Community
John, 67, lives alone and maintains the brick ranch he’s lived in for 39 years. Helen, 75, loves living in the two-story home where she raised her kids. Because she has mobility issues, Helen has a cleaning service, and her son handles the grocery shopping. Sue and Eric, both in their 80s, are comfortable in their condo now that they’ve made modifications for his wheelchair and have a home health aide to help manage their chronic health conditions.
John, Helen, Sue and Eric have different living situations, but they have one thing in common: they’re all aging in a way that is comfortable, safe and that’s closest to their hearts — their home. It’s called “aging in place” and it’s how most seniors want to spend their golden years.
"Aging in place” means that seniors want to remain in their current residence and maintain their quality of life, routines and social connections as much as possible. According to an AARP report" of adults aged 50 and over, 75% want to age in place in their current home and 73% in their current community for as long as possible.
But aging in place often brings up concerns:
- What happens if mobility issues arise?
- Will the individual be able to maintain their social and community connections?
- What happens when driving isn’t possible?
- What happens if there’s a medical emergency?
Start with these three steps
If you or a loved one are considering ways to age in place, here are three ideas to help make the process easier.
1. Conduct a home safety check
This is a critical first step to ensuring the home is safe for aging in place, especially for those who have mobility issues or sight impairments. Have a family member or trusted friend tour the home to look for needed repairs and opportunities for modifications to reduce tripping hazards, enhance lighting and improve accessibility. Think grab bars in the bathroom, walk-in bathtubs and railings on stairs. If you can’t make the changes, search locally for a home modification professional who can do the work.
2. Search for support before it’s needed
Many people can age in place comfortably for years on their own before needing assistance. Still, if you or a loved one are expecting to enjoy your golden years at home, plan ahead for support services so when the time comes you have resources lined up. The source of that support can range from having family members stop by a few times a week to hiring home health aides to provide daily support with household chores and personal care.
3. Make mealtime easier
Meal planning, grocery shopping, meal prep, and clean-up require lots of planning, energy, and time. And that applies to everyone – not just seniors! But for older Americans living alone, especially those with mobility issues or low interest in meal prep, mealtime is even more daunting.
That’s why many resort to easy options like toast or cereal for their meals and fail to get the good nutrition they need to be healthy. For those managing chronic illnesses like high-blood pressure or diabetes, getting the right nutrition consistently is critical to managing their health condition.
Mom's Meals® can help
A meal delivery service like Mom’s Meals takes the worry out of mealtime and helps ensure individuals aging in place get the good nutrition they need. Mom’s Meals delivers delicious and nutritious ready-to-heat-and-eat meals direct to homes nationwide, no matter how remote.
Mom’s Meals offers 60+ medically tailored meals including diabetes, heart and renal-friendly options designed by registered dietitians and crafted by professional chefs. If you are a Medicaid or Medicare Advantage plan member, you may be eligible for government or health plan assistance to receive home-delivered meals from Mom’s Meals at little or no cost. Individuals and caregivers may also purchase meals on their own. Find out more.
