In an AARP survey of U.S. seniors, 90% said that they want to continue living in their homes as they age. However, being completely independent at home isn’t realistic for everyone. The government estimates that 70% of people who reach age 65 will eventually need long-term care.
But moving to assisted living isn’t the only way to get care. Getting help with dressing in the morning, meals, or medication allows many older adults to stay in their homes as they age.
We found an excellent guide that pulls together all the different types of support an older adult needs to stay at home.
Free guide has tips and resources to help the elderly stay in their homes
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has a handy guide that helps seniors safely remain in their homes. It’s called There’s No Place Like Home – For Growing Old.
We like this guide because it helps you think about the parts of life your senior might need help with and gives dozens of suggestions for how to get that help.
The guide also discusses how much these services will cost and how to pay for them. A very helpful section at the end includes contact information for 14 major government and national organizations that provide services to older adults.
Highlights from the National Institute on Aging’s guide
We’ve highlighted some of the useful information you’ll find in this guide (and added a few helpful links).
What kind of help can I get?
- Personal care – like washing hair, bathing, or dressing
- Household chores and maintenance
- Meals – preparation and companionship
- Managing money, paying bills, and other financial matters
- Health care – medication management or reminders, post-hospital care
Products to make life easier
- Getting around safely – mobility aids, companions, transportation services
- Activities and friends – prevent boredom, loneliness, and isolation
- Safety – personal emergency alert systems
- Housing – safety modifications
Where can I look for help?
- People you know – family, friends, and neighbors
- Community and local government resources – local Area Agency on Aging, local and State offices on aging or social services, or religious groups
- Geriatric care managers – trained professionals who help find resources to make daily life easier
- Federal government resources – Medicare, Long-term Care PathFinder, the National Library of Medicine, National Institute on Aging (also at 1-800-222-2225)
Bottom line
This guide is a great place to start when your older adult needs help and you’re not sure what to do. It’s also gives a great overview of the most common needs so you can learn and plan ahead to help your senior stay in their home..
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