Around 77% of adults over 50 want to “age in place” and remain in their homes as they get older, rather than go to an assisted living facility or nursing home. There are plenty of benefits to aging in place in a familiar, comfortable, and homey environment, but the tradeoff is that you don’t get access to the ongoing support that a senior facility can provide.
Fortunately, there are plenty of in-home and delivery services available now that can help seniors maintain their independence and remain in their homes safely and conveniently. If you or your loved one is planning to age in place, these are the top services to explore.
In-home care services
One of the most critical services for aging in place is reliable, professional in-home care. These services range from medical care provided by licensed nurses to assistance with daily activities provided by home care aides. In-home care can be tailored to fit the individual needs of each senior and include:
- Personal care: Assistance with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
- Health care: Skilled care that includes medication management, wound care, and therapy
- Companionship: Social interaction and engagement to help combat loneliness and isolation
Housekeeping services
Mobility challenges and general frailty can make it difficult for seniors to stay on top of household cleaning and laundry, and vision problems can lead to overlooked messes that may become health and safety hazards.
Regular cleaning services ensure that the home stays safe and tidy and the senior always has fresh, clean clothing. Just make sure you choose a house cleaner with positive client testimonials or reviews and general liability insurance to cover any accidental damage.
Grocery and meal delivery services
Malnutrition and food insecurity are major concerns for seniors, especially those on fixed incomes, and mobility issues can make shopping for groceries a challenge. Fortunately, grocery and meal delivery services can bring fresh food right to their door.
In addition to well-known services like Instacart, more and more grocery stores are offering online ordering with affordable or even free home delivery. There are also meal kit services like Hello Fresh and Blue Apron that let you choose from different recipes each week and deliver all the pre-measured ingredients needed to make them. If cooking isn’t an option, programs like Meals on Wheels deliver fresh, hot meals to seniors who are disabled or homebound.
Transportation services
Seniors who are no longer able to drive still need reliable transportation options to remain independent, and they may be hesitant to ask friends and family, not wanting to be a burden.
Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber can be a big help here, and you can even set a senior loved one up on a family account to cover the cost if needed. In addition, many areas offer local public transportation with accessible features and reduced fares for seniors.
Lawn care and household services
Maintaining a home can be physically demanding, and seniors often have older homes that require a lot more upkeep. Lawn care services can manage landscaping tasks like mowing grass and trimming hedges.
And for general home maintenance, such as cleaning gutters, fixing leaks, and painting, a good relationship with a local handyman can be invaluable. Nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity also provide home repair services for seniors who qualify.
Remote monitoring services
Technology has also made it more feasible for seniors to age in place. Remote monitoring systems can alert family members or caregivers if there’s unusual activity in the home or if the senior may need immediate help. Devices like fall detectors, medication reminders, and emergency response systems provide peace of mind for both seniors and their families.
Supporting seniors as they age in place
Thanks to new technology and the growth of home services, aging in place has become a viable option for many seniors who prefer to stay in the familiarity and comfort of their own homes. With the right combination of support services, seniors can maintain their independence while staying safe and healthy.
And if you or your senior loved one needs the assistance of a professional in-home caregiver, Right Hand Care is ready to help. We’re dedicated to providing compassionate, dedicated at-home care to those who need it most, and our caregivers can help with personal care and hygiene, meal preparation, medication compliance, mobility assistance, and more.
For more information on our care services or to set up a personalized care plan, contact us today.
