Ageing at home - challenges and possible solutions.

bobcat

bobcat

Well-known Member
Location
Northern Calif
I think most seniors would prefer to age at home, if at all possible. However, to make it a reasonable choice, one needs to realistically consider what will be needed to make it happen. I thought we may be able to identify the problems and share some solutions in dealing with them. Technology can also play a part in addition to reliance on human healthcare. Some of the areas that come to mind are:

Mobility, safety, wellness, household tasks, hygiene, transportation, medications, home maintenance and yardwork, meals, social isolation, cognitive decline, home modifications, etc... Share whatever concerns and solutions you may have come up with or become aware of. What are your worries in these matters. Collectively we may be able to come up with solutions.
 

The first thing I'd recommend is living on one level. For us in the UK that would mean either a flat or a bungalow. I'd prefer a bungalow myself, as I was brought up in a first floor flat (that's 2nd floor to you in the US), and we had problems with the noise the people upstairs made, while having to put up with the complaints of our noise from the people below us.

If you do prefer a flat though then make sure it's one in a retirement complex, so no kids, and preferrably with an on-site security/supervisor/handyman, to make sure everyone's visited several times per week. After that I'd say the provision of medical emergency buttons for everyone to carry in case they fall, and possibly something like an Alexa fitment for them to be able to call for help as well.
 

We have more options available to us today than ever before.

If I can keep up with technology, I’m confident that I can piece together all of the elements necessary to make a safe last stand at home.

I suppose that my biggest concerns are keeping my wits about me, having enough money, and finding one or two dependable people that I can hire to assist me as needed and on my terms.

“You simply have to put one foot in front of the other and keep going. Put blinders on and plow right ahead.” - George Lucas
 
Yes to living on one floor. I have an attic that is full of stuff that I have not seen in close to 10 years because I won’t climb the stairs lol lol

Learn how to complete tasks smarter. Just when you think you’ve got a good idea going, something will happen that you’ll have to reinvent it once again.

None of us have the fluid mobility we had at fifty or sixty. My best advice is to find a way to stay in decent condition, whatever that takes for each person.

If financially possible, buy things ahead so that you don’t have to make frequent trips to the store when you don’t feel up to speed or the weather is inclement.

check in your area to see if there are legitimate agencies to help seniors. Vet them really good; even then they manage to have employees that cannot be trusted. Keep your valuables well hidden and hopefully under lock and key.

Have some sort of lifeline to where you can check in with somebody daily or every few days. Whether that is by text, phone call or one of those life alert buttons that you wear around your neck.
 
bobcat said:
I think most seniors would prefer to age at home, if at all possible. However, to make it a reasonable choice, one needs to realistically consider what will be needed to make it happen. I thought we may be able to identify the problems and share some solutions in dealing with them. Technology can also play a part in addition to reliance on human healthcare. Some of the areas that come to mind are:

Mobility, safety, wellness, household tasks, hygiene, transportation, medications, home maintenance and yardwork, meals, social isolation, cognitive decline, home modifications, etc... Share whatever concerns and solutions you may have come up with or become aware of. What are your worries in these matters. Collectively we may be able to come up with solutions.
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basic safety ... have safety grab bars fitted in the shower and or bath.. and ensure they're screwed in and not stuck on.

Don't have area rugs unless they are well and truly taped down with carpet tape..because they're a real trip hazzard, especially so in the kitchenn and or on wooden floors..

Have a phone in every room if possible if you liev alone .. cordless home phones... or carry your mobile phone either in a pocket when you go from to room... or around your neck on a phone holder lanyard... or clipped to your belt.. this is especially important when you're going outside into the garden...

Don't wear backless slippers..or mules.. they're a complete trip disaster.

I know many people like them.. and people also wear flip flop or Crocs.. all very dangerous as we age..

Wear insead a fully fitted slipper or better still some slip-on sneakers/trainers with good grip..

Fit small motion sensor lights in every room.. so when you walk into a room at night in the dark, the motion sensor light will guide you to the light switch.. and or will guide you when you wake at night for a bathroom break.. they're very cheap to buy and can be mounted anywhere easily

if you can't have them in every room make sure you have them top and bottom of the stairs.

I have them on the skirting board on every step on my stairs.. so it lights up like an airport runway..lol
 
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At this time, I have no mobility or other issues so I've only thought of this in a general way. If I become dependent upon someone for assistance at home, I would first seek any care that may be covered by my health plan, even if just for awhile. If nothing there, then I would hire someone to come in as needed - hopefully only 2-3 times a week.

I don't order food, etc., from Walmart, but I could if I'm unable to drive. I know people who would take me to the doctor. I already have someone that takes care of the yard, and that's out of preference, not necessity. There's a handyman/contractor I've known for years who I also consider a friend. He would help with home maintenance. If it's something he cannot do, I've used the same plumber and electricians for years, and deal only with one roofer / building contractor, so it's just a matter of calling whichever one of them I needed.

So none of those issues concern me a lot. What I'm more concerned with are mental problems. My mother had Alzheimer's and had to go to a nursing home. I'm sure that would be my fate as well. There is no planning around it, and I have no relative that will take me in.
 
I;m the same as @MACKTEXAS ..aside from the damn arthritis now in my hands and knees ,and the recent car crash that's paralysed the one hand and caused the problems in my right arm ... ..I don't really have ny old people issues..yet...

The hand and arm with luck and my physiotherpists treatment will hopefully recover before too long...

The arthritis in my hands now means I have to use... jar grips to open milk bottles.. Jars and eveything basically.. Bottle and jar openers are very cheap to buy but if you can't then slip on a Rubber washing up gloves and that will give you grip as well..

I wear sketchers slip on trainers with a good grip sole , at home because I slipped on the back door step 3 years ago and fell onto the garden path .. because my foot just came right out of the backless slippers I was wearing at the time.. and caused this...
injured-leg.jpg


I have OA in my knees now.. and I am very fit otherise and walk fast, and can still run.. however.. the arthritis gets me suddenly, and can be excrutiatingly painful and sometimes takes my knees from under me when walking up or downstairs .. so for safety' sake I keep a cane at the top and bottom of the stairs .. in case I need them to help me get up..
 
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I can understand now. When I was recovering from chemo and radiation alone it was pretty tough and I was a mess for awhile. Having uncontrollable bowels, hard walking while attached to machines and tube feeding. My apartment looked like a hospital room. The VA offered me home care but I turned it down. It took weeks to clean this place once my strength returned. I am keeping my eyes open for places to live and help in the future.
 
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BJintheUK said:
The first thing I'd recommend is living on one level. For us in the UK that would mean either a flat or a bungalow. I'd prefer a bungalow myself, as I was brought up in a first floor flat (that's 2nd floor to you in the US), and we had problems with the noise the people upstairs made, while having to put up with the complaints of our noise from the people below us.

If you do prefer a flat though then make sure it's one in a retirement complex, so no kids, and preferrably with an on-site security/supervisor/handyman, to make sure everyone's visited several times per week. After that I'd say the provision of medical emergency buttons for everyone to carry in case they fall, and possibly something like an Alexa fitment for them to be able to call for help as well.
Click to expand...
I suppose another solution might be to wear a Smartwatch. From what I understand, some of them can detect falls by using an accelerometer, which can detect a sudden movement, followed by stillness which it interprets as a fall. Some are also capable of two-way communication when paired with your cell phone. They can also keep track of some vital signs and sleep cycles. So it might be a way to go. Don't know how affordable they are, but it may be worth it when your life is in danger.
 
One concern I have is if I stop driving at some point, how much of a hassle will it be to get the cat to the vet. I've never tried Uber and I don't know what the pet rules are, though maybe I could use the free volunteer senior ride program the county has, I've never tried that but I know a person who volunteers.

I'll probably need to figure out things like changing the bed sheets, I remember my mom had a cleaning lady who would also change the sheets.

In the future, AI might be nice as a "friend" that could maybe be set to prompt me to do things (pick up around the house etc), and it might be a nice companion (I remember getting attached to my daughter's tamagotchi, so I'm sure I'll just love an AI friend).

I'm glad about grocery delivery being common now, I'm sure I'll take advantage of that more as I get older (I already have used it a little, just for things only Walmart carries, because I hate going in the Walmart store, I got so pi$$ed off at the self-checkout the last time I went!)
 
Imogene said:
Yes to living on one floor. I have an attic that is full of stuff that I have not seen in close to 10 years because I won’t climb the stairs lol lol

Learn how to complete tasks smarter. Just when you think you’ve got a good idea going, something will happen that you’ll have to reinvent it once again.

None of us have the fluid mobility we had at fifty or sixty. My best advice is to find a way to stay in decent condition, whatever that takes for each person.

If financially possible, buy things ahead so that you don’t have to make frequent trips to the store when you don’t feel up to speed or the weather is inclement.

check in your area to see if there are legitimate agencies to help seniors. Vet them really good; even then they manage to have employees that cannot be trusted. Keep your valuables well hidden and hopefully under lock and key.

Have some sort of lifeline to where you can check in with somebody daily or every few days. Whether that is by text, phone call or one of those life alert buttons that you wear around your neck.
Click to expand...
You're right. That's good advice. Not only does it keep you mobile longer, but exercise is good for blood flow to the brain, which is important for mental alertness. I think I read somewhere recently that it is beneficial for the regeneration of neural cells.
 
hollydolly said:
basic safety ... have safety grab bars fitted in the shower and or bath.. and ensure they're screwed in and not stuck on.

Don't have area rugs unless they are well and truly taped down with carpet tape..because they're a real trip hazzard, especially so in the kitchenn and or on wooden floors..

Have a phone in every room if possible if you liev alone .. cordless home phones... or carry your mobile phone either in a pocket when you go from to room... or around your neck on a phone holder lanyard... or clipped to your belt.. this is especially important when you're going outside into the garden...

Don't wear backless slippers..or mules.. they're a complete trip disaster.

I know many people like them.. and people also wear flip flop or Crocs.. all very dangerous as we age..

Wear insead a fully fitted slipper or better still some slip-on sneakers/trainers with good grip..

Fit small motion sensor lights in every room.. so when you walk into a room at night in the dark, the motion sensor light will guide you to the light switch.. and or will guide you when you wake at night for a bathroom break.. they're very cheap to buy and can be mounted anywhere easily

if you can't have them in every room make sure you have them top and bottom of the stairs.

I have them on the skirting board on every step on my stairs.. so it lights up like an airport runway..lol
Click to expand...
Great tips. I never even thought about rugs being a trip hazard, but they certainly are. Also motion activated lights I didn't think of either, but that just makes sense. I do carry my phone with me everywhere, mainly because it is indispensable. Aside from call and texts, I have apps for everything (Calculator, magnifier, level, weather, news, notes, shopping lists, navigation, timer, camera, unit converter, song identifier, access to the internet for any question, and many more, all in one device).
 
MACKTEXAS said:
At this time, I have no mobility or other issues so I've only thought of this in a general way. If I become dependent upon someone for assistance at home, I would first seek any care that may be covered by my health plan, even if just for awhile. If nothing there, then I would hire someone to come in as needed - hopefully only 2-3 times a week.

I don't order food, etc., from Walmart, but I could if I'm unable to drive. I know people who would take me to the doctor. I already have someone that takes care of the yard, and that's out of preference, not necessity. There's a handyman/contractor I've known for years who I also consider a friend. He would help with home maintenance. If it's something he cannot do, I've used the same plumber and electricians for years, and deal only with one roofer / building contractor, so it's just a matter of calling whichever one of them I needed.

So none of those issues concern me a lot. What I'm more concerned with are mental problems. My mother had Alzheimer's and had to go to a nursing home. I'm sure that would be my fate as well. There is no planning around it, and I have no relative that will take me in.
Click to expand...
That may not be your fate Mack. They are making strides with Alzheimer's, and I have also read that exercise and low stress plays a very important role with the disease because it keeps your immune system healthier, and it gets blood flow to the brain, so it's better equipped to clean out plaque, etc... I think we will see more advancement as they continue these studies. Sorry to hear about your mom's affliction with it, but I think the future is promising.
 
bobcat said:
I suppose another solution might be to wear a Smartwatch. From what I understand, some of them can detect falls by using an accelerometer, which can detect a sudden movement, followed by stillness which it interprets as a fall. Some are also capable of two-way communication when paired with your cell phone. They can also keep track of some vital signs and sleep cycles. So it might be a way to go. Don't know how affordable they are, but it may be worth it when your life is in danger.
Click to expand...
I wear one. It does all of those things you listed. I live alone. I still do big stuff outdoors and other stuff indoors. If I zig when I should have zagged the watch will scream for help.
 
jujube said:
we installed grab bars throughout my mother's house
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My mom had those installed at the door coming in from the garage (were a few small steps), on the deck to come up the steps from the yard, and in the bathroom by the toilet. I was wishing I had a bathroom one (I do have for the tub but not the toilet) because I had to put air in my tires this week and I didn't notice that caused me to do squats at each tire until my legs were too sore to sit down gracefully the day after.
 
HoneyNut said:
One concern I have is if I stop driving at some point, how much of a hassle will it be to get the cat to the vet. I've never tried Uber and I don't know what the pet rules are, though maybe I could use the free volunteer senior ride program the county has, I've never tried that but I know a person who volunteers.

I'll probably need to figure out things like changing the bed sheets, I remember my mom had a cleaning lady who would also change the sheets.

In the future, AI might be nice as a "friend" that could maybe be set to prompt me to do things (pick up around the house etc), and it might be a nice companion (I remember getting attached to my daughter's tamagotchi, so I'm sure I'll just love an AI friend).

I'm glad about grocery delivery being common now, I'm sure I'll take advantage of that more as I get older (I already have used it a little, just for things only Walmart carries, because I hate going in the Walmart store, I got so pi$$ed off at the self-checkout the last time I went!)
Click to expand...
Don't worry at all about Uber..it's just a cab under a different name but cheaper .... you can book a ride on your phone or online.. and you can specify you need a driver who accepts animals.. there will always be a driver who does..
 
We are hoping to stay in our home, too. We downsized to a 2 bdr, 1 1/2 bath smaller home before we retired. 20 years later we're still here and we have done upgrades such as better lighting, grab handles and bars, installed higher toilets, we hired a yard person who also does the snow, bought leaf guards and had them installed, found someone to do the windows twice a year inside and out. I have Molly Maids once a month do a thorough cleaning. We had a few people we didn't like but keep looking and get references from people you trust or even businesses you frequent.

Then we decided to stop driving! Me for eyesight issues, DH because of health. That is hard but we manage by scheduling things when our son is available once a week and weekends when he stops over for a meal and watches anything with a ball with his Dad.

We are pretty frugal but spend more on extra things like cable, take out delivered food that's good but relatively healthy. No $ spent on a car, insurance, upkeep, gas, etc. Since we're in our 80s we dont socialize much except for family and a few friends and we're good with that. When one of us dies, well, who knows what will happen?

oh, one more thing...we gave our 3 kids a gift. We paid to have the basement completely gutted and cleaned out. It was a messy, cluttered vintage catchall with a so called rec room! Now it is empty except for washer dryer, furnace and one free standing shelf. That's their inheritance!
 
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Coco said:
We are hoping to stay in our home, too. We downsized to a 2 bdr, 1 1/2 bath smaller home before we retired. 20 years later we're still here and we have done upgrades such as better lighting, grab handles and bars, installed higher toilets, we hired a yard person who also does the snow, bought leaf guards and had them installed, found someone to do the windows twice a year inside and out. I have Molly Maids once a month do a thorough cleaning. We had a few people we didn't like but keep looking and get references from people you trust or even businesses you frequent.

Then we decided to stop driving! Me for eyesight issues, DH because of health. That is hard but we manage by scheduling things when our son is available once a week and weekends when he stops over for a meal and watches anything with a ball with his Dad.

We are pretty frugal but spend more on extra things like cable, take out delivered food that's good but relatively healthy. No $ spent on a car, insurance, upkeep, gas, etc. Since we're in our 80s we dont socialize much except for family and a few friends and we're good with that. When one of us dies, well, who knows what will happen?

oh, one more thing...we gave our 3 kids a gift. We paid to have the basement completely gutted and cleaned out. It was a messy, cluttered vintage catchall with a so called rec room! Now it is empty except for washer dryer, furnace and one free standing shelf. That's their inheritance!
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Wish I could talk my huzz into doing something like that.
 
I have a friend who just turned 99 y/o. She has a beautiful condo on a high floor in Houston. Up until a few years ago, she was still working, driving and hosting dinners at home. I used to laugh when she was driving me somewhere and she would sit on the horn if someone didn't move at a light. She is still in her condo but now has 24-hour assisted care. That is the way to go, IMO.

Our house is designed with the master bedroom/bath on the first floor, so if I should ever be unable to go upstairs I'm still good. If I'm no longer mobile at all, I hope to have some type of service come in and help. Hubby is 8 years younger but I wouldn't want to put that on him.
 
Murrmurr said:
"Share whatever solutions you may have come up..."

When we first moved here, I went out and got to know my neighbors and became good friends with some of them. I always have help if I need it...and I help them, too.
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Similar here with a minor difference. The first person we met here was a local preacher. Friendly enough, but, he warned us that the neighbor across the street from our house was always complaining about something or somebody on the street. Simple solution was I noticed she had a tree leaning toward her house, so, I offered to take it down for free. Surprised her and the next day, while she was gone, I knocked down the tree, and cleaned up all the brush and debris.
To say she was surprised doesn't cover it. Now, I made a friend and eliminated the worry about minor complaints.
 

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