Do You Need Tips For Successful Aging in Place — Baby Boomers and Others Take Notice
Diane Carbo RN Please visit http://www.aginghomehealthcare.com//successful-aging.htmlTo learn more. Sign up for Aging Home Health Care Ezine her free newsletter and receive a complimentary copy of the Home Health Care Planning Guide.
Aging baby boomers are determined for successful aging in place. They are so determined to reach their goals; the boomers have created an entire new home remodeling industry. The hopes of the aging baby boomer generation are to avoid being institutionalized and to live out the life in the comforts of their own home. In order to reach that goal, baby boomers are finding support and guidance with Certified Aging in Place Specialists.
It is important that aging boomers realize that their bodies will change and our ability to maneuver our physical environment with ease may change.
An aging boomer must realize that successful aging in place requires planning, support and guidance from many different areas. The first step, for success, is to make your home your partner as you age. Most homes were built for young growing families. A young body can maneuver stairs, stand at the kitchen sink or stand on a stool to get out of reach things. As we age, these activities can become difficult or even impossible. Balance can become a problem and falls rob the aging body of independence. In spite of all the exercising, vitamins and nutrition, we cannot help from falling and breaking a bone.
Mobility, such as going up and downstairs, getting off the toilet and in and out of the shower becomes a problem. Many aging seniors develop fear of falling and avoid showering for fear of falling.What is the best tip for successful aging in place? Make home remodeling plans to adjust your present environment to meet your future care needs. There are simple inexpensive changes that can make your home livable for your future care needs. For example, lever type handles should replace all door knobs for ease of opening.
Shower doors should be replaced by shower curtains for safety. Installing grab bars in the shower and next to the toilet. If you are planning remodeling or home improvements seek the advice of a certified aging in place specialist. These specialists utilize the basic concept of universal design to meet the needs of everyone: the young, the aging body or the individual that is physically challenged. These specialized professionals will assist you in making the right choices for your present needs as well as your future care needs.
There are several factors to consider when making changes to your home.
Safety is the first consideration. Although we are unable to prevent accidents, you can create an environment that will lessen the chances of an accident happening. Physically maneuvering in our homes can become a factor as we age. We may require some assistive device, such as a cane or wheelchair. Entering and leaving the house can become problematic. Using stairs and food preparation can become problematic due to arthritis of circulatory problems.
Falls in the entrance ways of a home is second only to the bathroom for falls for aging seniors. Lowering profile thresholds will make for easier access to your home.
The bathroom is a key room to make changes for future care needs. Safety and easy accessibility to promote independence for as long as possible is the goal for this highly utilized room. Simple changes as suggested above, along with held shower heads and scald guards on the faucets are safety benefits for everyone in the family.
Installing a “comfort high” toilet can allow an individual to get up with ease. As we age, the present standard toilets can be difficult to get up with out assistance.
I have just touched the surface on how aging baby boomers can prepare for successful aging in place. A Certified Aging in Place Specialist and smart home remodeling plans are the first steps towards success.
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