Seniors, until relatively recently, might not have considered the possibility of aging in place, meaning they stay in their homes. Instead, there was often the automatic assumption that older people would move in with family or they would go to an assisted living community or nursing home.
This isn’t inherently true anymore. More seniors and their families are seeing the benefits of aging in place.
There are still programs where people can receive home care and services, but they remain in an environment that’s familiar and comfortable for them.
Technology has made a lot of this possible even though just a decade ago, it might not have been.
If you’re a senior and you hope to age in your home and remain independent, or you’re helping a loved one plan for their future, understanding the available technology can help you figure out the best strategy.
The Benefits of Aging in Place
There’s a reason staying in your home is becoming the preferred option for so many Americans.
First, you can stay in a place that’s comfortable and familiar for you. Moving can be physically and mentally stressful. For older people, it can cause more confusion, and it can also lead to mental health symptoms like depression.
When you’re in your home, even if you need some help along the way, you can also retain your sense of independence and empowerment. That’s important, and it’s key for aging with dignity and continuing to enjoy a good quality of life.
Financially, it can also make more sense. Assisted living and nursing facilities can be incredibly expensive. There are programs that can cover some of the costs of in-home care, which is almost always going to be less expensive than out-of-the-home options.
If you have grandchildren and family members who come visit you often, you might also want them to have a home where they come to and make memories rather than visiting you in an impersonal place.
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Losing control of your own life can be a tough thing to overcome, but you can do it. If you want to take control of your life once more, and maybe make it a little easier, too, then this article is for you. We will discuss ten medical aids to make your life easier.
#1: Wheelchairs
If you have a disability that makes walking difficult, then a wheelchair can be an incredible help. Most wheelchairs come with a variety of attachments, including:
- Seating attachments
- Leg rests
- Foot rests
- Head rests
- Wheels
- Buttons and levers
The same wheelchair can be used by multiple people, which makes it a great investment. If you or a loved one needs a wheelchair, then you should look into buying one.
#2: Canes and Walkers
If you cannot walk, then a cane or walker can be a great help. In fact, they’re just as helpful to people with injuries as they are to people with disabilities. That’s because they help you to maintain your balance.
Cane – A cane is a long stick that you hold while walking. They are commonly used by people who want to protect their knees when they walk. Walkers – A walker is a wheeled device that you can use while walking. They are commonly used by people with injuries to their ankles, knees, or hips.
If you can’t walk, then you should try one of these devices. They’ll make your life easier, and you’ll feel better while using them.
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If you’re planning to age in place, you want to make sure that you are able to take care of your own health effectively. Unlike in aged care facilities, you’ll need to monitor yourself for symptoms and pay special attention to any changes.
This means that you’ll need to invest in some different equipment. Luckily, technology has made for some incredible advancements so that aging in place is easier than ever.
Below we are going to take a look at just seven medical tech products that you might consider purchasing. Want to learn more? Then keep on reading.
Blood Pressure Monitor
When it comes to senior care, monitoring blood pressure is extremely important. In fact, a good blood pressure monitor is one of the most recommended tech products for the elderly. This is because it can benefit in several ways, which include:
– Detecting serious illness.
– Reducing fall risks.
– Checking effects of medication changes.
While there are many basic designs out there, it’s worth investing in a more advanced model. Not only will it make it easier to use, but you’ll be able to read your BP levels clearly and instantly know if there is a problem.
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Families sometimes consider sending seniors to nursing homes for more hands-on care as they age. For those fearful of questionable living conditions, neglectful assisted-living staff, and lacking safety alert systems, a home care agency may be the answer to your nagging question: What does this next stage of life look like for me? If aging in place appeals to you, you can seek out services with help from senior care professionals like Caregiverlist to learn more about options in your area.
Ultimately, aging in place, or aging at home, has more benefits than people may realize.
For one thing, seniors still maintain their independence and routine when they live at home. They keep all their home’s everyday comforts without losing a sense of security and familiarity.
Families also don’t have to shell out money for room and board at a nursing home. Most importantly, senior citizens, such as yourself, don’t deal with the stress of leaving home and risking exposure to potentially deadly bacteria.
If you’re insistent on maintaining your independence and can’t bear the thought of spending your golden years within the confines of an assisted living facility, you’ll need to prepare accordingly for the obstacles and restrictions of aging in place. Fortunately, a healthy lifestyle lies within the realm of possibility, even for those reclusive seniors with a there’s-no-place-like-home mentality. Not sure where to start? Follow the steps below.
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