If you choose to age in place, you should take steps to make sure your home will support your needs. This includes investing in renovations to reduce the risk of falls as well as medical alert devices to help you get assistance fast if you need it.
When considering how to prepare your home for aging in place, the following may need to be modified:
- Lighting and electrical: Add bright interior and exterior lighting, and place nightlights throughout the home. Consider upgrading to motion-activated fixtures and swapping light switches for paddle-style buttons that are easier to use.
- Bathroom fixtures: Replace step-in showers and tubs with walk-in or roll-in options, and add in-shower benches and nonslip surfacing. Place nonslip mats on the floor, and install safety rails and grab bars near the toilet.
- Mobility and accessibility: Trim bushes to clear pathways and add sidewalks to ensure a flat, even walking surface. Install ramps if needed. You may need to renovate the entryway to remove stairs and curbs that require stepping up. Also, consider installing a stair lift or adding carpeting and reinforced railings to the steps. Widen doorways and lower the height of kitchen counters to be more wheelchair accessible, if needed.
- Floors and surfaces: Remove slippery flooring and replace it with a soft, slip-resistant option like carpet. If you have any rugs, add adhesive backing to keep them in place so they don't become tripping hazards.
- General safety: Repair or replace loose and broken railings and fixtures inside and outside of the house. Consider upgrading to appliances with automatic shut-off features and no exposed flames. Be sure to test or add smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in each room of the house, and check that their alarms are loud enough to hear. You might want to install a landline phone so you have a reliable backup option if your mobile phone runs out of power.
Budget
Finances are one of the top challenges older adults face when considering senior living options. Aging in place may be more affordable if you already own your home, but keep in mind that you may need to make renovations to ensure the house is safe and accessible. If moving to a community, factor in the initial deposit amount as well as recurring expenses.
It may help to create a list of your current expenses at home and compare those amounts to the cost of relocating.
Lifestyle
Starting the next chapter of life is a big step, and asking the right questions ensures you or your loved one find the best fit, whether that's a senior living community or aging in place. This blog will guide you through the most important questions to ask when exploring senior living options.
Choosing the Right Senior Living Option for You — Communities vs. Aging in Place
Older adults eventually choose whether to move to a senior living community or age in place, and both options have their own pros and cons. Aging in place means you can continue to live at home in a familiar environment. At the same time, relocating to a staffed facility or community offers more convenience and social opportunities.
The right fit for you or your loved one depends on several factors:
Health
If your loved one has a chronic illness, disability, or memory condition that requires regular assistance, a senior living center might be a good option. They are staffed around the clock by trained aides, nurses and physicians who can distribute medication, change dressings and catheters, configure medical equipment, and monitor vital signs.
Aging in place may be suitable if you are in general good physical and mental health. You can also supplement independent living with home health care, whether on a regular basis to assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) or for short-term recovery after a surgery or injury.
Safety
Senior living communities are designed with older adults in mind. Everything from the landscaping to the furniture placement is meant to promote a safer, more convenient place to live. They offer peace of mind for you and your loved ones that someone is always available
Consider you or your loved one's lifestyle and what is most important. Think about the following:
- Social life: Remaining social and engaged is an important part of aging well, as it supports a longer and healthier life. Aging in place can feel isolating at times. Many senior communities offer scheduled activities, outings, and clubs to help you connect with others.
- Meal options: If you love to cook and entertain, it may be easier to stay where you have access to your own kitchen. If you're unable to prepare your own meals and don't want to relocate to a senior living community, look into local meal delivery options like Meals on Wheels.
- Neighborhood amenities: Even if your home supports aging in place, your neighborhood may not. Consider your proximity to pharmacies, hospitals, and grocery stores and whether those services are easy to get to. Enjoying the fresh air and staying active with regular exercise is essential. Note the environment and terrain around you — if you live in an area with hills or slopes, it may be difficult to take daily walks if your mobility changes.
- Home upkeep: Aging in place lets you have more control over where you live. With this comes the responsibility to keep up with lawn care, home maintenance and repairs, laundry and housekeeping, and paying bills on time. Think about if you or your loved one will be able to keep up with these responsibilities as time goes on.
- Transportation access: Many senior living communities have on-site transportation options if you don't have a vehicle or can no longer drive.
- Pet care: If you already have a pet, be sure to ask about the pet policy if relocating to a community. If caring for your pet has become difficult and you wish to stay at home, consider hiring a regular pet sitter to lend a hand.
As you review these factors, make a list of your goals for this next chapter of your life. If you look forward to hosting family at holiday parties, aging in place at home may be right for you. If you're ready to form new social circles or spend your time relaxing and enjoying hobbies, a senior living community could be the perfect fit.
Types of Questions to Ask a Senior Living Community
You've decided that moving to a senior living community is the best option for your well-being, budget, and lifestyle. At this stage, it's important to ask the right questions before making your selection. As you tour different communities, ask the following questions:
How Much Does the Community Cost, and What Are My Payment Options?
Assessing how much a community will cost now and in the long term is a crucial first step. Choosing a place that fits comfortably within budget establishes a stable foundation for your next phase of life. Be sure to ask about:
- Initial deposits: How much is the initial deposit, and does it include all of your necessary expenses? This includes housing, meals, and any integrated health care services. Will next month's or next year's payment be the same amount, or will it increase?
- Ongoing fees: What month-to-month expenses should you expect, and what add-on services or amenities are available? For example, can you add housekeeping and lawn care to your plan? Note whether these costs have fixed rates or if they fluctuate monthly or yearly.
- Payment structure: Do you pay fees on a monthly or annual basis? Some facilities, like continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), have a buy-in structure with specific inclusions.
- Contract flexibility: Determine contract details, including length, terms, and how flexible it is if your needs change.
- Financial assistance: Ask each community about financial assistance programs, like payment plans or insurance options.
What Health Care Options Are Available?
There are different types of senior living communities, and they typically fall into one of these categories:
- Independent living: These communities are ideal for those who don't have any significant health care needs and want easier access to amenities and social activities.
- Assisted living: Assisted living facilities allow for a high level of independence but have trained caregivers on staff to aid as needed.
- Skilled nursing: If your loved one requires regular medical care or long-term condition management, a skilled nursing facility has the staff and equipment to provide it.
- Memory care: Memory care is designed specifically for those with Alzheimer's or dementia. Some facilities are solely dedicated to this demographic, but you may also find memory care at a skilled nursing or assisted living facility.
As you're reviewing potential communities, gather information about their health care options. What training does the staff have? Are they qualified to administer medication? Note the staff-to-resident ratio as well as which health care providers are on-site. You should also see how close the nearest emergency room is and how far the community is from your regular physician or specialist.
What Kind of Lifestyle Can I Have Here?
The right senior living community will help you or your loved one enjoy life to the fullest with options to simplify and enhance everyday living. Consider the following:
- Dining: Explore the community's various dining options and ask if they accommodate substitutions and dietary preferences. Look for a plan with variety and flexibility. Pay attention to where meals are served — is room delivery or private dining available? Are meals served tableside or buffet style?
- Amenities: Choose what amenities are most important to you, and make sure you are given a tour of those offerings. For example, check out the community's pool and wellness or fitness centers if you're excited to stay active.
- Activities: Many communities hold organized activities and special events so you can build or grow your social circle. Some properties also plan service and volunteer trips to help you make the most of your free time.
- Guests: If you live away from family, it's worth checking if a potential community has overnight accommodations for out-of-town visitors.
- Housing options: Many communities have multiple housing types available, ranging from hotel-style rooms to private cottages. Explore the different layout options, and ask if any modifications are allowed. Note whether appliances, regular maintenance, and housekeeping services are included or available to add to your package.
Don't forget to ask questions about the residents themselves, including their average age, activity level, and any noteworthy interests you might have in common.
How Will You Ensure My Safety?
Your chosen community should be able to discuss their emergency response plan in detail. Look for places that are equipped and prepared to handle falls and other health concerns as well as responsiveness during severe weather or natural disasters. Communities enrolled in Medical Guardian services like MGLiving have end-to-end processes in place for these scenarios, including devices that all residents wear to provide health reminders or detect falls. This also includes other technology around the property that keeps everyone, staff and residents, prepared and safe.
Make sure the facility and housing are equipped with plenty of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinklers and automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
In addition, ask about the property's level of security and whether they have:
- On-site security personnel
- Doors with alarms to prevent wandering in memory care units
- Gated access around the property
- Authorization processes for visitors
- Emergency monitoring services
- Staff on call 24/7
- Controlled access to shared areas
What Is the Overall Experience for Those Who Live Here?
As you tour a community, pay close attention to things like overall cleanliness and whether the residents appear happy and engaged. If possible, speak with residents who match your demographic and lifestyle goals to get their honest opinions about living there. See if it's possible to participate in a planned activity or enjoy a meal in the dining room to get a better idea of what to expect.
Ask management how they handle conflicts and complaints, and write down the estimated timeline between application and move-in day so you can plan accordingly. Request to see the facility's state licensing information as well as their health department evaluation.
Embrace Life Without Limits With Medical Guardian
The decision to relocate or age in place is a big one. Start planning today so you have plenty of time to research, ask questions, and compare your options. Trust your instincts — if a certain community doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Don't be afraid to involve family members or caregivers in your planning, as they may likely have helpful insights or suggestions.
Regardless of where you or your loved one choose to embrace your next adventure, Medical Guardian can help. We offer medical alert technology that connects you to highly trained operators who are ready to dispatch emergency responders if your device detects a fall. You and your loved ones will also enjoy the peace of mind that comes with wireless connectivity, GPS tracking, and 24/7 protection.
Learn more about how our systems work or take our product quiz to explore which options fit your needs and lifestyle.
