Maintaining personal autonomy and freedom, staying connected to community, prioritizing health with a personalized care plan - these are only a handful of the reasons why 90% of senior adults are choosing to age within the comfort of their own homes. If this is the aging plan that you have in mind for yourself or for an elderly loved one, below are 4 steps to safely age in place. 

1. Perform a Home Safety Check 

One of the benefits of aging at home is that the aging individual is already comfortable finding their way around the home and doesn’t have to get accustomed to an unfamiliar environment. With a few minor safety adjustments, you can make sure that the home is safe.

You can prevent falls, the number one cause of injury for older adults, by removing any throw rugs that could become tripping hazards, installing handrails on both sides of stairways, and putting rubber mats on slippery floors. Start by performing a home safety check using our HomeSpark Home Safety Assessment. HomeSpark also provides free onsite visits for a complete safety assessment to identify any potential hazards. 

2. Prioritize Your Health

By staying as healthy as possible, aging adults can maintain the autonomy and independence needed to age at home. Practice self-care to minimize stress, and regularly incorporate doctor-approved exercise into each day to stay strong. It’s also important to eat nutritious meals and to get outdoors as often as possible. 

3. Make a Plan for Transportation

According to the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC), more than 1 in 5 adults over the age of 65 do not drive. It’s important to have a plan in place for transportation so that you can get to appointments, community events, volunteer opportunities, and get out in your community. Getting out of the house is also important for mental and social well-being. At HomeSpark, we offer safe and reliable transportation services so that you or your loved one can feel at ease about leaving home. 

4. Make a Plan for Care

The most important step you can take in aging in place is to make a plan ahead of time. Talk to our compassionate HomeSpark team to learn more about how we can assist you or a loved one with a customized care plan. We will start by completing a thorough evaluation of each room in the home for safety, assess any potential hazards, and offer suggestions to help. We also offer companionship, meal preparation, and transportation services. 

Learn more about our non-medical in-home care services and talk to a Certified Service Representative by contacting us today.