Safety and home
Aging in place
Aging in place means staying in your own home as you get older. It can include home changes, equipment, family help and paid care. The goal is to live safely and as independently as possible instead of moving to a facility.
Why it matters for your family
Most older adults say they want to stay home. The National Institute on Aging notes that families often worry about safety, health and who will help. A plan makes it work. It may combine home changes such as grab bars, a medical alert device, help with meals and a caregiver for personal care or companionship. A common mistake is to wait for a fall or hospital stay before planning. Another is to expect Medicare to pay for ongoing non-medical care at home. It generally does not. Start with a home safety check and an honest talk about needs. Review the plan as needs change.
Source: nia.nih.gov
Read more: What is Home Care? How to Benefit from These Services?
Related terms
- Home modificationsHome modifications are changes to a house that make it safer and easier to use for an older adult or a person with a disability.
- Home safety assessmentA home safety assessment is a room-by-room check of a home for hazards that could cause falls or injuries.
- Fall preventionFall prevention is the set of steps that lower the chance an older adult will fall.
- Medical alert systemA medical alert system is a device, often a wearable button, that lets a person call for help in an emergency.
- Companion careCompanion care is non-medical home care that focuses on company and everyday help.
- Custodial careCustodial care is non-medical help with daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and using the toilet.
