Maegen N. McCaffrey
Updated: March 22, 2021
Senior Planning Guide
Resources for long-term independent living
By Maegen N. McCaffrey
More retirees are choosing to live independently. A survey by AARP revealed a clear majority, 77% of adults over age 50, plan to stay in their current home for as long as possible. Unfortunately, less than half believe it is a realistic long-term goal.
Staying in your own home as you get older is called “aging in place.” People choose to remain in their homes for numerous reasons. Moving can be stressful, and many find the process of sorting through their belongings both physically and emotionally taxing. The years of memories associated with a family home can create a feeling of loss and an unwillingness to let memories go.
Another factor is financial stress. Many costs come with moving, and home pricing is volatile. Nursing homes are costly, while living at home allows individuals to live within their own budget. As a result, people are seeking options to live and thrive in their homes.
Many older adults have a strong bond to their community and have close friends or family who live nearby. Leaving that environment can lead to a change in routines and loss of security.
Yet, individuals face many concerns when living independently. The risk of harm from falls increases with reduced mobility and are the leading cause of injury-related emergency room visits.
Affordable quick fixes can be done to make a home safer. These include textured strips, grab bars, and waterproof chairs in the shower, using nonslip wax on floors and removing rugs, which are trip hazards. Nonskid treads on stairs, and rubber-backed foam mats next to the bed and in the bathroom can prevent slips and provide extra cushion when standing. Removing clutter from high traffic areas, marking thresholds with brightly colored tape, and adding plug-in motion sensor lights can improve visibility.
Technological advancements can provide mature adults with advantages to help them. These include meal delivery programs, grocery shopping services, and online banking. Smart devices help us to stay in communication and can provide reminders for important tasks. Medications can be ordered online, and virtual doctor appointments mean people rarely need to leave their house. And when they do, there are transportation options to safely help people travel to where they need to go. Last, personal medical alert systems allow people to call for help if they fall or need medical attention.
If mobility becomes a more serious concern, extensive remodeling may be necessary: ramps and stair lifts, expanded doorways, bathroom and kitchen adaptations, hardwired alarm systems, property fencing, and accessory dwelling units. Homeowners must weigh what types of modifications will be most beneficial against the costs they incur.
For adults looking to stay within their community, but in need of more cost-effective housing, there are market rate and affordable apartments. Many offer safety features and resident programs designed to enable tenants to live comfortably and independently.
There are countless programs available to provide helpful services to assist individuals and those living with disabilities to age in place or live independently.
RCAP Solutions is dedicated to nurturing strength, resilience, and confidence in those we serve. Our comprehensive array of programs include home modification loans for homeowners and small landlords, affordable housing apartments, rental assistance programs, landlord services, and emergency rental and mortgage assistance for individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For information, call (800) 488-1969 or visit www.rcapsolutions.org/elderly-disabled-services.
Maegen N. McCaffrey is the vice president of communications at Worcester nonprofit RCAP Solutions.
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Anonymous
September 9, 2021
Thanks for the article by RCAP Solutions. We sold our home 4 years ago to relocate north of Worcester in an elderly complex. It has changed management and is going to BAD company status. We can't get a light bulb replaced and have not had routine maintenance for one year. They have just increased rents for everyone but we are a yearly rental property.
This is what we are now, pay more for less services.
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