Aging in place is exactly that: how to continue to live in your own home, safely, as you get older. Most Florida seniors prefer to stay in the place they’ve chosen, in familiar surroundings, as they age.
According to AARP research, nearly 75% of people over 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as long as possible. We understand! Aging in place can give your loved one more independence and control, keep them in touch with friends and family, and provide access to trusted medical professionals who know them and their history. It means your loved one’s hobbies, routines, and the rhythms of their days and the seasons stay the same.
The best way to support a loved one who wants to age in place in Florida is to make sure they have the resources they need to stay safe and healthy.
How can seniors safely age in place?
As our loved ones get older, they will face challenges with balance and mobility. That means adapting their home: removing tripping hazards like rugs, improving lighting during the day and at night, and maybe adding grab bars and handrails.
AARP has written an excellent article, In-Home Care: Helping Loved Ones Age in Place, that is a good place to start.
In-home care can be a game-changer for your older loved one. To find out more, read on or visit the Atlantic In-Home Care website. You can read the dozens of 5-star reviews to see for yourself why people trust our care providers to support their loved ones.
How is aging in place different for Florida seniors?
Many seniors retire in Florida to enjoy the warmer weather, beaches, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a more relaxed lifestyle. Seniors make up about 22% of Florida’s population. Earlier this year, more new residents moved into Port St. Lucie 34987 than almost any other ZIP code in the country.
Your loved one in Florida may feel very strongly about aging in place, as it’s the home they chose specifically to live in throughout their retirement years. However, that means that their family may live elsewhere, see them less frequently, and may miss the signs that their aging parent needs help. Florida’s heat and humidity can be particularly tough on seniors, and hurricane season is yet another factor to consider (see our blog post on how to prepare Florida seniors for hurricane season).
This is why a strong support system is essential.
How can in-home care help seniors age in place?
The right in-home care can dramatically improve a loved one’s quality of life. Thoughtful, compassionate care providers can help with meal prep, light housekeeping, driving, and errands. They can bring companionship and conversation, too. This may be enough for your loved one, at first.
In-home care also includes assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and grooming. Care providers can help with mobility and medication reminders, too.
Most important is to identify when your loved one needs help before it becomes a crisis.
How do I know if my loved one needs help at home?
When you visit them in person, you’re likely to see it: unsteadiness while walking, difficulty getting up or down, and perhaps a home that’s less clean. You may hear concerns from a relative or get a call from a friend or neighbor, or worst case, from the hospital.
Don’t let it get to that point. Read our article on the signs that your loved one needs in-home care. Or, contact us for a free in-home assessment. You can call us at (772) 773-6994, anytime. We answer our phones 24/7.
