There is no place like home.
Any good Kansan certainly knows there is no place like home.
Home is special.
It is comfortable, familiar, and calming.
If you want to stay at home throughout your entire retirement, you are not alone.
No one would rather be in a nursing home.
However, according to a recent Washington Post article titled “Aging in place helps you to avoid a retirement community or nursing home,” avoiding placement in a nursing home requires careful planning.
Not all of our homes are designed for accessibility.
If your home is not, you should remodel or retrofit.
What should you consider?
You will want a bedroom on the first floor, wider doorways, grab bars for the shower, and improved lighting.
The design of your upgrades should be accommodate all ages and abilities.
Contractors who are Certified Aging in Place Specialists would be best.
What if you cannot afford to remodel?
Simply installing grab bars, adjusting lighting, or securing rugs to the floor can go a long way.
When it comes to food, you can take advantage of delivery services or meal prep companies, if you cannot make it to the store.
You should also take charge of your health, finances, and estate planning.
Being proactive with your finances, insurance, and legal documentation can help you remain at home for many years to come.
An experienced estate planning or elder law attorney can help you cover all of the bases.
Reference: Washington Post (July 1, 2019) “Aging in place helps you to avoid a retirement community or nursing home”
Comments