Growing older is inevitable, and when it comes to caring for elderly family members, knowing that they're safe and comfortable in their homes can make the journey easier for both them and you. According to a recent AARP survey , about 77% of adults over 50 want to stay in their own homes as they age. With the average cost of a private room in a nursing home at over $8,000 per month, aging at home can be both a comfortable and cost-effective solution.
Five Tips To Help Seniors Age Well At Home
Here are five practical tips to help older adults age well at home, ensuring they can live out their golden years with dignity and independence.
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Ensure their home is safe: Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. Removing trip hazards, installing grab bars in bathrooms, upgrading to non-slip flooring, and improving lighting can go a long way in reducing the risk of a fall.
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Encourage regular exercise: Exercise helps maintain strength, balance, and mobility. Encourage your parents to engage in physical activities they enjoy. Check out some additional tips on how to maintain and improve balance as we age.
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Keep them engaged socially: The CDC reports that loniness and isolation are linked to serious health conditions, significantly increasing a person’s risk of premature death from all causes. Regular interaction with friends, family and community can boost mental health, so help them stay connected to people outside of the home.
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Support their nutrition: A balanced, nutritious diet is crucial for everyone's health, but it's not always easy for older adults to do their own shopping or prepare their own food. Grocery and prepared meal delivery services are a great ways to ensure that your loved ones are getting the nutrition they need at home.
- Embrace technology: Technology, such as medical alert systems and telemedicine, can help seniors age in place more safely and independently. Tech-assisted mobility devices such as the Camino Smart Walker not only help with walking, balance, and independence, but also contain AI to track gait and activity data to share with doctors and care teams.
In Conclusion
Helping your elderly parents age well at home is a task of great importance, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. By focusing on key areas such as safety, physical activity, social engagement, nutrition, and technological assistance, you can make their home environment as comfortable and safe as possible, reducing the costs and worry that come with getting older.
