. So give us a call, and if you know someone who could benefit from this information, please share this video with them.