Aging in Place - Have you made preparations?

Another thought. If you happen to have a long term care insurance policy, check to see if it has a benefit for in home care. Some do and it will pay daily amounts for aids, nurses, etc.
 
WhatInThe said:
Also start looking into homecare services including medical and domestic(cleaning etc). Sooner or later one will need them if they don't have family that will do domestic chores in particular. If there is somekind of medical issue/care involved sometime insurance/medicare will pay for home visits. But just like a hospital there has to be medical treatment involved.

Right now in many areas alot of generic home care or aid is only available for 8-24 hours at a time. Many seniors just need a daily visit for an hour or so to tidy up, deal with any medical issues, change sheets, take out trash etc.

I was told several years ago by a now retired nurse they want more home care in general. It's cheaper to send a nurse out to a home than the expense of staffing and maintaining a hospital wing for care. Hopefully more services are covered or drop in price.
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Good advice. Even if non-reimbursable expenses, they're worthwhile if they allow us to stay in our own homes longer.

Pondering it now, I'd feel comfortable staying in my home if my needs were limited to these: an occasional handyman, a kindly neighbor who'd drag my trash cans to and from the curb each week, and a weekly housekeeper. I would feel comfortably relying on grocery deliveries, transportation services like Uber, medical alert watch or pendant, adult diapers if I become incontinent, and one of my children to oversee or manage my finances.

If unable to safely prepare the simplest meal (pulling together a sandwich or microwaving something) or being unable to get myself out of bed, it'll be time to look into assisted living or (heaven forbid) long-term nursing home care.

My greatest health fears are DH or I suffering a debilitating stroke or dementia.

It's useful and comforting to think about these scenarios while still mentally and physically able. DH & I have told our children numerous times that if they notice either of us slipping mentally or otherwise, we need them to please, please, please say something.
 

Alizerine said:
The plan was to leave the house to my son and he would care for me in my old age. He once had a part time job in a nursing home and swore I would never go into one. Unfortunately he died during the pandemic and I don't have a plan B.

The in-law suite I occupy in this house was designed for an older woman so there is an "en suite" bathroom with a seat in the shower. all on the first floor off the kitchen. Also I am able to rent out a couple of rooms on the second floor to help with expenses. Having the guys here who called the ambulance the night I got so sick was a blessing.
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I just saw your message. I am sorry for the loss of your son!
 
I’m still living in an old third floor walk up!

It’s conveniently situated in a gritty urban neighborhood that has most everything I need within walking distance.

I’ve reduced my possessions to be able to fit into a small one bedroom or studio when the time comes to make a change.

I still drive about a thousand miles a year and hate the thought of eventually giving up my vehicle.

I stay put because the independent and assisted living facilities in my area run $4,000 - $6,000/month with almost guaranteed annual increases.

I want to be ready for what I hope will be one last move but I don’t want to move before it becomes a necessity.
 
Aunt Bea said:
I’m still living in an old third floor walk up!

It’s conveniently situated in a gritty urban neighborhood that has most everything I need within walking distance.

I’ve reduced my possessions to be able to fit into a small one bedroom or studio when the time comes to make a change.

I still drive about a thousand miles a year and hate the thought of eventually giving up my vehicle.

I stay put because the independent and assisted living facilities in my area run $4,000 - $6,000/month with almost guaranteed annual increases.

I want to be ready for what I hope will be one last move but I don’t want to move before it becomes a necessity.
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Thanks for sharing! I am slowly reducing my possessions by donating to different charitable organizations, but still have a long way to go. I hope I won't have to make the "last move," but only time will tell. Good luck!
 
StarSong said:
Good advice. Even if non-reimbursable expenses, they're worthwhile if they allow us to stay in our own homes longer.

Pondering it now, I'd feel comfortable staying in my home if my needs were limited to these: an occasional handyman, a kindly neighbor who'd drag my trash cans to and from the curb each week, and a weekly housekeeper. I would feel comfortably relying on grocery deliveries, transportation services like Uber, medical alert watch or pendant, adult diapers if I become incontinent, and one of my children to oversee or manage my finances.

If unable to safely prepare the simplest meal (pulling together a sandwich or microwaving something) or being unable to get myself out of bed, it'll be time to look into assisted living or (heaven forbid) long-term nursing home care.

My greatest health fears are DH or I suffering a debilitating stroke or dementia.

It's useful and comforting to think about these scenarios while still mentally and physically able. DH & I have told our children numerous times that if they notice either of us slipping mentally or otherwise, we need them to please, please, please say something.
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I agree with you about being able to stay in our home and take care of our needs when they are limited (handyman, neighbor, housekeeper, etc).

I have also been thinking about having someone come to the house to care for me when the time came.

I know there are organizations out there that offer these services. Hopefully, I have several more years before I need to address it further.
 
palides2021 said:
I agree with you about being able to stay in our home and take care of our needs when they are limited (handyman, neighbor, housekeeper, etc).

I have also been thinking about having someone come to the house to care for me when the time came.

I know there are organizations out there that offer these services. Hopefully, I have several more years before I need to address it further.
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You should be able to find several organizations. Hopefully you'll find one with home health aides who are honest and really care if the time comes that you need it. I'm praying the same for myself. because I've heard stories from friends and family where that was not the case. But I also had a cousin who was taken care of by a wonderful aide until she passed. I told my son to go the home health care route first if I become severely disabled and if possible because N.J. has one of the highest nursing home costs in the country. Hopefully neither of us will need it Palides. 🤗
 
Alizerine said:
Thank you VB.
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Alzerine, I can't remember if I've given condolences already about the loss of your son (can't even remember if I knew), so I'll do it now. I pray semi regularly for comfort and peace for those I know who have lost children and grandchildren, so you are already included in those prayers. May your beloved son rest peacefully in paradise.

Sympahty (Heartfelt) Candle .gif
 
palides2021 said:
I just saw your message. I am sorry for the loss of your son!
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OneEyedDiva said:
Alzerine, I can't remember if I've given condolences already about the loss of your son (can't even remember if I knew), so I'll do it now. I pray semi regularly for comfort and peace for those I know who have lost children and grandchildren, so you are already included in those prayers. May your beloved son rest peacefully in paradise.

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Thank you Diva.
 
You have to put in elevators or stay on one level as you become more feeble. There are studies on way to change the aging of the
Main driver to our cells to enhance the energy but thas just a thought.
 
I refuse to be put into a old caged home and prefer the way my now 30yo home works. I've put in systems and gear to help me as I age more. I believe it's prudent to prepare for life's biological clock that we cannot deny, as yet?
 
Terri said:
I refuse to be put into a old caged home and prefer the way my now 30yo home works. I've put in systems and gear to help me as I age more. I believe it's prudent to prepare for life's biological clock that we cannot deny, as yet?
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I feel very similar. I don't have a lot of money, and will live very simply, take care of my health the best I can, and if some tragedy occurs, like a stroke or something extraordinary, I will cross that bridge. I intend to fade into the nature I have enjoyed for the past 40 years. I would prefer to die alone in my bed. My burial stuff is all taken care of. A simple earth friendly burial.
 

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