Are you planning to age in place — meaning you want to live in your own home and avoid the need to move to an assisted living facility? Ageing in your home — where you have perhaps lived for decades — may be the ideal, but it does take planning.

Planning to age in place involves more than just making physical adaptations to living spaces, such as improving lighting or adding grab bars. It requires big-picture planning that includes finances and preparing for possible changes in one’s health or abilities. Here are five tips to ensure you are well prepared to age gracefully in the comfort of your own home.

1. Home Adaptations for Safety and Accessibility

Start by thinking through what changes may be needed to support your lifestyle as you age. 

Consider asking yourself the following questions:

•    Would grab bars in the bathroom and shower help?
•    If you shower in the bath, could that step over the side of the bath one day prove impossible? 
•    Are there any rooms or spaces in your home that could use better lighting? 
•    Can you get into your home without having to use steps? 

Much of these potential challenges can be mitigated with technology. Consider setting up smart home technology that allows you to control lighting, heating, and security systems.

Think long-term: Invest in renovations that will accommodate potential mobility limitations, such as wider doorways and wheelchair accessible baths, showers, and toilets.

Consider getting a professional assessment from an allied health professional like an Occupational Therapist. They will be able to advise you on home safety best practices. 

2. Financial Planning for Ageing in Place

Financial preparation is crucial for a smooth transition into retirement and beyond. You will want to ensure you can sustain your lifestyle and are prepared for sudden home expenses or in-home care services if needed.

Work with a financial professional who can review your savings, pension, investments, and any other income sources along with your financial obligations. You can also contact us for advice about government-funded Home Care Packages. Right at Home is an Approved My Aged Care Home Care Package Provider under the Aged Care Act, which means we can provide quality support at home under home care packages for levels one to four. We also deliver care under private pay arrangements for people who do not have government funding or who require top-up care over and above their government funded services.  

3. Legal and Health Care Planning

Ensure all your legal documents are up to date. You should have a will, a health care power of attorney, a financial power of attorney, and advance directives. It is also wise to have a clear understanding of your health insurance coverage.

Get regular medical and dental checkups: Staying on top of your health by scheduling regular checkups can help you manage chronic conditions and keep minor issues from becoming major.

Get vaccinated: Vaccines can save lives. Everything from the annual flu vaccine to the shingles vaccine can help keep you healthy.

4. Building a Support Network

Community connections are invaluable for those ageing in place. Maintain relationships with family and friends who can provide support. Additionally, consider services like meal delivery, transportation assistance, and home health aides.

Find out what is available in your community: Investigate local services geared towards older adults, such as community centres that offer social activities and support groups. Ride-sharing services or discounted transit programs might be available to older persons where you live. Right at Home can provide support at home in the forms of personal care such as bathing and showering, companion care such as domestic support, transportation services, and shopping and specialised nursing care such as medication management, wound dressings, IV therapy etc and respite care.

5. Plan B: Preparing for the Unexpected

Despite the best plans, circumstances can change unexpectedly. Having a contingency plan in place is crucial.

In case you need temporary care: Research local home care and allied health providers.

Ageing in place successfully requires thorough preparation and flexibility. By adapting your home, securing your finances, and preparing for possible health changes, you can enjoy your later years in the comfort and familiarity of your home with peace of mind that you are well-prepared for whatever the future holds.

Right at Home Australia is a leading provider of quality in-home care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve ensuring the Right Care, Right at Home™.  We support people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia and cognitive decline, seniors, and adults living with a disability including NDIS participants. Our tailored services help clients to remain safe and independent in their homes. We are an Approved Provider under the Aged Care Act, meaning we can provide quality support at home under a government-funded home care package. We also offer private pay arrangements for those who do not have government funding, or who wish to pay privately for top-up care. Right at Home is all about you. We are available 24/7 so contact your local office today. You can also call our national number on 1300 363 802. 

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