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Seniors Regaining Independence Where They Need It Most
Home ImprovementsSafety & Fall Prevention

Seniors Regaining Independence Where They Need It Most

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

On average, people use the toilet at least 6 times a day. It is one of the most basic activities in life and is also one of the most common reasons for seniors to start losing their independence. As we age, cognitive and balance issues can make going to the bathroom difficult and in some cases, even dangerous. Seniors all over the world are now turning to the bidet for help. Seniors Regaining Independence Where They Need It Most

What is a bidet?

Bidets have long been known as a hands-free way to wash sensitive areas with a stream of water. When using a bidet, there is no need to bend or twist your body to wipe. The bidet’s cleansing stream of water will do all the cleanup with little to no need to dry yourself.

Improves cleanliness

Seniors often experience a lack of proper cleanliness due to an inability to wipe after using the toilet. Bidets offer a cleansing spray of water for cleanup, only needing a small pat to dry off. Some bidets will even include dryers that can eliminate the need for drying yourself altogether.

Brings independence in the bathroom

We spend most of our lives experiencing a bathroom trip alone. When we age, a solo bathroom trip can become challenging and, in some situations, dangerous. Bidets eliminate the need to wipe which can result in a senior being able to take bathroom trips alone once again. For many seniors, this is a huge help towards keeping their independence.

Easy to install

Bidet installation has become increasingly easy over the years and has resulted in customers not needing to call a plumber or electrician for help. The installation process can be done by hand and be completed in under an hour to modify your ordinary toilet with comforting bidet features.

Improves the quality of life

Take back your independence and clean in comfort with the new standard in bathroom hygiene. Bidets can provide the ability to enter the bathroom alone with safety and confidence. For many seniors, a bidet improves their quality of life with just one use.
Click Here to see our huge selection of bidet products on Senior.com.

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What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled
Caregiving

What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

As the population of Americans over the age of 85 grows dramatically, so too has the need for home caregivers. By the year 2026, demand for home caregivers will grow by another million. This is an alarming prediction, because there is already a serious shortage, which is making it very difficult for seniors and people with disabilities to find the assistance they need. Many overall healthy people have resorted to living in nursing homes and other institutions simply so that they can receive basic help with daily tasks. What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled

Causes of the Home Caregiver Shortage

Although it is a quickly growing profession, there are still not nearly enough people interested in working as caregivers in order to keep up with the demand. Caretaking jobs tend not to pay very well; currently, the average home caregiver is paid only $10.99/hour. This is similar to what employees in retail or food service earn. Additionally, caregivers often have inconsistent schedules, part-time work only, poor benefits, and few opportunities for advancement (1).
Moreover, the job comes with a lot of responsibility, and mistakes can result in serious injury, police investigations, and other issues.
Strict immigration policies may also affect the caregiver shortage, as roughly one quarter of caretakers are immigrants.
With all of these factors combined, it is not exactly shocking that home care agencies experience an annual turnover rate of 60% (1).

Impact of Caregiver Shortage on Individuals and Families

The Columbus Dispatch recently interviewed a woman named Kenna Robinett, who is the guardian for her twin nephews, who are both on the autism spectrum. She was able to find home caregivers for her nephews, but they were far from reliable. The caregivers served her nephews frozen hot pockets (unheated), microwaved bread sticks until they were burnt to a crisp, and stored ice cream in a cabinet drawer. On one occasion, the boys’ school called because one of them had arrived with feces on his hands. Another day, Robinett received a message saying that there would be no one available to care for her nephews as of 3p.m. that same day, because the agency was shutting down.
In addition to causing the inconvenience of rapidly finding a replacement, caregiver turnover can be emotionally traumatic. “This is deeply personal, intimate care,” Patty Lyons told The Columbus Dispatch, discussing her 15-year-old daughter, who has several disabilities and health conditions. “She has a G-tube (which delivers food to the stomach), takes 13 different medications. Essentially, she’s nonverbal. She has to be left alone with a provider while I’m at work.”
Lyons’ daughter, Adriana, previously had a private-duty nurse. Then Medicaid policies changed and she was declared ineligible for nursing services, under the assumption that a less expensive care provider could meet her requirements. However, it took Lyons months to find someone who could appropriately care for Adriana(2).

Caregiver Shortage Causes Unnecessary Institutionalization

Although staying in an assisted living center or nursing home is a viable option for some, seniors increasingly prefer to age at home (3). For those with the financial means, this can work very well; 102 year old Leroy Neuberg told the Radio program Bostonomixthat he credits his longevity to his dedicated and qualified home caregiver (4). However, many seniors who are healthy enough to live at home with some assistance are unable to do so due to the lack of available caregivers. People with disabilities have the same issue –even those who are very young.
25-year-old Korrie Johnson has cerebral palsy and limited mobility, but is overall healthy and mentally fit. Her mother used to help her with daily tasks, but is now unable to do so because she was injured in a serious car crash. Johnson had no other choice but to move into a nursing home in order to receive basic assistance.
“This is no place for someone my age,” she told the Star Tribune. Most of the other residents have dementia and other debilitating conditions.
Johnson is far from the only disabled person living in an institution and wishing to be free. In her home state of Minnesota, approximately 1,500 people under age 65 live in nursing homes. With a bit of help, many of them would likely be able to live at home and lead productive lives.

Solving the Home Caregiver Crisis

Advocates argue that unnecessary institutionalization, such as what Johnson is experiencing, violates civil rights. The Supreme Court “Olmstead” ruling (1999) mandates that states provide their residents with care in the most integrated environment possible.
Even from an economic perspective, home care makes sense. It tends to cost taxpayers less than nursing home care (5).
A critical component of fixing the caregiver shortage is making home caretaking a better profession. Worker cooperatives may help improve conditions for home caregivers, as well as provide training opportunities. Additionally, changes to Medicaid rules could provide caregivers with increased pay and benefits, more stability, and room for advancement (1).
As a society, we must recognize the importance of this profession, and treat home caregivers with the respect they deserve.
Sources

  1. Forbes– The Shortage of Home Care Workers: Worse Than You Think
  2. The Columbus Dispatch– Crisis in care: Lack of quality caregivers, constant turnover tough on disabled, families
  3. The Chicago Tribune– ‘Crisis mode’: As boomers age, a shortage of caregivers
  4. Bostonomix– Demand For Senior Home Care Grows, But Its Pay Remains Low
  5. Star Tribune– Shortage of home health workers forcing young Minnesotans with disabilities into institutions

This guest blog post was contributed by Reiter & Walsh ABC Law Centers.

What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled

What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled

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Topics to Discuss with Aging Parents
Aging

Topics to Discuss with Aging Parents

by Kathy Macaraeg
written by Kathy Macaraeg

Ideally, you want to ask all of these questions at once so that if your parents don’t have any of the documents, you can set an appointment with a family lawyer to take care of everything at once.
Are There Areas in Your Life Where You Need Help?
You should ask your aging parent this question frequently. Circumstances change. While they may not need assistance with anything today, that could change quickly tomorrow. If you are at a loss for what types of questions to ask, here are some suggestions:

  • Are you having trouble safely getting around the house?
  • Have you fallen or lost your balance recently?
  • Are you eating well? Do you need help getting healthy food?
  • Are you still comfortable driving?
  • Do you need me to bring you anything?
  • Is everything working properly?

You would be surprised by how many of my clients quietly struggled with the above issues because they didn’t want to bother their children or alert their children to their inability to live independently. In addition to asking these questions, you should be checking for signs of their abilities. Some signs include:

  • Frequent falls or bruising
  • Weight loss or trouble sleeping
  • An empty refrigerator or pantry or no “fresh” foods
  • They are not grooming in the same way or as frequently
  • Their mail or paperwork is piling up
  • They are forgetting appointments or important dates
  • They keep phone calls or visits short (so that you don’t notice any issues)

Do You Have an Advanced Medical Directive?
An advanced medical directive is a legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken for their health if they are no longer able to make decision for themselves because of illness or incapacity.
If they do, discuss what is on their advanced medical directive so that if an issue suddenly arises, you won’t have to waste time hunting for the documentation. If they don’t set up an appointment with a family law practitioner.
Do You Have a Healthcare Proxy or Durable Power of Attorney?
A healthcare proxy is a document with which a patient appoints an agent to legally make healthcare decisions on behalf of the patient, when he or she is incapable of making and executing decisions stipulated in the proxy.
Does Your Doctor Have Signed Consent Forms For Who Can Speak to Him/Her?
If you or a sibling want the opportunity to speak to your parent’s medical provider outside of attending their appointment, you need to be sure their doctor has a signed consent for that enables you to do so. Medical offices may have their own forms or they may be less formal and just need your parent to call and clear you. Check with your parent and their medical provider.
Do You Have a Financial Power of Attorney?
A Financial Power of Attorney authorizes someone to act on your behalf in financial matters. This is a difficult topic to bring up as your aging parent may be concerned that he or she will lose control of their finances. You also need to be cautious about who is given this role as there is a risk that in the wrong hands, their money can be mismanaged or worse.
On the other hand, if your aging parent is struggling to stay on top of his or her bills or has reduced cognitive function that makes it impossible to make financial decisions, it is critical that someone steps in to help with finances. Of note, it is important that your aging parent make this decision while he or she has the cognitive ability to do so, which is why you want to have the discussion early.
At What Point Is Aging in Place No Longer Feasible for You?
Everyone wants to age in place. There are very few people who want to leave their family home to move into a communal living environment. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible for everyone to age in place.
Take the time to discuss with your aging parent at what point – if there is a point – they would consider assisted living. If they are completely against moving into assisted living, what are their preferences and is it in their financial control. Would your aging parent prefer moving in with family? Is that even an option? Would their preference be round-the-clock caregiving services?
There may become a point where it truly isn’t an option to age in place. They may not be ambulatory. They may be ill. They may need round the clock care which is out of the budget. If they do need to move into a facility, what type of environment is most preferable?
——
None of these conversations are pleasant, yet they are all important to ensuring your parent’s end of life care is what he or she would want. Jumping into caregiving as a result of illness or an injury is stressful.
If at all possible, you want to have caregiving discussions with your aging parents early and often. You never know when circumstances will change and you don’t want to have conflict with your aging parent over his or her care, or with a sibling or family member.
Lastly, use the resources of Senior.com. They specialize in helping people age in their home longer by providing fall prevention products like lift chairs, walkers or rollators, canes and Stander products.

Topics to Discuss with Aging Parents

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Age-In-Place

Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Most of us want to age-in-place. But can we? Affordable, accessible and well-located housing affects the quality of life for all ages, but it’s most significant for older adults. In a report released by The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University and AARP, it claims that the three key points are the cornerstone to comfort and security. How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home
Housing is the single largest item in most budgets and its costs and expenses directly influence financial security. The home’s location and accessibility are essential to health and safety, to stores, services, and transportation. Without the three components, older adults may experience inactive, non-productive, and isolated lives. If an individual lives with a disability or chronic disease, they will suffer since local supports and services could be difficult to find and access. How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home
Whether one chooses to remain independent and to grow older at home is up to individual and their loved ones to know if the home will allow them to age-in-place. Start early when assessing your preferences, the readiness of the home, and the community it’s located. How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home
I’ve listed suggestions and tips that will make the home safer. Consider these and adapt accordingly.

  • Numerous safety and fall hazards exist in everyone’s homes. What needs fixing is determined not so much by specific hazards, but by observing a person’s ability to maneuver (walk and transfer) safely in the home. For example, extra handrail support becomes a priority for balance.
  • Hire help for difficult talks. Many older adults have fallen off ladders or roofs doing home maintenance. It might be worth hiring someone instead. Keep the home clean by hiring a housekeeper.
  • Home technology helps and keeps people living with chronic illness to have healthcare in the home. While most people will think about physical space modifications, the most underutilized trend is the simple use of technology.
  • Adopt wearable or simple sensors which connect the older consumer with family, emergency support services, and detect falls, allowing family or caregivers to identify issues before they escalate and exacerbate.
  • Think of the future every time you make a change to a room. Every renovation should consider future need or ability to retrofit. Select lever handle faucet and add lighting options in dark hallways and bathrooms. Are studs in place for grab bars?
  • Use the assistive devices that are available to you-canes, walkers, hearing aids, etc. Look critically at how you use your space and what changes would make it easier for you to maneuver in your house. Get an evaluation from a physical therapist.

Think ahead. When considering retirement, some gravitate toward a place in the countryside, which feels like a good idea when active and able. However, there are real advantages to having neighbors, friends, and family close by.

How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home

How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home

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5 Tips for Aging in Place
Age-In-Place

5 Tips for Aging in Place

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

When Joanne Harrison’s spouse passed away, the 78-year-old had no interest in moving. She’s healthy, has many friends, and her two sons live nearby. Plus, she’s a confident driver and gets herself to doctor’s appointments and the grocery store. 5 Tips for Aging in Place
Those are all important prerequisites for people who want to stay in their homes as they grow older, or “age in place.”

According to an AARP survey, nearly 90% of those over age 65 want to stay in their homes for as long as possible. But Sullivan and others, who want to stay put as they grow older, “need to have a plan—and a support system—in place that allows them to stay in their community, ideally in their home, as long as possible, and to ensure that they’re living safely and independently,” explains Suzanne Schmitt, vice president for family engagement at Fidelity. 5 Tips for Aging in Place
Here are five things that aging singles or couples—and their children, other family members, or caregivers—should keep in mind when assessing the living situation.

1. Explore the Benefits of Staying Put

There are many reasons why aging in place can be a win. For starters, “it may be financially advantageous,” Schmitt says. For instance, depending on the situation, staying in a home can be less expensive than moving to an assisted-living community. There are the upfront costs of moving, an often steep entrance fee, and monthly payments for room and board, which can easily top $3,000 a month.
Even more important are the psychological payoffs of not moving away from one’s established community of friends, medical professionals, and faith community. Though these factors are hard to place a financial value on, they are a vital component of healthy aging.
“The single most predictive factor of whether you’re going to age well—meaning be able to be independent and live a long and healthy life—isn’t money,” says Schmitt. “And it isn’t even necessarily your health. It’s your social connections, which may get lost [if you move], because many people focus more on their finances.”

2. Do a Home Safety Check

The first step in an “aging in place” plan is to run a complete safety check of your home. “Many people don’t know what to look for,” says Schmitt. “There are some hazards that you might take for granted—for example, furniture obstructing pathways or stairs.”
Sullivan’s children did just that. They walked around her house with an eye for any potential hazards that might cause trouble should her vision or mobility begin to deteriorate. Then they hired a home modification professional to help make needed changes.
The good news is that many of the improvements that may make it easier to stay in your house—such as raising electrical outlets to make them more accessible and installing brighter outdoor lighting—aren’t expensive.
Sullivan’s home was retrofitted by installing secure handrails alongside the stairs to the front door, switching doorknobs to levers, adding automatic lights to hallways, removing rugs that might become tripping hazards, and placing grab bars in the shower.
“There are plenty of easy options to modify a home,” says Schmitt. “The sooner you start preparing, the better.”

3. Assess Transportation

“Driving may be your lifeline and independence,” Schmitt points out. “Coming to the ‘I don’t think I can drive’ moment is tough, but it can’t be avoided.”
And, although driving might not be a concern now, it may ultimately become one.
If you are at the point that you can no longer drive or walk to the grocery store or reach other important services, consider other transportation options. “If you have public transit, great, but it doesn’t exist in a lot of places,” explains Schmitt. In that case, you may need to make other arrangements, such as ride sharing with friends and neighbors, or transportation assistance that many companion-care services may offer. When it comes to groceries and getting things like prescriptions filled, automatic delivery or online delivery can be a great option. A family or friend can help manage orders and accounts and can track order history to help make sure you are getting what you need.

4. Ensure a Supportive Community or Network

This is a linchpin: Communications—social connectivity. Think about how supportive the community is where you live.
Isolation can be a stumbling block to aging well. And it can creep up slowly. No matter how safe the inside of a home is, if there isn’t enough interaction with a community, a plan can fall apart.
“Are you lonely? Part of aging in place successfully is being able to stay connected, and not fall into the depression that many people experience because they are isolated,” says Schmitt.
Are you comfortable on a computer? Can you connect online with your children, grandkids, and others?
You might also investigate some of the companionship services available in the community, through websites such as Caregiving.org.
Start to pull together a list of people and professionals who can step in and help if you need someone to go along to a doctor’s appointment or someone to help with errands, or for lunch or dinner dates. If your family doesn’t live nearby, you may want to have a pipeline to neighbors you can call for periodic checkups.
A growing number of communities use the “village” concept for services and support to seniors. The idea, originating in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, is to create a nonprofit organization that arranges for services—including transportation, home repair, and social activities—for a fee. 5 Tips for Aging in Place

5. Make it an Ongoing Process 5 Tips for Aging in Place

“One of the myths is that people think they can make a plan once, and they’re done,” says Schmitt. “This is something that needs to be reviewed regularly by you and your family member or caregiver.”
Once the home is retrofitted, keep an eye open to see if you are having trouble. Friends and family members may want to look out for any unexplained bruising on the aging person’s arms or legs. “It can be an indicator that they may be having trouble moving around,” Schmitt notes. Also, look around the home when you visit. Is there a pile of mail? Are things in disarray? Check the refrigerator. Is it bare? Is food spoiling?
What if you experience a health event, such as a bout of pneumonia that requires a lengthy hospital stay, or a fall that affects your cognitive ability or mobility. These are going to be very important points when you have to take a look at whether the plan you put in place is still going to work going forward.
“In an ideal world, we will age gracefully in place, but that doesn’t happen very often without careful preparation,” says Schmitt. “Take the time to sit down and get the aging-in-place conversation going.” 5 Tips for Aging in Place
Article from Fidelity.com

5 Tips for Aging in Place

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How Denial About Decline Compromises Senior Care
Housing Tips

Data helps seniors determine where to live

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Seniors want data when searching for the best place to retire. While the younger people have their own lifestyle criteria, older adults have stricter requirements because as they grow older, their needs expand. Data helps seniors determine where to live
AARP claims Social Security is the foundation of retirement and 84 percent of people age 65 and older receive benefits. Social Security provides more than a third of income for retirees which is hardly enough to survive since the average benefit in the U.S. is $17,189/year according to the Census survey. Data helps seniors determine where to live
So what do seniors look for when evaluating areas to retire? The majority want to keep working and live in a state where housing is affordable. Data helps seniors determine where to live
Using the U.S. Census data and other government surveys, let’s compare three states in the country based on work and housing to see which would be the best state to retire. I’ve selected Arizona, Minnesota, and Texas for my own analysis.

Arizona

  • There are 215,982 seniors living alone in Arizona. Of these, 68% are female.
  • Average social security income is $18,179/year
  • The median household income for an Arizona senior is $39,445
  • The number of seniors working in the state is 13 percent
  • 83 percent own a home and 21 percent of the owners spend over 35% of their monthly budget on a mortgage
  • The number of people aged 65 and over in Arizona is projected to rise 101% over the next 15 years, from 1,181,358 to 2,371,354.

Minnesota

  • There are 201,459 seniors living alone in Minnesota. Of these, 72% are female.
  • Average social security income for all seniors is $17,798/year
  • The median household income for a Minnesota senior is $37,329
  • The number of seniors working in the state is 16 percent
  • 78 percent own a home and 32 percent have a mortgage. Those with a house payment, 20 percent spends over 35% of their monthly budget on it.
  • The number of people aged 65 and over in Minnesota is projected to rise 54% over the next 15 years, from 774,390 to 1,193,124.

Texas

  • There are 638,725 seniors living alone in Texas. Of these, 70% are female.
  • Average social security income is $16,334/year
  • The median household income for a Texas senior is $36,915
  • The number of seniors working in Texas is 17 percent
  • 81 percent own a home and 32 percent have a mortgage. Those with a house payment, 20 percent spends over 35% of their monthly budget on one.
  • The number of people aged 65 and over in Texas is projected to rise 67% over the next 15 years, from 3,112,883 to 5,186,185.

At initial glance, from the perspective of a single female, aging alone, Texas is a better fit for me since there are more people in my predicament (solo agers.) My first assessment is crude, but the housing and mortgage numbers tell me that homes are more affordable in Texas and Arizona. Plus, both project to have a higher rate of people my age down the road.
Even so, having a job helps people thrive, and having one is vital to me. The Harris poll found 54 percent of workers (age 60+) say they will work part or full-time after retirement. Texas has a slightly higher number of working seniors than Arizona or Minnesota.
The city guides can give you much more insight than the little I give today. You can do your individual assessments by using the data provided for over 8,000 cities across the country. Data helps seniors determine where to live Data helps seniors determine where to live Data helps seniors determine where to live

Data helps seniors determine where to live

Data helps seniors determine where to live

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7 Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety
Fall Prevention TipsSafety & Fall Prevention

Seven Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

One in three seniors over the age of 65 will experience at least one fall annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the home for the elderly. Slick floors, small spaces, sharp edges and few things to grasp make mobility difficult and increase chances for dangerous falls. Seven Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety
Unable to complete everyday tasks with the same mobility they once had, many senior homeowners are left with unsafe measures to prevent falling in the bathroom. These may include insufficiently secured towel racks that could fall when gripped for support, shower chairs that are not slip resistant and sliding shower doors that could move unexpectedly when entering and exiting the tub. Seven Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety
“We want seniors to live safely and comfortably in every part of their homes. It’s important that senior homeowners are aware of the challenges independent living can present and take the appropriate precautions,” says Larry Rothman, Roto-Rooter’s director of plumbing services. Seven Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety
Roto-Rooter, America’s largest provider of plumbing and drain-cleaning services is offering tips on what to install in the bathroom to keep it safe for loved ones so they can maintain an independent lifestyle with easier mobility.

  • Equip showers and surrounding walls with sturdy grab bars anchored to wall studs so they can support the full weight of an adult. Some portable safety handles use super strong suction cups and are easy to apply and remove.
  • Consider installing nonskid tape or mats on the floor of a shower or bathtub.
  • A shower chair is also a safe solution that can be easily placed where balance is a challenge.
  • Flexible handheld shower wands with an on/off button might be easier to use than a traditional shower head. These are especially useful in combination with shower chairs.
  • Toilets can be replaced with ADA-approved raised-height models to lessen the chance of a harsh fall. Alternatively, raised-height seats can be installed on existing toilets.
  • Check temperature settings on water heaters, as water hotter than 120 F can scald skin. Special no-scald faucets or a no-scald regulator can be installed as a secondary layer of protection.
  • Some faucet handles are difficult for arthritic hands to grip and turn. These should be replaced with models that are easier for seniors to use.

A study by the Home Safety Council found that falls are the leading cause of home injury-related deaths among older adults. Making simple home installations can make day-to-day living for seniors easier, reduce their risk of falling and give peace of mind to those close to them. Most of the devices Roto-Rooter suggests can be installed by most anyone and are recommended for overall safety and optimal mobility for seniors.

7 Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety

Provided by: ARA
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Retirement Planning

Can You Afford to Age in Place

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

As many Americans are living longer these days, many may be asking themselves, can I afford to get older? Can You Afford to Age in Place
According to the Social Security Administration, the life expectancy of Americans is well into their 80’s.
We take a look at how elderly people are getting by and not breaking the bank as they age.
It’s inevitable that everyone will experience a sickness in their lifetime, but what would you do if the next time you fell ill it would bury you financially. Can You Afford to Age in Place
For many people over the age of 65 that’s just the case.
“I think that we do need to look at preparing, we have a terrible with medical expenses with seniors, we’re all really just one disease away from poverty and that’s especially true with seniors, because they don’t have a way to recoup that income,” says Shawna Wasko with the CSI Office on Aging.
While this is the case for many people there are places out there that can help seniors remain on their feet financially.
For 91 year old Peggy Mowry, one fall almost ended her financial freedom, but thanks to Hospice Visions, she has been able to remain somewhat independent.
“When I fell, I fell backwards and it took the hearing out of the left ear and my equilibrium doesn’t work well, so I had the therapy with the visions. I don’t really know the financial part, so I never received a bill of any kind,” said Mowry.
“We can provide that and also provide personal care several times a week in the home to assist them, instead of them having to pay out of pocket, or having to deal with insurances that won’t cover that,” said Lisa Schultz with Hospice Visions.
Some seniors have been financially prepared however taking care of themselves and loved ones can become difficult.
“Yes I do live here alone for the last over two years now and I’m very grateful to have the home that we’ve had for so many years here, but my husband has to be in a small care center in Boise and I go up every week or two, to see him,” said senior citizen Bonnie Barsness.
“I do like to see seniors think about, can you age in place in the home you’re in and is it time to sell the big place and get a smaller place? And, you’re able to keep care of it better,” said Wasko.
Thanks to medical technology seniors are living longer, but at what cost.
KMVT-TV / KSVT-TV

Can You Afford to Age in Place

Can You Afford to Age in Place

Can You Afford to Age in Place

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Before Moving a Parent into Your Home
Caregiving

Before Moving a Parent into Your Home

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

6 Factors to Consider First

The decision to move your older parents into your home is a big one to make. Your home is your refuge from it all. Caregiving is hard, and having it so close to you can make it harder. Does that mean you shouldn’t move your parents into your home? No, not necessarily. Many people decide to have their parents stay with them and it ends up being the best decision they could have made. Just take time to consider the following before you start packing up and moving your parents into your home. Before Moving a Parent into Your Home

Do you two get along well enough? Before Moving a Parent into Your Home

Everyone argues, but you have to decide if you get along well enough to keep the peace in your home. It might be good to try it out for a trial run by going away on vacation together or having your parents stay with you for a week or so before you make the final decision.

Is your home safe for someone with disabilities?

If your parents have any disabilities, is your home safe? You may need some handles in the shower, a ramp to get into your home, or enough room for them to move about your house. You may need to consider the stairs in your home and the location of their bedroom.

What type of care do your parents need?

If your parents need around the clock supervision, another setting may be better. Care in your home may just include having meals prepared, help with getting dressed, and getting to places. Those who need attention medically and physically often need nurse supervision.

What are your expectations?

If you have conditions or expectations of them living in your house, you may want to reconsider. Problems often arise when people expect something and then don’t get it when the time comes. It’s best to go in it just wanting to help your parents with nothing in return. If you can do that, having your parents move in with you might be good for you.

Will you be taking care of all expenses?

Taking care of someone is hard work and you have to spend money on it. If your parents will compensate you, it will probably feel better and prevent resentment. However, if they are not willing or do not have the money, be aware that you may start to feel taken advantage of as you get into the thick of caregiving. Before Moving a Parent into Your Home

How do other family members feel about it?

Hold a family meeting to determine how everyone else feels about it. Everyone in the home will be affected by it, so it’s good to consider their thoughts and feelings.
You may want to check with siblings and other family members who want to lend a hand in caregiving. You may need to discuss a plan on how to best care for your parents if they stay in your home.
Making the decision to move your parents into your home is one that takes time and serious thought. If you need help with making the decision, consider personal consulting services by Kendall Van Blarcom. He can help you figure things out and come to a conclusion that will make you and the people around you happy.

Before Moving a Parent into Your Home

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