Your senior may have some very solid reasons for wanting to age in place, but it’s still going to become more difficult for her over time. As she faces other challenges, aging in place may become something that she and you need to reconsider as an option for her. Putting solutions in place for these issues can give her more time.
Senior Care Staten Island NY – Four Reasons Aging in Place Gets More Difficult
Personal Tasks Become More of a Problem
Personal tasks are those tasks like getting dressed and taking a shower that your elderly family member handles on her own to a point. There may be some changes in her life, though, that are causing her to need a lot more help with these tasks now. That can make her feel as if living on her own is no longer an option for her. With help, she may still be able to age in place.
Home Maintenance Is Difficult to Manage
Home maintenance is closely tied with safety, making both of these concerns a big deal. It’s possible that your elderly family member has a tough time keeping up with even smaller maintenance tasks, which means that there’s a lot that could potentially go wrong very quickly. Go through the home with her and see what you can correct and what might be a bigger problem.
Household Tasks Add Up
Other than maintenance, there’s the regular daily and weekly chores that have to get done. Things like vacuuming, laundry, and even cooking and stocking up on food are all household tasks that your senior needs managed. If your elderly family member becomes more comfortable allowing others to help her with these tasks, she may be able to stay where she is much longer.
No Longer Driving Is Inconvenient
If your senior doesn’t drive anymore, she may not feel as able to get up and go as she used to. Even if she’s on board with this decision, not driving is inconvenient at best. It’s a really good idea to make sure that your elderly family member has as many transportation alternatives as possible. Senior care providers can help with her transportation needs and there might be other options, too.
Overall, age and your senior’s health play a huge part in how quickly these situations become a larger issue for her. If she’s willing to accept help from you and from senior care providers, though, she may be shocked at how much easier aging in place can become.
