Our population is aging quickly!
According to The Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, the older population in 2030 is projected to grow from 35 million to 74 million and represent 21% of the total U.S. population.
Today’s seniors are healthier than ever in our history. Aging, however, presents our robust seniors with challenges to remaining independent in their homes as they age. Home safety is a major concern for family caregivers.
Many people want to stay in their homes as long as possible as they age, whether for financial reasons or because they simply love their current home and neighborhood.
Going to live in any type of congregate living situation such as a retirement home, assisted living facility or nursing home is not a dream for most seniors. Most of the time, transitioning to a care facility occurs because seniors and their family caregivers are unable to overcome the physical or medical challenges of aging.
Until that time comes, remaining at home is the goal for most who are currently aging in place.
Staying Safe Aging in Place
Aging in place especially when the home is older can present safety concerns for seniors and their family caregivers.
Unfortunately, the same homes that seniors have enjoyed and in which they have found comfort for years may not be suited to the needs of a senior adult. These homes are not always maintained in the safest condition for those whose need to reach for objects or have diminished movement and balance from aging. Functional decline may require home modifications, whether small or large, to improve home safety for seniors once again.
Family caregivers need to intervene for their seniors to be sure that every part of their living situation is as safe as can be for them. Overcoming and adapting to changes brought on by aging can be done to make their home as safe and livable as possible.
But what can family caregivers do?
On what areas of the house should you focus and where do you start?
Starting now even before you see gaps that need filling will make your senior loved one’s aging in place journey more successful.
Home Seniorization Checklist
Senior Care Corner has created a checklist to help you “seniorize” your loved one’s home.
It will help you consider small and large changes in the home environment that can be done by you and/or home repair and renovation experts before the need for modifications becomes a crisis.
You can download this valuable tool here.
Being proactive to improve aspects of home safety is important for family caregivers to keep seniors safe and living in the home of their dreams as long as possible.
Being a caregiver is one of the most important and personally rewarding roles a person will play in their lifetime. Yet, when we talk about care giving we tend to focus on the challenges caregivers face, instead of the special, intangible benefits.
From scheduling to documenting care, caregiver communication is crucial. It’s also the biggest pain point for most agencies. While the task of caregiver presents many challenges, but the right caregiver software,makes it easy to keep your caregivers connected to your agency, their clients and each other.
Thanks for sharing this informative article & I am looking forward to your next post
Thank you!