As our parents get older, we are faced with the decision of either using an assisted living home or aging-at-home. Studies show that 90% of seniors would rather age-at-home than move to an assisted living facility. It is much more comfortable and enjoyable to spend your golden years in the place you have called home. Because of the resources we have available, aging-at-home is much more doable than ever before. It does take careful consideration and planning but it gives your loved ones a much higher quality of life.
There are many benefits to aging-at-home. Some of them include:
- It’s more cost effective.
- It’s more comfortable.
- Gives you more independence.
If you end up deciding to keep your loved one in their home, you’re going to want to take the necessary steps to make sure it’s safe for a senior to live in.
Make it Functional
Some houses just aren’t meant for seniors to age in. If your loved ones aren’t able to safely navigate their home alone, some changes will be needed. If there are any stairs, make sure they are able to go up and down them safely. If not consider a ramp or an electronic stair lift. You will also want to make sure they are able to get in and out of the bath or shower. If you decide your loved one’s current house is not an option, think about remodeling or moving to a more senior-friendly home.
Designate a Caregiver
Depending on the needs of your loved one, you may need a caregiver. Not all seniors need a 24/7 caregiver but it is important to have someone ready in the event of an emergency. It doesn’t have to be a professional, a family member or friend can also be an option. It would be ideal to have the caregiver located in a convenient location so they can get to your loved one easily.
Remove Hazards, Install Aids
In order to age in your home safely, all hazards will need to be removed. This can be anything from an area rug to an electrical cord. Anything that your loved one can trip on should be picked up or moved to a different spot. Area rugs should have non-slip rugs under them and showers should have non-slip mats in them. In addition to removing hazards, you will also want to implement aids. Grab bars, assist handles, and bed rails, are all good safety options.
Take Advantage of Technology
Technology has come a long way and continues to get more advanced every day. Without the technology we now have available, aging-at-home would be a lot more difficult. Memory loss often comes along with aging but now there are reminder devices available. From clocks with custom voice messages to electronic pillboxes, there are a lot of options available.
We can do everything right to make a home safe for our loved ones to age in but accidents can still happen. This is why medical alert devices are important. These are the devices that are going to keep Mom and Dad safe, healthy, and connected while they age-at-home. If your parents are wanting to keep their independence and you are wanting peace of mind, BlueStar SeniorTech can help. The various medical alert devices we offer can fit the needs of any aging senior. Visit our website or give our product specialists a call at (800)-300-1724, option 1 to get your device today!
