Aging in place is a term used to describe a person living in the residence of their choice, for as long as they are able to. Many people trying to age in place have support services to help them with activities of daily living.
You can get almost any type of help you want in your home—often for a cost. You can get more information on many of the services listed here from your local Area Agency on Aging, local and State offices on aging or social services department.
What do you need help with?
Personal care. Do you have problems showering, washing your hair, or getting dressed? Maybe a relative or friend could help. Or, you could hire a trained aide for a short time each day.
Household chores. Do you need help with regular chores like housecleaning, yard work? Maybe you need assistance with errands such as, grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, and going to the bank or post office. Some grocery stores and drug stores will take your order over the phone and bring the items to your home. There are cleaning and yard services you can hire, or maybe someone you know has a housekeeper or gardener to suggest. Some housekeepers will help with laundry. Some dry cleaners will pick up and deliver your clothes. The possibilities of service providers are endless.
Meals. Are you tired of eating alone? Are you not eating properly? Have you tried cooking with a friend, or having your church bring you some meals. that you might not be eating nutritious meals or tired of eating alone? A hot lunch is always available at the Area Agency on Aging. Have you considered meals on wheels? https://www.chcmow.org/ Eating out may give you a chance to visit with others. Is it hard for you to get out? Ask someone to bring you a healthy meal a few times a week. Some service providers will cook your meal for you also.
Money management. Do you worry about paying bills late or not at all? Are health insurance forms confusing? Maybe you can get help with these tasks. Ask a trusted relative to lend a hand. Volunteers, financial counselors, or geriatric care managers can also help. Talk to your local social worker at the Area Agency on aging.
Do you use a computer? You can pay all your bills on line. Many service provide will help you learn this new skill. You are never to old to learn! Many people have regular bills, like utilities and rent or mortgage, paid automatically from their checking account. Make sure you trust your provider.
Be careful to avoid money scams. Never give your Social Security number, bank or credit card numbers, or other sensitive information to someone on the phone unless you dialed the number. Never share identifying information over email or on social media. Always check all bills, including utility bills, for charges you do not recognize. Make sure you trust any individual with your financial information.
Health care. Do you forget to take your medicine? Special pill boxes allow you or someone else to set out your pills for an entire week. Have you had a hospital stay and still require nursing care at home for a short time? The hospital discharge planner can help you make arrangements, and Medicare might pay for a home health aide to come to your home.
Have someone you trust accompany you to the doctor. Ask them or the doctor to write down all pertinent information, Rx times, next appointment etc. Do you feel better having a trusted source go to the doctor with you?
You really can age in place with a few resources and trusted people!
Comments