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How to Decide on Your Best Senior Lifestyle Arrangement
Age brings with it inevitable change. As we grow older, it sometimes becomes apparent that due to certain changes, we could use a little help to make the most of our golden years. If you’re trying to decide whether that means making some home modifications or moving to an assisted living situation, we’ve gathered some information to help you sort through the details.
Modifications Make the Difference
If you’re considering staying in your own home as you grow older, you aren’t alone. In fact, some statistics indicate about 90 percent of seniors like the idea of aging in place. However, if that is your goal, you should consider a house design that will support your efforts. Depending on your current abode, you might need to transition to a different home. Most traditionally styled homes require at least some modifications to boost accessibility for seniors.
Prioritizing Needs
When it comes to prioritizing changes, bathroom modifications often rank toward the top for seniors, and with good reason. According to NewsUSA, one in three seniors falls every year, and 80 percent of those falls occur in bathrooms. It’s a space that tends to be tight quarters and oftentimes is slippery. By better equipping your bathroom, you can greatly reduce your risk of falling. Installing a walk-in shower or accessible tub is a big perk, along with things like grab bars, a taller commode, and anti-slip flooring. To give you an idea of cost, homeowners in nearby Jacksonville typically pay between $5,318 and $11,891 for a bathroom remodel.
Beyond the Bath
While bathrooms can be particularly hazardous, there are other trouble spots in traditional homes that are worth addressing. For instance, extending anti-slip flooring (which starts around $3 per linear foot) to the rest of the home is a plus, and doorways should be wider than average so you can navigate comfortably if assistive equipment is used. At least one entryway should be free of steps, and throughout the home, you can add lighting to boost visibility. The ideal living arrangement would be on the ground floor as well, so you can eliminate climbing stairs.
Hiring Help
Many home modifications require a professional to complete, although you don’t necessarily need to hire a contractor. If you choose some simple, small changes, a handyman can often handle it for you. Some areas limit the size of the job a handyman can do, and bear in mind that while a handyman typically has a number of practical skills, they don’t necessarily have a professional license or the proper certifications.
A contractor, on the other hand, can take on bigger jobs, often has a specialty, and may have a team of helpers. When it comes to hiring someone, Forbes suggests having specific details prepared regarding the work you require. Then, ask around for recommendations, look at completed projects to see if you like the work, and interview each candidate carefully.
Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home Care
Many people are confused about assisted living care versus nursing home care. As explained by the National Caregivers Library, if you need a bit of assistance with daily basics, such as grooming, dressing, or eating, but you still live a generally independent life overall, an assisted living situation could be ideal for you.
Assisted living environments couple freedom with support; you have access to things like help with medications and bathing, but you are able to come and go as you please. There are often organized activities you are welcome to join, such as games, exercise groups, and crafts. For some people, it’s an ideal environment aimed toward comfortable, supported aging.
Nursing homes, on the other hand, provide a higher level of care. They are more for people recovering from a serious illness or injury or require around-the-clock assistance. Some medical services might include things like respiratory therapy, dialysis, and rehabilitative therapy.
Some of the changes that come with aging can challenge us. If it’s time to alter your living arrangement to meet those challenges, you have options. Both staying at home and assisted living are worth considering for optimal comfort and indepe
Harry Cline info@newcargiver.org
newcaregiver.org