| Summary • Aging in place is when older adults choose to live in their own homes rather than move to assisted living options when they grow older. • As your physical and cognitive abilities start changing, you may face some challenges associated with choosing to age in place. • These challenges include physical mobility issues, social isolation, and safety concerns. • Many of these obstacles can be overcome by taking practical steps to ensure easier navigation of the home, increased social interaction, and safety. |
Aging in place can be a special thing. Those who choose to spend their golden years this way can enjoy the comfort and familiarity of their own home while maintaining independence and autonomy.
This approach allows you to remain in your own home as you age instead of moving to an assisted living facility According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), many aging adults prefer to stay in their homes as they get older.
Although there are many benefits of aging in place there are some challenges associated with this approach.
From physical health and safety concerns to transportation and care coordination, there’s much to consider if you feel aging in place is the right choice.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the main challenges of aging in place. We’ll also provide some helpful solutions so that you can embrace this time in your life.
The Challenges You May Encounter as You Age in Place and Some Practical Steps to Take
If you’ve chosen to age in place, there are certain things you’ll need to consider to make this living arrangement work. Let’s take a closer look.
Challenge: Limited mobility and functional difficulties
As you age, you might find that certain everyday activities are difficult to carry out as it becomes harder for you to move around.
It might be challenging to climb stairs or get in and out of a chair. You may feel unsteady on your feet at times.
It’s natural to lose some physical function as we get older, and some chronic illnesses can make mobility a challenge as well.
Perhaps one of the biggest problems that limited mobility presents us with is not being able to navigate our way around our homes.
Solution: Home modifications and safety features
You can reduce the challenges of getting around your home and create a safer place to live by making certain changes to your environment
Installing wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and stairlifts are just some ways to make it easier to navigate your home if you have mobility issues.
If your budget allows for it, you might want to hire a contractor to help widen your entryways for easier access and install nonslip flooring to help prevent falls.
Challenge: Social isolation
Leaving your home can be difficult, especially if you are unable to drive or have mobility issues.
This could mean you don’t get to see your friends and family very often, which can lead to social isolation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aging adults are more likely to have both physical and mental health issues as a result of loneliness.
Solution: Technology and community engagement
The first step to overcoming social isolation is learning to use technology to connect with your loved ones more often.
Ask a tech-savvy family member to help you understand how to use a smartphone or laptop so that you can have regular video calls with your friends and family.
It’s also a good idea to get involved with your local community as much as possible — based on your abilities, of course.
Spending time with community members and engaging with other aging adults can help you feel supported, understood, and more connected.
Challenge: Falls and accidents
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) says that more than one in every four older adults fall each year.
Falling can lead to all kinds of long-term problems, and it is something you want to avoid at all costs.
It can be worrying to know that there’s no one around to help if you fall, and you may be unable to get up and call emergency services yourself.
Solution: Medical alert devices
A medical alert device from LogicMark is an innovative piece of technology that can help if you ever find yourself in an emergency situation.
Many of our devices have built-in fall detection which means it will notify emergency services and your loved ones if you have an accident, ensuring that you get help right away.
Having a LogicMark device in your home can ensure that you’re safe as you age in place.
Challenge: Transportation limitations
We understand that it can be challenging to leave your home, especially if you’re unable to drive or move around without difficulty.
Whether you’re venturing out for a walk or going to a doctor’s appointment, this can become a problem if you don’t have a reliable way to get around.
Solution: Telehealth and delivery services
Firstly, look into public transport options nearby. There may even be a transport service for older adults in your area — so be sure to research this.
You can also arrange with your healthcare provider to have telehealth appointments, usually done via video call.
Lastly, look into the grocery delivery services that are available near you.
Food and household items can be delivered straight to your door weekly or even daily without you having to leave home.
Challenge: Cognitive decline
As we age, it’s natural to experience some decline in our cognitive abilities like memory and reasoning.
This can make aging in place challenging if you find yourself forgetting to take your medication or manage daily tasks, for example.
Solution: Routine and medication management
You can make daily living much easier by establishing a consistent routine to provide structure and support if you have cognitive difficulties.
A routine will help you remember which tasks you need to take care of each day.
You should also consider a pill organizer and reminders to help you remember to take your daily medication.
Challenge: Home maintenance difficulties
As your physical abilities change, handling things like household chores and maintaining your home might become difficult.
Solution: Professional help and downsizing
On the one hand, you might want to consider moving to a smaller home that is easier to clean and maintain. But we also understand this may not be something you’d like to do.
It’s a good idea to look into hiring a garden or cleaning service, or maintenance professional to help you keep your home in tip-top shape.
Challenge: Financial constraints
Living on your retirement savings might mean there’s not much money to spare, which we understand can be stressful.
It can also be difficult to afford modifications to your house or home maintenance if you don’t have a big budget to work with.
Solution: Financial planning and government assistance
Although it may seem intimidating, meeting with a financial planner to discuss your budget, needs, and expenses can be very helpful.
They can help you plan ahead to make your money go further and may even be able to recommend some cost-effective options to cut down on your expenses.
Also, spend some time researching the various government assistance programs available to you. There are many benefits you may be eligible for, such as grants for home modifications and healthcare expenses.
Challenge: Family caregiver burnout
It’s possible you have certain people in your family that act as caregivers for you as you grow older in your home — and this is a very special thing.
However, family caregivers are often juggling many responsibilities and may find it difficult to always be available to assist you when you need it.
Burnout is also a common occurrence for family caregivers. And we know this is probably the last thing you want.
Solution: In-home care
Consider the possibility of getting long-term care from a professional caregiver or home health aid They’re skilled in all aspects of supporting aging adults in their homes.
Having a paid caregiver visit you a few times a week to help you is a great way to ensure that not all the responsibility falls on one family member.
Make it Safe to Age in Place: The Ultimate Safety Companion
At LogicMark, we understand one of the main challenges you will have to navigate is maintaining your safety as you age in place.
With the Freedom Alert Plus, an intuitive medical alert device, you can immediately contact 911 or your family members if you have an emergency.
And, with built-in fall protection, you’ll get help immediately in your time of need.
Give yourself or your loved one the independence and peace of mind to age in place comfortably and safely with a medical alert device from LogicMark.
Browse our range of innovative devices on our website to find the ultimate safety companion for aging in place.
