Planning to Age
One of the most difficult aspects of life that people have a difficult time accepting is that over time mobility and their physical capacities are going to become more limited. While some people do quite well with little to no assistance well into their 90s and beyond, many others will need some form of help to get around their own home. For those approaching middle age, who have aging parents, and are considering buying or modifying a home, being proactive in aged care is not only thoughtful, but can actually save money in the long run.
Being Proactive
The first step in taking on the responsibilities of aged care before they arise is seeing what is needed around the home to help with mobility and support issues. For those who are middle aged, taking care of the needs of your parents will be the first priority. Identifying what they need addressed today may also apply to you tomorrow.
By addressing the needs of your aging parents, you are also seeing what may be needed for you and your spouse in the future. Some of these changes you can prepare for and address before the need arises which save time, effort, and money.
Prepare for Changes
You never know when an accident or injury may happen which suddenly limits your mobility. While most injuries are temporary in nature, there are those that may leave a permanent limitation to your ability to get around the home.
- Installing handrails
- Widening doorways
- Getting a walk-in tub
- Removing slick surfaces from the floor
- Putting things within easy reach
Just addressing these five issues will help with future needs if they should arise. But for those who may never need such modifications, consider that such improvements may improve the sale value of your residence. Most are also simple modifications that may prevent an injury from occurring.
Be Proactive Yourself
When things happen quickly, it is best to discuss the issue with family and friends so you can be proactive yourself. Funeral plans, superannuation, care arrangements, home modifications, and acting on your own needs will help you see what might lie in store for you in the future. In other words, there are things you can do today that will reduce the burden of decision-making tomorrow;
- Eat right and exercise regularly
- Make basic modifications to provide needed support
- Address potential injury-causing areas in the home
Just by doing these three things, you have set in motion the process of preparing for the future. You never know when the unexpected will occur, so being proactive can greatly help in preparing for what might come.
Being proactive means that you plan to address the needs of those living in the home well in advance. This type of aged care done before issues start arising may help prevent accidents, improve the ability to get around the home, and adds dignity to those living inside as they keep their personal freedom well into their golden years.
