Live and Thrive in Your Own Home: Aging in Place
You want to stay in your home. Of course you do. It is your space, just the way you like it. Your books, your furnishings, your clothes, your photographs, your dishes, and most importantly – your memories.
But staying in your house might require some extra help. Today, aging at home is commonly called ‘Aging in Place’. But it can be more than that, it can mean thriving in place too! Many seniors can live and thrive in their own homes, with a little help.
Your friends, family, and neighbors are good resources for you. It is widely known that having a strong social network is the key to wellness, and the key to aging well. Sometimes, our family and friends are not local. Or perhaps they can’t visit as often as we would like.
Other resources, such as the National Aging in Place Council, can step in to help. You may want to connect with your local Senior Center. Some communities have formed special non-profit organizations, such as – Community Care Givers of Greater Derry, or Monadnock at Home – having the sole mission of helping you stay independent and in your home, in your local neighborhood. Charron Medical Services can be your local source for products – take advantage of the knowledgeable sales and service staff.
You can also help yourself, by installing equipment and tools to make your home more accessible.
- Home Access: it could be your front door has too many steps, or your bedroom is on the second floor. Maybe your laundry is on the basement level, and you need to get down the stairs. Home access is a big issue for seniors. Fortunately, there is equipment available to help.
- Stairlifts – both indoor and outdoor stairlifts are safe and economical in helping you live in a multi-level home. In choosing a stairlift, be sure to look for a local installer. You will want someone who can respond quickly if you need service or repair.
- Ramps – when it comes to overcoming the climb up your front steps, EZ Access ramps are versatile. The ramps are configurable, making them a great choice for customizing the installation to your home. The ramps are designed to work with wheelchairs, walkers, and rollators. They can even ease the way for ambulatory seniors who have less range and flexibility because of aging.
- Interior Comforts: these products will improve the way you get around inside your home.
- Ramps are also available for smoothing the transition between different floor heights or tall thresholds.
- Seat lifts Chairs (not to be confused with stair lifts) are powered lift chairs that make is easy to get up after relaxing with a book or watching television. Powered chair lifts, such as models made by Pride and Golden, are attractive and extremely comfortable. There are different features so be sure to think about how you will use the chair, to help select the right fit for you.
- Scooters: if you are considering a scooter to help you get around inside or outside your home, you will want to test drive a few models.
- Power chairs: the Go-Chair by Pride Mobility has a tight-turn radius. You can maneuver it inside your home. To try a Go-Chair, visit your local medical supply store.
- Pride Scooters: there are several models of outdoor scooters available. To learn about the different models, such as the Go-Go Elite, visit the store and test drive the different models. If you are undecided, you can start by renting a scooter and see how it helps you get around.
It might seem overwhelming at times, but before you give up the dream of staying in your home – Aging in Place – talk with others who have made the accommodations to their homes. Call the National Aging in Place Council. And visit your local medical supply store. The Durable Medical Equipment (DME) industry is here to serve you. The products are designed with you in mind. Choose a local store, where you can try the products, and be assured of prompt, quality, in home service and repair.