ESSENTIAL PIECES OF THE PUZZLE FOR AGING IN PLACE

In-home care providers prevent re-hospitalizations and allow older adults to safely age and remain independent in their existing homes. According to AARP, roughly 76% of older adults favor remaining in their current home. The concept of “aging-in-place” includes things like choosing to move in with adult children, downsizing to smaller quarters, and making in-home accommodations. Staying in the home helps empower elderly loved ones and prevents them from losing their identity.

Fewer adults between the ages of 67 and 85 are leaving their homes, according to recent research from Freddie Mac, and that means accommodations have to be made, and barriers to staying in the home reduced. Here’s some things that can help.

1. Smart Home Devices. Most of these increase safety and help your companion or caregiver keep your loved one independent. Take a look at installing devices such as:

    

   1. Smart Thermostats - Many modern thermostats now include WiFi-enabled controls and intelligent scheduling, not only saving $$$, but allowing you to remotely access the thermostat to set the temperature on a schedule, turn up the heat ahead of a major storm, or turn on the air conditioner during a heat wave.
   2. Smart plugs - Homes contain many potential fire hazards, like a stove that’s left on or space heaters overheating. Installing a few smart plugs or smart outlets to use with these devices mean you’ll be able to remotely control and monitor the power to those plugs or outlets via your smartphone. Wouldn’t it be nice to schedule the lights to always turn on before it gets dark outside?
   3. Security systems – beyond video doorbells a WiFi-enabled smart security system will automatically alert authorities if the alarm is triggered. You can use remote access to the cameras in the house to check on your loved one when you’re not home or at work.
   4. Wearable technology like watches, necklaces, etc., monitor your loved ones’ movement throughout their home, as well as their vitals.
   5. Home monitoring system specific to aging in place provide your loved one's home with different sensors that you can monitor from your smartphone. You’ll know when they get out of bed thanks to a pressure-sensitive mat or a sensor put on the medicine cabinet door will tell you if your mom takes her medicine. Likewise, you can have heat sensors installed on the stove, as well as front and rear home door sensors put in.

       

2. Home Modifications. Only a small portion of U.S. homes are primed for aging in place. Investment in the home can directly impact health and well-being. Check your Long Term Care insurance plan, or if financial assistance is available from federal agencies for your income level. Consider adding features such as:

    

   1. Grab bars, shower chairs, and raised toilet seats are relatively inexpensive.
   2. Railings and ramps, they can greatly reduce a senior’s risk of falling.
   3. Accessible light switches and door handles.
   4. Widen hallways and doorways to accommodate a walker or wheelchair.
   5. Adding “touchless” faucets that are anti-scald as well.
   6. Upgrade old flooring or fraying carpet, change kitchen and bath to non-skid products.

       

3. In-home care from a Home Health Agency comes with many benefits for the client and peace of mind for the family.
   1. Studies found that those who received in-home care visited the doctor 25% fewer times than those that didn't. Clients with Alzheimer's or other dementia diseases, made almost 50% less trips to the doctor.
   2. Professional caregivers can deliver most eldercare services and can be hired for complete caregiving needs, part time or full time, or they can provide respite for family members.
   3. Customized home care might include playing cards or word games, taking walks, going to the beauty parlor or even visiting the doctor.
   4. Companions and caregivers assist with housekeeping, and can also help with cooking, shopping and laundry.
   5. Dementia home care providers have special training to help your loved one live safely and comfortably in their home where they tend to feel safer and experience less bouts of confusion and irritation.

Something to think about: Non-skilled in-home care services may soon be allowed as a supplemental benefit for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans in 2019, according to new guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It’s the first time CMS has allowed supplemental benefits that include daily maintenance in Medicare Advantage. “CMS is expanding the definition of ‘primarily health related,” the agency stated in its announcement. “Under the new definition, the agency will allow supplemental benefits if they compensate for physical impairments, diminish the impact of injuries or health conditions, and/or reduce avoidable emergency room utilization.” Note this may also mean certain home modifications will be covered.

Confused? Don’t be, help is just a phone call away. A free consultation is available by calling 561-328-7611. Our nurse can do an assessment of your loved ones needs, and suggest what might be done to ensure their safety at home. In the meantime, you may want to read an earlier article about falls:https://www.visitingangels.com/palmbeaches/seniors-and-families-should-get-serious-about-falls-weekly-message_255

Till Next Time!

Irv Seldin, JD, Owner and CEO, Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches

This article is not intended as medical, legal, or financial advice.