Seniors have several options when it comes to home care, from aging in place to assisted living
facilities. While these options may seem fairly straightforward, deciding how and where you
receive senior care can be extremely difficult. It’s common for seniors and their family members
struggle with this decision. So, whether you’re in need of home care right now or you’re trying to
be proactive for the future, here are some tips to help you make the best choice.
Choosing an Assisted Living Facility
Assisted living facilities are a common care choice for seniors because they offer a welcoming
balance of assistance, independence, and social engagement. These facilities provide a private,
apartment-like living environment for seniors who want to remain as independent as possible. At
the same time, the staff offers help with daily living tasks such as taking medication, preparing
meals, or dressing.
There are several facilities to choose from in the Indian Harbour Beach area, so make sure you
tour different places until you find one that fits your personal desires and requirements.
According to A Place for Mom, Indian Harbour Beach facilities range in price from $1,750 to
$6,150 per month, so there should be something for every budget. As you tour different
facilities, talk to the care staff and residents, and ask plenty of questions — these questions
from Wise Bread are a good place to start.
Put careful thought and time into this decision since choosing the right assisted living facility is
critical to your quality of life there. Learn from common mistakes that people make during the
process so you can make the right choice the first time.
Making Preparations for Aging in Place
Aging in place is another viable home care option for seniors. According to Retirement Living,
many seniors these days choose to age in place to reduce their care expenses and maintain
their comfortable, familiar lifestyle.
If you would rather stay put during your senior years, you may have to make some modifications
to stay comfortable and safe. Some common home modifications include widening doorways,
building an entrance ramp, and installing helpful features like grab bars, accessible countertops,
and lever-style faucets and door knobs throughout the home. It’s also a good idea to consult a
contractor who specializing in home accessibility modifications and aging in place when making
any changes. These contractors have experience making home modifications for seniors and
can suggest special solutions to your particular concerns.
Seniors also have many options when it comes to in-home assistance for daily living and
medical care. Your doctor can help you determine the right care plan for your needs, which may
include home health aides, nurses, and homemaker services. The Program of All-Inclusive Care
for the Elderly (PACE) covers the costs of in-home caregivers, skilled nursing, and hospice care
for people enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid. However, PACE is not available in all states.
Buying a Senior-Accessible Home
Some seniors would rather buy an accessible home instead of making changes to their existing
home. Unfortunately, this can be a little challenging because only 2 percent of homes in the
United States are fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Starting your search online or
talking to a specialized real estate agent may help you find a home that meets your needs. You
can also take advantage of programs and non-profit organizations like Accessible Space and
Habitat for Humanity to find accessible, senior-friendly housing. You may have better luck
renting an apartment or buying a condo in a modern building — all multi-unit buildings built after
1991 must meet certain accessibility requirements.
Senior home care decisions are a personal choice. There are several factors to weigh as you
consider your options, but your preferences and values should ultimately guide your decision.
After all, the best place to live during your senior years is the place that makes you happy!
