Richland Home Care: Aging at Home

Ageing at home – what is it?

Rather than moving into a long-term care facility or retirement home as you get older, aging in place entails staying in the comfort of your home for as long as possible. When you need only minor assistance with daily tasks, you have a close network of family and friends nearby, and you can utilize the right Home care Richland WA services to meet your needs, aging in place may be an option for you.

If you explore the range of services that are available, you can determine if aging in place is the best option for you to maintain your independence.

A guide to aging in place with home care services

Most of us will need some form of assistance after we turn 65, although it may be hard to accept. Most likely, you handle all of your household duties yourself, divide the responsibilities with your spouse, or rely on family members for minor tasks. As you grow older and your circumstances change, it can become more challenging to move around and take care of yourself. Home care services can help you stay in your own home for longer if you don’t want to move into an assisted living facility, retirement community, or nursing home.

Among the services provided at home are:

Cleaning and maintenance of the house. Homeowners work hard to keep their households running smoothly. There are many services available to help you keep up, such as laundry, shopping, gardening, housekeeping, and handyman services. You may also benefit from financial and healthcare management if you have trouble keeping up with bills and appointments.

The transportation industry. Older adults face many transportation issues. You may be finding driving difficult or dislike driving at night. It is possible to maintain your social network and prolong your independence with the use of trains, buses, ride-sharing apps, and taxis with reduced fares.

The home has been modified. Keeping your existing home comfortable and accessible can be a challenge if your mobility is restricted. A new ground-floor bathroom or grab bars in the shower could be among the modifications. Ramps can also be installed to avoid or minimize the need for stairs.

Do you think aging in place is right for you?

Being at home when you’re older is a natural thing. In the face of aging’s inevitable losses, we often find comfort in the familiar, and your home is likely filled with fond memories and your neighborhood is filled with familiar people. A step back can help you decide whether staying at home for the long run is the right decision for you.

Most often, people decide to leave home abruptly after a sudden loss or health crisis, making adjustments all the more painful and challenging. The earlier you plan and investigate which home care services are available, the easier it is for you and your family to make the right choice.

Accepting changes in your independence

It’s normal to feel confused, vulnerable, or even angry when you discover you cannot do the things you once did.

 You may feel guilty about relying on others to do things you were used to doing yourself. Perhaps you don’t feel comfortable hosting “strangers” in your home. When you acknowledge these feelings, and keep your mind open to new ways to make life easier, you will not only be able to deal with your change in situation better, but may also be able to maintain other aspects of your independence for longer.

Home care services that are right for you

As soon as you determine your needs, you can evaluate which home care services are best for you and where to find them. It can be difficult to trust others with your home or personal care, especially if they are unfamiliar with you. Conducting some basic research will ease your fears whether you work with a home care agency or directly with a provider.

Referrals from family, friends, and neighbors are a great place to start. Perhaps your neighbor will provide yard maintenance or check in with you regularly. Churches often offer seniors meals and activities. You might ask those you know for recommendations for care providers. You can also get referrals from your doctor or another healthcare professional.