Everyone knows the feeling, there is no place like home. It's the place everyone feels the happiest, loved, relaxed, and safe. Ask most elderly seniors about where they prefer to live out their golden years, and they will probably tell you they want to remain in the comfort of their own home. This stage in life is one of the most wonderful stages in life. All your children are grown, you get to enjoy the grandchildren on your preferred time, and you get to spend time with friends.
If you are like most seniors living in the North Shore or Cape Ann area, you probably have big plans engaging in community activities, gardening, evening strolls, and just enjoying your best life. In fact, health professionals encourage seniors to stay independent and active as long as they can. You might even have traveling a bit on your agenda. However, as your health begins to decline and you prefer not to get family involved, there might be a need for professional home health assistance. Here are 5 important tips to living independently as long as possible.
Hire a Home Health Agency
Everyone needs someone, especially seniors who have no family or friends who can check in on them daily. As you age, there might be a need for someone to help you light cleaning, preparing meals, and helping with other tasks. Just think, the more help you have, the more energy you will save to continue doing some activities you enjoy. Just a few hours a day might be all needed for the time being. Speaking with a home health agency administrator in the state can help you get evaluated and signed up for a home health services in several locations including Burlington, Danvers, Lexington, Merrimack Valley, and many others.
Home Functionality
Are you able to move through your home freely? This is a huge concern for a lot of seniors and family members when visiting a loved on. If your home is not safe to walk through, then it is important these changes be made. Some health hazards for aging adults, especially those with mobility issues includes: boxes blocking hallways or any other items, unsecured throw rugs or buckling carpet in the home, and loose railings if there is an upstairs. These areas should be cleared out for your safety to prevent falls that might lead to a rapid decline in health.
Arrange Transportation
Make arrangements for appointments and places you will be traveling throughout the community. Public transportation and taxis are not the only option these days. Now, ride-sharing is quite popular and can be downloaded to a smartphone. If using ride-sharing, it is important to use a reliable company that screens all their drivers for safety purposes. Also let a friend, family member, or the home health aide know the services you have chosen. It's always good to have someone else looking out for you. You can also make arrangements with your local government, many agencies now provide senior rides at a low cost.
Food Delivery
Arrange to have food delivered to your home. There are great organizations that will provide you with hot meals every day. Some areas offer programs such as meals on wheels which is ideal for seniors living on their own. Most food deliveries will come right to your front door. If you are unable to get up and let the person inside, special arrangements can be made with the company. It is important for all seniors to have three nutritional meals every day. Don't forget there are many companies that now over subscription meal kits to the home. However, if you have a home health aide, they can also prepare you three hearty meals a day.
Get Someone to Check in on You
Although there might be no need for assistance every day, have someone at least check in on you a couple of days out the week. They can ensure you are getting to scheduled appointments, or help with scheduling a sick appointment for you. There might also be a need to make sure you are taking your medication, eating, and have enough food on hand. In the absence of a family caregiver, a home health aide is ideal to help. If you do, decide to hire a home health aide, you will be getting a great addition to help you continue aging in place. Once you decide a home health aide is the right choice for you, a registered nurse will come out to determine the services which you qualify to receive in the North Boston area. To find out more about continuing to live your life independently and aging in place, contact us.