Ninety Percent of Seniors Want to Stay in Their Home

In Most Cases It Is

Many seniors have a goal-they want to stay in their home and never move to a nursing home, memory care unit or assisted living community. They may realize that if certain modifications are made to their home, or they receive certain help, they can successfully stay in their home or apartment.

"Most people have many memories associated with their home, and they don't want to leave," said Bob Tucker, a qualified dementia care provider (QDCP) and co-owner of Northbrook-based Senior Helpers serving the north and northwest suburbs to the Wisconsin border.

"They are typically comfortable in their home, with their bed and their furniture. Many have strong ties to their community, caring neighbors, established relationships with local stores, doctors and service providers. They may feel lost and confused if they are placed in a new environment-especially those with memory issues and dementia."

Safety and home modifications -

For those individuals who think they want to stay in their home, it pays to consult with a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). This certification program was developed-in collaboration with AARP and others-to provide professional individuals who can accommodate the needs of people over the age of 50. Their skills and knowledge helps you age in place by providing assistive devices and home remodeling, such as ramps, chairlifts, grab bars and much more to help ensure optimum safety and accessibility in the home.

"If you want to stay home, it's important to have a bathroom that is safe for you. It's the most dangerous room in a home. Be sure to have grab bars in the bathroom and non-skid floors or rugs. Consider adding a shower chair and hand-held wand to make it easier to clean your entire body," said Abbie Tucker, senior advocate and client services director, certified senior advisor (C.S.A.) And a qualified dementia care provider (QDCP).

"It is also wise to modify your kitchen, the second most dangerous room in the home. Place cooking utensils and food, glasses and dishes on lower shelves, if possible. Too many accidents happen when people try to reach for items on high shelves or stand on stools. And watch out for wet slippery spills on the kitchen floor."

Bedrooms -

If your bedroom is upstairs, is it possible to move it to the first floor? If not, a stair glide or motorized lift can be added to your home for easier access to your bedroom. Stairs can be another real hazard. And automatic night lights and easy switches can help make your home safer after dark to help you avoid a fall.

Even if you need in-home medical/therapy services, they can often be arranged as well. Medicare and supplemental insurance policies will often cover the costs of these services.

Family members or seniors themselves should also consider hiring a licensed, bonded and insured home care agency to provide professional, caring support, for at least a few hours each week. The caregiver can provide numerous services tailored to the person's needs including cooking, laundry, cleaning, medicine reminders, bathing, dressing, toileting, walking, memory care and transportation assistance to take you to the grocery store, your doctor's office, the senior center for activities or your friends' homes.

For more information, please contact Bob Tucker at Senior Helpers: 847-564-7500 or email him at rtucker@seniorhelpers.com.