Aging in Place Versus Making a Move to a Retirement Home

Given the option of aging in your home versus downsizing to a condominium or senior living community, most of us would choose to age in place. According to a recent Ipsos poll, it found that 95% of Canadian adults aged 45+ years agree (57% strongly/38% somewhat) that being able to age in place would allow them to maintain their independence, comfort, and dignity. The challenge is being able to put measures in place to do so.

Keys to Effectively Age in Place

There will eventually be a time to support aging in place through additional services such as housekeeping; landscaping and snow removal; home maintenance; and online delivery of groceries and pharmaceutical products. Care services provided through the CLSC or private home care companies can also assist in aging at home.

Take the time to perform a thorough home assessment. Better yet, engage the services of an occupational therapist to help you through the process. Decide on what measures can create a safe and secure environment. The most popular areas to focus on are stairs, bathrooms, and the kitchen.

Simple Home Modifications

There are some quick and easy improvements that can be made without breaking the bank. Most slips and falls occur in the bathroom. The installation of grab bars is highly encouraged. Anti-slip strips for the bathtub are also recommended.

Avoid trip hazards by decluttering and keeping hallways clear of debris. Ideally, area rugs and runners should be removed completely. If this is non-negotiable, secure them in place with double sided tape specifically designed for rugs.

Lighting can play a crucial role both inside and outside your home particularly for people with vision impairment.

Medical aid devices can make a tremendous difference to effectively age in place. Canes, walkers, shower benches, raised toilet seats and medical alert systems are common tools to provide confidence, safety, and a better quality of life.

Enhanced Home Improvements and Renovations

More significant modifications to the home may eventually be necessary to effectively age in place. Examples include the installation of handrails along stairways; replacing bathtubs with walk-in showers; installing stair lifts; widening of doorways for easier access of wheelchairs and walkers; and incorporating an outdoor ramp are just a few examples to create a safer environment.

Warning signs that it might be time to move

There may come a point in time where a transition to a more appropriate living accommodation makes sense despite all the home modifications that have been put into place. There are certain warning signs that may be obvious and others that slowly creep up throughout the aging process.

Mobility challenges are common. Stairs can become too difficult and risky to navigate. Bathtubs can be dangerous to get in and out of. Cognitive decline can reach a point where it is no longer safe and appropriate to be in a home. Loneliness and lack of stimulation can take a toll on mental health and wellbeing. The burden of home ownership reaches a point where it becomes overwhelming and living at home is no longer enjoyable.

Caregiver stress can also play an important role in deciding whether it is time to move. Being overwhelmed both mentally and physically; feeling helpless; and not having a proper support network can lead to caregiver burnout.

Where To Go?

Determine the type of living accommodation that would be most suitable for you under your circumstances. Some people choose to downsize into a townhouse, condominium, or apartment. Others choose to transition directly into an ideal senior living community.

Townhouses are usually popular for people that have been living in a larger house and looking to downsize. However, they are not ideal for people with mobility challenges as townhouses are typically narrow, vertical multi-floor homes.

Condominiums and apartments are popular for people with mobility issues as many of them do not have stairs to navigate. They can also be less expensive than homes or townhouses. However, condo fees and assessments can be costly.

Finally, there is the growing popularity of senior living communities for individuals and couples looking to improve their quality of life and living conditions. Benefits can include a sense of security, health care services, an improved social life, little to no maintenance stress, dining, activities, and often appealing amenities such as a theater, gym, pool, pharmacy, hair salon, spa, and convenience stores, to name a few.

Downsizing Tips

Moving can be a traumatic experience, especially with the accumulated decades of memorabilia and “stuff.” Seek out professionals that specialize in transitions for seniors who can coordinate your entire transition needs, including downsizing and the actual move.

Here are three tips to help you with the process:

Start early – It is never too early to start decluttering and sorting through your belongings. You might even find it liberating.

One room at a time – keep it simple and straightforward by tackling only one room at a time.

Gifting and donations – distribute items to family and friends, especially family heirlooms. Other items can be donated to charitable organizations where other families can benefit from your treasures.

Matt Del Vecchio is a Certified Professional Consultant on Aging (CPCA). He is the owner of Lianas Senior Transition Support and Premier Home Care helping families and their loved ones through the aging process. He is also the host of “Life Unrehearsed” on CJAD800. For more, visit mdelvecchio@lianasservices.com.

**Please call us at 514-622-8074 for a FREE, no obligation consultation.