If independent senior living communities or facilities aren’t for you, you can always live out your golden years right at home. With a little planning and preparation, seniors can choose a level of customizable in-home care services that suit individual needs. You can also take steps to tweak your home to make it senior-friendly. Here’s how to prepare for spending your retirement stress-free, comfortable, and safe.
Consider What Needs You Have
If you use a wheelchair or your mobility is limited you will require a different level of care than someone with early-stage dementia. Write down a list of activities you find difficult (such as showering and moving between rooms) and daily tasks that overwhelm you (such as household chores and errands).
Choose What Type of In-Home Care You Need
Look at the list of needs you’ve created. If you have a medical condition that makes mobility difficult, consider a personal care attendant. If you are in good physical health but can’t manage the daily grocery run, housework, or yard work, think about getting a housekeeper to do chores and manage your home tasks. Seniors who are recovering from surgeries might require a physiotherapist or nurse to come in for a few hours a day.
Get Comfortable With Technology
If you’re all thumbs using that cell phone your grandson gave you, switch to a senior-friendly cell phone. You need to be able to call 911 in case of a medical emergency. Jitterbug’s range of cell phones have large fonts, enable 24/7 connectivity with doctors, and have a handy caregiver application that lets family check in on you.
Make Your Home Senior-Friendly
Get rid of clutter and unnecessary furniture. Your house should have enough space to move around without bumping into things. Invest in night lights so that you can see your way to the bathroom. Remove slippery rugs, wires and chords and anything that could cause you to trip and install grab bars in your shower and by the toilet.
Invest in a Medical Alert System
Though each brand is a little different, these alert systems essentially have a push button that alerts a 24/7 on-call response center in case of a fall or medical emergency.