How to Age in Place. Plan Ahead

Diane Carbo

Oct 8, 2023 • 32 min read

Aging in place is an increasingly popular concept among seniors.

Aging in Place: An Introduction

Aging in place is an increasingly popular concept among seniors. It’s the idea of remaining independent and living in one’s own home—with the necessary modifications—for as long as possible.

Aging in place isn't without its benefits. By staying in a familiar environment, seniors feel safe and can remain connected to friends and family. They also maintain their autonomy, which is essential for quality of life. Aging in place also allows individuals to remain close to their support networks and keep up with daily routines.

The key to successfully aging in place lies in planning ahead. The right plan addresses not only physical needs, but financial ones as well. With painstaking attention to safety and finances, aging in place can be a positive experience.

A good aging in place plan should start early and involve all stakeholders. It's important to include family members and care professionals when developing an effective plan. This way, there is an understanding of the individual’s needs, along with strategies to address them.

Developing an aging in place plan is more than just having the right equipment and financial resources. It requires a shift in mindset to focus on prevention and anticipate changes. By taking the time to plan ahead, seniors can stay in control of their everyday lives for as long as possible.

Identifying Goals and Needs

Designing an effective plan when it comes to aging in place requires you to identify your individual needs and goals. It is important to consider all possible outcomes, so you can make sure your plan will be comprehensive. This includes taking into account both your immediate and future needs. For example, you may need to plan for any medical conditions you have now or may develop in the future.

You also need to think about your lifestyle and whether it is sustainable for you to age in place. Think of the activities you enjoy doing and how you will still be able to do them as you age. Furthermore, review your current housing situation and decide if it is suitable for your needs. Consider the size of your home, its accessibility, and any renovations you may need to do.

Finally, you should also plan for any family support you may need. Does anyone in your family have the capacity to help out if necessary? If not, you may need to explore different caregiving services that are available in your area.

With all of these factors in mind, you can start to assemble your plan and make sure you have all your needs covered.

Start Planning Early

Planning ahead for your future is one of the best ways to ensure that you can age in place comfortably and safely. While it may seem daunting, there are manageable steps you can take now to ensure that your home and lifestyle will be able to accommodate your changing needs as you grow older. It is important to remember that planning ahead for aging in place does not need to be complicated – it just requires careful thought and consideration.

Depending on your current age and stage of life, there are a few different approaches to consider when planning your aging in place strategy. It is important to remember that while it’s never too late to start planning, the earlier you begin, the more opportunity you have to make sure all your needs are taken into account.

If you are in your twenties or thirties, now is a great time to start thinking about your long-term goals and begin exploring different types of retirement plans. Start building good financial habits now, such as regular saving, reducing debt, and investing wisely. These steps will help to ensure you have the resources available to make any necessary changes to your home in the future.

If you are in your forties or fifties, now is the time to start assessing your current financial situation and make any necessary adjustments. Evaluate your retirement plan options and make sure you are on track for a comfortable retirement. This is also a good time to start thinking about making any necessary changes to your home, such as improving accessibility features and establishing an emergency plan.

If you are in your sixties or beyond, you may already have a retirement plan in place, but there are still steps you can take to ensure a secure future. Now is the time to review and adjust your plan as needed, and look into other resources that can assist you in aging in place. Consider researching different in-home care services, and make sure you have an emergency plan in place in case of any unexpected circumstances.

Get Your Home Ready

As you plan to age in place, it is important to make your home safe and comfortable. Making the right adjustments can help you stay mobile, independent, and secure. There are some simple steps you can take to create an environment that supports aging in place.

Updating the Basics

Begin by ensuring the basics are up to date in your home. Make sure to look out for potential hazards, like loose wires, uneven flooring, weak handrails, or cluttered walkways. If needed, install grab bars in the shower and next to the toilet. Non-slip mats are also a good idea for safety.

Lighting Matters

Lighting plays a big role in creating an aging-friendly home. Install brighter light bulbs to improve visibility and supplement with lamps as needed. Place night lights in the hall and bathroom to make it easier to move around at night. Motion sensing lights are also a great addition, automatically turning on the lights when needed.

Adaptive Technology

Technology can be adapted to fit different needs as we age. For instance, voice-activated smart home devices can be used to control temperature, lights, music, and more. Smart locks and security systems can be installed for safety. Consider setting up phone and video calling capabilities for easy communication.

Comfortable Seating

Comfortable seating is essential for both short and long-term needs. Chairs with armrests, high backs, and adjustable heights are ideal for relaxing and watching TV. Adding a recliner or lift chair can make it easier to stand from a seated position. If space allows, cushioned benches or ottomans are useful for storage and extra seating.

Create a Home Office

If you’re looking to work from home in your later years, set up a home office or workstation. Look for a desk with enough space to accommodate a computer, printer, and supplies. Add adjustable chairs and footrests to make working more comfortable and accessible.

Securing Finances

As you age, managing your finances can become increasingly difficult. It's important to plan ahead for retirement and other financial issues. To protect yourself, it's important to review different options in order to create an effective plan.

One option is to create a retirement plan, by setting aside lifelong savings and using other assets that can be turned into cash. This can provide steady income when you’re no longer able to work. Retirement plans can also offer additional benefits like taxes and social security.

Another option is to purchase long-term care insurance. This type of insurance helps cover the cost of in-home care or nursing home care. Long-term care insurance is usually purchased in advance, which helps to protect you financially in the future.

You may also want to consider creating a power of attorney and a will or trust. A power of attorney allows you to appoint someone else to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. A will or trust lets you designate who will receive your assets after you pass away.

These are only some of the financial options available. It's important to research each one thoroughly before making any decisions. Seek the advice of a financial professional to determine what will work best for you.

Staying Socially Connected

As you age, your life can become more insular and isolated. This means that it is important to take steps to remain connected with friends and family. Technology makes it easier than ever to stay in touch and keep conversations going even when you are miles apart. Consider using video chat services such as Skype, Google Hangouts, or Facetime. If you prefer text-based conversations, Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, and other similar services are free and easy to use.

You should also look for ways to form genuine connections with people in your community. Volunteer and join local clubs or groups that share your interests. This could be a book club, gardening group, or neighborhood watch. Not only is this an opportunity to make new friends, but it can also provide much needed social stimulation.

Keeping Your Mind and Body Active

As you age, it is important to make sure that your mind and body remain active. Look for activities that challenge your mental faculties and provide physical exercise. Puzzles are great for exercising your brain, while light exercises such as walking and stretching can help increase your mobility. Consider joining a gym or finding an online fitness program that appeals to you.

In addition to keeping your mind and body active, it is equally important to monitor your emotional wellbeing. Make sure to get plenty of rest, practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, or talk to a professional if you feel overwhelmed.

Getting Help as You Age

As aging can be a difficult process, it is important to have various sources of help and support. These include meal prep services, transportation options, and home care. Having access to these services can make the aging process much easier and more manageable.

Meal prep services are available for those who may have difficulty preparing meals for themselves or who don’t have the time. Meal prep services deliver meals that are already cooked and ready to eat; they also offer healthy meal plans that are tailored to your preferences and dietary needs.

Transportation options are also important for those who may not have access to reliable transportation. Some cities have specialized transportation services for seniors, while others offer public transportation options such as bus passes or discounts on fares. Additionally, many ride-sharing services offer discounted rates for seniors.

Home care is another option for those who may need assistance with basic daily tasks such as preparing meals or taking care of the home. Home care services provide support for seniors to remain independent and carry out daily activities in a safe environment.

Having access to these services can make the aging process much easier and allow seniors to remain independent and safe. It is important to plan ahead and identify which services may be needed.

Finalizing Your Plan

Aging in place is an effective way of maintaining independence and autonomy as you get older. Having a plan in place is key to making it happen successfully. The following steps can help you finalize your plan for aging in place:

Review your needs: It’s important to review your needs regularly to make sure that your plan is still relevant and up-to-date.
Adjust as needed: As you age, your requirements and lifestyle may change. Revisit your plan periodically and adjust it as necessary.
Share with family and friends: Share your plan with your loved ones so they are aware of your needs and wishes as you age.
Discard outdated plans: Once you have finalized your plan, discard any outdated plans and keep only the current one.
Get help: Consider seeking help from professionals if you need assistance with certain aspects of your plan.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your plan for aging in place stays up-to-date and relevant. It’s important to review and adjust your plan on a regular basis to ensure its effectiveness over time.

Conclusion

Aging in place is something most of us would like to do, but it does require some planning in order for it to truly be successful. Taking the time to create a plan that considers your goals, needs, and finances can help you to age in place most efficiently and safely. It is important to start early and to get your home ready for aging in place. Additionally, it is necessary to secure finances, get involved, and find the help and support needed to make the plan successful. Once all of these elements are in place, your plan should be finalized and shared with trusted family members or friends. This plan should also include an action item checklist for easy implementation.

Aging in place doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right plan in place, you can enjoy the final years of life with comfort, independence, and security.

Additional Resources

Aging in place can be a great experience but it can feel overwhelming to think about all the details you need to consider. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help you through the process. Here are some of the best sources for more detailed information and tips:

The National Aging in Place Council: This nonprofit organization provides resources specifically aimed at helping seniors age in place safely. You can find helpful information on planning, safety considerations, as well as a comprehensive list of service providers.
AARP: AARP provides reliable information and advice on aging in place, including financial tips, home safety and security advice, and links to online and local resources.
Medicare: Medicare’s website provides a wealth of information on aging in place, including an extensive list of resources and services.
The Eldercare Locator: This free service helps people locate nearby support services and other options for aging in place.
The American Association of Retired Persons Foundation (AARPF): The AARPF provides resources and advice specifically tailored for those who are aging in place.
Your Local Area Agency on Aging (AAA): Your local AAA is a great source of information about local services, resources, and programs that can help you age in place safely and comfortably.

These resources can be extremely helpful when it comes to planning and executing your aging in place plan. With their help, you can get the information and advice you need to ensure you’re able to age in place with dignity and peace of mind.

Having a plan to age in place can be incredibly beneficial to your future. While it’s important to create a plan that is tailored to your needs and goals, it’s also important to think of your loved ones when creating this plan. Sharing your plan with family and friends can be an invaluable way for them to support you as you age.

When sharing your plan, you can provide your loved ones with the information they need to help you live confidently and independently. This could include asking them to check in with you regularly, identify potential health issues, offer assistance when needed, or provide guidance and advice as necessary.

It’s also important to let your loved ones know what kind of assistance and support you are comfortable with. Do you prefer to be more independent and manage your own care? Or do you feel more comfortable with someone checking in on a regular basis? Talking to your family and friends about how they can best support you can ensure that everyone is on the same page.

By involving your family and friends when developing and sharing your plan to age in place, you can ensure that everyone is prepared and can provide you with the necessary support when needed.

Creating An Action Items Checklist

Making a plan to age in place can seem overwhelming. To make it easier, having an action items checklist is key. This checklist should be an easy-to-follow list with all the tasks necessary for an effective aging-in-place plan.

Creating a comprehensive action items checklist helps to ensure that you are prepared and accountable as you plan for aging in place. Your checklist should provide an overview of your priorities and should be highly organized and divided into short and long-term goals. Additionally, it's important to set realistic expectations with a timeline attached to each goal.

Here are some examples of tasks that could be included on your action items checklist:

Identifying and researching different living arrangements
Creating a budget and setting a savings plan
Gathering information on available resources for seniors
Making any necessary modifications to your current home to accommodate your needs
Making decisions about transportation options
Finding a doctor and other medical care providers that suit your needs
Finding ways to stay socially connected and active

Creating an action items checklist is an important part of executing your aging in place plan. It provides clarity and organization to your plan by helping you prioritize tasks and break them down into manageable chunks.