Part 2: There Are A Lot Of Resources Available
As we covered in Part 1 of our Aging In Place Series, most Americans want to stay home when they get older – if possible.
That can be easier said than done. Health matters are the main factor in limiting whether a person can age in place. If you can’t move around your home, it may be tough to stay in that home.
The good news is that there are many resources available to help people age in place.
Let’s start with Colorado Mobility’s reason for existence: home medical equipment.
Equipment Can Be A Starting Point
Equipment is one of the obvious first steps in making a home aging in place friendly. If you have difficulty climbing stairs, perhaps a stairlift could make your home easier to get around. You may need ramps for the exterior steps. Even if you do not use a wheelchair, ramps may still be needed to make it easier.
Can you get in and out of bed on your own? If you struggle, you may need an adjustable bed. Beds that articulate and have adjustable height controls can give you help to get in and out. Add a rail or a bed cane and you become your own assistant.
Some people ditch the bed and sleep in a recliner. Others need a lift recliner to help them get to a standing position, but choose not to sleep in the lift chair.
Mobility then becomes a question: how well do you navigate the house or outdoors? Do you need a walker/rollator? Do you need a scooter or electric wheelchair? Electric wheelchairs are great in tight spaces. We wrote about them here.
What If You Need Physical Help?
Even equipment can’t solve all the issues that might keep a person from aging in place. Sometimes, another human is needed.
If you have family helping, then you are blessed.
Often times, in modern America, families don’t live near elderly loved ones. Or, other circumstances prevent children from physically caring for their parents. In home care is an alternative in those cases. Companies like Caring Senior Service or Home Instead provide caregivers to help with bathing, meal preparation, errand running, toileting and many other items.
Get more information on various home care companies here.
You May Choose To Age In A Different Place
People often move from their homes, and choose to age in a different place. Independent living communities and assisted living communities offer many options for one who is looking to get rid of a house and let someone else do that work.
Placement Agencies like All About Seniors, Senior Placement Of Denver or Care Patrol can help you find the right community for you. And, they get paid by the communities – so it’s free to you.
There Is Much More Help
These listings just scratch the surface of what resources are available to help you age in place, or find a different place in which to age. At Colorado Mobility, we know them all and would be happy to set up introductions. We would also be happy to answer any of your equipment questions. Call us at 303-304-3223 and we can help.