20 Healthful Tips For Aging In Place In 2020

It’s a new decade, and we want to help make it a healthful start, especially for those looking forward to making aging in place in 2020 successful.

This year will see more and more seniors choosing to remain living in their homes or “aging in place,” rather than moving into a long-term care facility. This can be attributed to the rising cost of healthcare, as well as the aging of a generation of Baby Boomers that is more active than previous generations. If you or your loved ones plan to age in place, we have 20 healthful tips to do so in 2020!

20 Healthful Tips for Aging in Place in 2020

1. Be prepared to modify your home as necessary. There are many ways to ensure your home is safe and accommodating, and we offer handyman services  to assist in these needs!
2. Make sure the home has at least one entrance that does not require steps. Limited mobility shouldn’t prevent you from coming and going.
3. Prepare for short-term medical needs that may arise. You may be able to remain in your home after a surgery or illness, but coordinating for rehabilitation services, like those offered here at Senior Home Companions (SHC), will help your recuperation from becoming a burden.
4. If your home has more than one floor, be sure that essential tasks can be completed on the main level. This may involve preparing a guest room as the master bedroom, or modifying other living areas.
5. Accept help with daily tasks. Senior Home Companions Indianapolis companion caregivers can visit as often as you need to help with household responsibilities that may become overwhelming, such as cleaning or laundry.
6. Aging seniors may want to look into a new bed. Many adjustable beds can help restless sleeping that is common in aging by changing the positioning or utilizing massage features.
7. Install brighter lights for seniors throughout the home in order to assist with worsening eyesight common in aging. Nightlights on a timer or motion sensor can assist with moving around the home at night.
8. Floor consistency is an important feature in a home with aging seniors. Try to reduce the number of floor types in the home, and make sure that any transitions between types are smooth and prevent falls. Rugs may also need to be removed.
9. Safety can be further ensured by installing a landline phone in every room, if possible.
10. In case of an emergency, it is helpful to keep a printed list (with large font) of family or medical office phone numbers and medications taken near the telephone. This can help seniors if they were to become disoriented, or help a caregiver or friend if an emergency arises.
11. Home maintenance and landscaping may be difficult, so arranging for regular visits from service providers  throughout the year can be helpful.
12. The bathroom is a common location for falls, so you’ll want to look into installing grab bars in and near the shower.
13. Showering can also become taxing as you age. You can install a shower seat and a removable shower head to help make showering easier. These items can also help a caregiver from SHC if you are in need of personal care assistance.
14. Cooking may be an enjoyable activity for many seniors, but it can also be overwhelming with complex recipes. Our companion caregivers can assist with meal planning, as well as cooking for you or with you.
15. Installing seated work spaces in the kitchen can help prevent you from tiring as you cook or clean in the kitchen.
16. Keep plans with friends and family to prevent isolation. Our Senior Home Companion caregivers love to visit with their seniors too!
17. You can use technology to stay in touch with loved ones who may live far away, with phone calls, Facetime, Skype or other smart device communication.
18. When the time comes that driving is too much, SHC companions can help you get to appointments or run errands.
19. Take advantage of activities provided within your community, like at the library or other recreational centers. Many daytime community activities are free or have discounts for seniors.
20. Make a plan to reassess your needs on a regular basis. Your need for assistance will change as you age, and families should have a plan in place as health and mental changes come about.

If you have any questions about aging in place and how Senior Home Companions can help, don’t hesitate to contact us today!