By NANCY WAITE-KAHN
When asked where we would like to live as we get older, most of us say we would like to remain in the comfort and familiarity of our own homes. What should we be asking ourselves as we age, or to what should we be paying attention with our parents as they age?
Am I keeping up with my house and yard work and making or arranging for repairs? Am I able and do I care how it looks? Do I feel safe, comfortable and secure in my present environment? Have I fallen more than once in the past year, resulting in hospitalization? Am I happy with my current living situation? Do I see others or have visitors as often as I would like? Am I cooking and eating like I should? Do my children nag me about taking my own medicines, complain about my appearance and my clothing?
What’s actually needed for one keep living independently at home?
A house or apartment adapted to our needs so that we can be as independent as possible while remaining safe is essential. Architects, interior designers and builders are aware of “universal design standards” for housing persons with disabilities. Steps for evaluating one’s environment and planning physical changes are outlined in the March 2, 2011, article on this page, “Universal Design can allow seniors to age in place.”
Transportation – Limited driving or lack of a car may result in exploring local transportation resources or depending on others for errands such as going to the grocery, drug store, doctor, etc. Mail order medications through your insurance company or other organization and a pharmacy which delivers prescriptions can help with this need. See below for some local resources.
Socialization – Seeing and talking with family and friends are essential to provide mental stimulation and companionship.
Maintaining the ability to meet personal needs, including dressing, bathing, cooking, taking medications or the ability to arrange for help with these tasks is essential to independence and a decent quality of life.
The ability and desire to handle housekeeping, yard work, making repairs or arranging for necessary work are key elements to keeping the home safe, comfortable and secure.
Recognizing and accepting temporary or permanent changes in your mental and physical functioning and seeking help from others (family, doctor, etc.) to cope with these changes may be necessary to age well and in the “right” environment.
The interest and involvement of close family members or local friends who will be able to help plan for changes and provide support and assistance
may be needed to help maintain independent living.
OTHER FACTORS
Other factors to consider regarding successful “aging in place”:
Current living arrangements – Is it physically suitable? Is it “right sized?” Too big, too many levels, etc.?
Money, insurance -In-home services are expensive and Medicare and private insurance do not pay for chronic long term services.
Family - where do they live? Are they available to help with routine requests for help or only in crisis?-
Are you willing and able to pay for services which you might need as you age?
Do you have friends nearby who are also planning to remain in their homes? Will you be able to continue interactions with them? Are you involved in local organizations and activities which will meet your needs for companionship and mental stimulation?
RESOURCES?
What are the resources in your (or your parent’s) community (such as Davidson)?
Just 1 Call provides phone access to information about services for seniors and persons with disabilities. Information about transportation, health care services, legal services and housing is available at the following phone number and e-mail address. www.just1call.org or 704-432-1111
For persons who meet the qualifications, the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services may be able to assist with a variety of services such as nutrition, chore and in home aide services and transportation. Contact Just 1 Call, 704-432-1111 or DSS at 704-336-3000.
Alternatives to meal preparation are available thru the Senior Nutrition Program, adjacent to the Ada Jenkins Center (704-446-3144), and home delivered meals thru Friendship Trays (704-333-9229).
Medical and Non Medical Home Care agencies can provide services to manage personal care, housekeeping and transportation needs thus allowing a person to remain in his/her own home. The number of these agencies in the Lake Norman area continues to increase. Publications such as All About Seniors, Resource and Referral Directory of Greater Charlotte (www.allaboutseniors.org) 704-366-1410 and the Senior Living Guide, Greater Charlotte Edition (www.seniorlivingguide.com), available at most grocery stores, are useful tools for listing these resources.
Geriatric Care Coordinators may be helpful to seniors and their families as they try to navigate the health care system and plan for their needs as they age. To locate a Care Coordinator in this area, go to www.caremanager.org. During hospitalization, a social worker at the hospital may be able to initiate a home care plan for the senior upon discharge.
Transportation: Several privately owned transportation services, such as limo and taxi companies, and companies serving persons with disabilities exist for seniors who can afford these services. The American Red Cross office in Mooresville (704-664-2500) has some ability to provide transportation to physician offices and hospitals by appointment. CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System-STSII), 704-336-2637 and the DSS may also offer transportation for medical appointments to qualified clients (704-336-3000).
Davidson Parks and Rec (704-892-3349) and the North Mecklenburg Senior Center (704-892-4041) offer numerous classes and opportunities for socialization, wellness and recreation.
Various local agencies and organizations offer programs aimed at helping seniors and persons with disabilities, such as the Vial of Life, sponsored by the Davidson Police and Fire Departments. (See Feb. 16, 2011, “Vial of Life: Key information in emergencies.”) Storing personal and medical information in this “vial” would enable the emergency responders to have additional knowledge of the seniors at the time the responders are called to the home.
The Medical Alert program sponsored by Duke Energy (1-800-777-9898) is designed to identify customers with special medical needs in order to ensure special handling of these accounts. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Council on Aging has developed a Senior Disaster Registry for persons over 55 with disabilities living at home who might need transportation/evacuation in the event of an emergency. (Phone 704-391-5216).
As one can see, the goal of remaining independent and in one’s own home as aging takes place is often what is desired but it takes planning by both those who are aging and their family. To succeed with this plan, periodic re-evaluation of both needs and resources (personal and community) is necessary as changes occur in one’s health or living situation.
Nancy Waite-Kahn, MSW is a Davidson resident. She wrote this article as part of DavidsonNews.net’s series in cooperation with the Davidson Committee on Aging.
