“Max there’s so much information available about how to sell my home, but I don’t want to sell my home. I want to stay in my home.”
Real estate professionals who only tell you about the different ways that you should sell your home can be frustrating to work with. According to AARP, 90% of Senior homeowners that were polled prefer to stay in their home over moving elsewhere. So, how can you stay in your home if you are having mobility issues? This can be a big problem because, if your Senior is experiencing falls or other risks, they could get seriously injured. Their quality of life could decrease and their fear and anxiety levels could increase. This is a restrictive lifestyle we all want to avoid for ourselves and our loved ones.
When I was taking care of my Grandma, she was falling and not telling us because she did not want to be a burden on her family. She was probably afraid that if we found out that we would try to put her into a nursing home. I had already told her I would live with her and take care of her but one person, myself included, can only do so much. This is a scary and frustrating situation for everyone, so what can you do if your Senior wants to stay in their home longer?
The first modifications to make in a Senior’s home are to the steps. As a person ages strength and flexibility can decrease, turning steps into a challenge. At my Grandma’s house the first update we made was to build a ramp to her front door. Next, we added handrails throughout the house- anywhere there were some steps or anything that was treacherous to get in and out of, such as in the bathroom.
The next category to address is lighting. A lot of a lot of accidents happen at night or in dimly lit rooms. Increasing the amount of light in the house, whether it is permanent lighting or touch lighting through different rooms, increasing visibility can reduce anxiety and accidents.
Another important consideration is security. My Grandma lived on the corner of a busy intersection and she was always getting people knocking on her door: salespeople, real estate agents, etc. All these people made her nervous since she was living by herself and she just wanted to be left alone. We installed a camera at the front door and the back door and then it plugged into the TV. She was always watching QVC or The Price Is Right and so, when the doorbell, rang she just flipped to channel three and it showed the cameras’ alternating feeds. That was over a decade ago and now the technology available is amazing; it’s all wireless. You can easily install a basic security system yourself or you can hire somebody. Even a simple security camera can help a Senior feel so much safer in their home.
Providing your Senior with mobility aids will allow them to live independently in their own home more easily. Acquiring and maintaining a cane, walker, or scooter can help your Senior navigate their environment safely and allow them to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their home. It also makes outings easier and being able to go to a restaurant or a museum or even to church on a regular basis will make life more enjoyable for everyone.
Understanding what health insurance, whether it is private insurance or Medicare, will cover can be daunting. Be sure to do your research and call your insurance company before making any major purchased. Another option is to purchase used equipment. Often lift chairs or other mobility aids only get used for a couple of years and you can purchase a quality used item at a decent price.
Often the reason that folks choose to stay at home is because they’re afraid of being lonely or being forgotten. Many people are afraid of dying and moving into a Senior housing facility can exacerbate that fear. Very few people will come out and say, “I’m scared I’m about to die.” I have heard countless stories of Seniors who just kept resisting any help or any aid because they were afraid that accepting help would lead to being forced into a nursing home and forgotten. It is important to have open conversations, let your Senior know that you are here for them.
It is possible to age in home successfully, if you have the right things in place, you have the right protocols, and you have the right communication.
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