Page 3 - Summer 2016

3
Three Keys to Aging in Place
There really is no place like home for aging adults. In fact, according to the National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC), more than 90% of older adults prefer to stay in their own homes as they age. The good news is that with a bit of planning and some extra help, many seniors can continue to live safely and independently at home.
There are lots of benefits to seniors being able to age in your own home, including:
• The feeling of connectedness to home and neighborhood, and a reaffirmation of your role as a family member and friend
• A sense of freedom
• The security and history associated with living in a familiar place
• Finally, it is often less costly than moving into a senior living facility
So how can you ensure that you can live safely and comfortably at home? It all comes down to preparation and advance planning. Here are three key actions to take:
1. Make Sure Home is Safe
As we age, our physical abilities change. Balance and strength may decline, making trip-and-falls more likely. To ensure the home is as safe as possible, consider bringing in a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist to do an assessment. These trained professionals can see potential safety issues and provide expert advice on how to resolve them. They can also refer you to a contractor who can install handrails, put in enhanced lighting and secure any loose carpet, along with other safety enhancements.
2. Maintain Health & Wellness
It’s even more important for older adults to pay attention to everyday health and wellness. Getting regular heart-healthy, muscle-building exercise is critical to maintaining independence. Not only does it increase strength, it also improves balance and bolsters the immune system. Combine exercise with eating well – including lean protein, fruits, vegetables and adequate water intake – and you have a winning combination. (Make sure to check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.)
Another key element for ensuring wellness is to regularly schedule doctor’s appointments. Get physicals to discover any health issues early while they may still be manageable and, most importantly, always follow doctor’s orders.
Reliable transportation can sometimes be difficult to come by for aging adults, whether it’s a ride to the gym, the grocery store or the doctor’s office. To find out about senior transportation resources in your community, call SameAddress at 248-262-9999.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help!
Maintaining a home is a lot of work. The physical changes of getting older can make it even more challenging. From cutting the grass and snow removal, to grocery shopping and cleaning the house, even the basics of home care can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are individuals and services that can help reduce the burden. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, or when possible, hire a service to take on some of the workload. Often, older adults can stay in their
homes significantly longer if they just have the resources to help them with regular home maintenance and light household duties.
SameAddress can help enhance the quality of life at for those wanting to remain in their home as they age. They provide the comprehensive In Home Care and Concierge Services, offering everything needed for living safely, com- fortably and independently at home. To learn more, call them at 248-262-9999 or visit online at www.sameaddress.com.
SameAddress is a social enterprise program of the Area Agency on Aging 1-B,
a trusted resource for older adults for more than 40 years.