Author: Deborah Bongiorno
Prime Time
A blog for older Americans to help them make the most of their prime retirement years and age well
Safe at Home
“It’s not how old you are, but how you are old.”
The French novelist Jules Renard wrote that in the 19th century, but like many words of wisdom, they hold up pretty well here in the 21st century.
Many older adults I know, including me as I approach my mid-70s, wonder how we’ll continue to age. If we’re lucky enough to have won the genetics lottery and still have our health (so far), we have the luxury of turning our attention to the Big Questions: W What’s next for me? How do I manage this stage of life? And where will I end up?
In fact, as aging brings a unique set of decisions, few are more consequential than where we live. It affects our physical and mental health, our relationships, our finances, our independence … our future.
Consider a few stats: There are about 67 million Baby Boomers in the U.S.; some 1.6 million seniors live in independent and assisted living communities, reports the American Senior Housing Association. For these seniors, that’s the right decision, made at the right time, for all the right reasons. Still, most older adults live at home.
This trend is “aging in place,” which the Center for Disease Control defines as the ability to live in one’s own home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability.
But that doesn’t mean seniors can live in their homes as they always have. After all, every senior understands aging’s immutable reality: What once was is no guarantee of what will be. Aging in place takes thoughtful planning, broad support, and adapting to change–-all with an eagle eye aimed at safety.
Playing it Safe
With some help, most seniors can make their surroundings safe and easier to manage. As a first step, experts say, fix obvious hazards. Check out this infographic from the National Institute on Aging, home-safety-tips-older-adults.
Next, conduct a room-by-room assessment to identify hidden hazards. The professionals at White Glove Solution can help.
Getting your home ready—and keeping it that way as needs change—can be overwhelming. White Glove Solution can help with on staff, professional Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) who have completed credentialed programs focused on home safety.
CAPS, a program created by the National Association of Home Builders in collaboration with AARP, features in-depth training and requires that specialists update their skills and knowledge annually to ensure that they stay abreast of the latest home safety measures.
It’s Not What You Look At, It’s What You See
“White Glove Solution can help older adults look at their homes in a different way,” said Keaneu Zamora, White Glove Solution’s chief operations officer. “We can help clients ‘see’ themselves as someone who may extra support as they age to make sure their homes are ready now for what might lie ahead.”
Zamora, who owns and operates White Glove Solution with his father and brother, is a CAPS professional.
“Our goal is to help clients live safely and comfortably in their homes for as long as possible,” Zamora said.
White Glove Solution’s pros base their aging-in-place services on a critical safety standard—the “rule of three.” The concept is to maintain three points of contact whenever additional stability is needed, whether walking up or down stairs, getting in and out of the shower or bed, reaching for a top shelf, or performing other everyday activities.
“Seniors should always have two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand in direct contact with something sturdy. Preventing falls is Job One,” Zamora said.
As CAPS, the Zamoras are experts in
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Understanding the pros and cons of aging in place, and its emotional and financial factors
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Designing and installing whole-house and room-specific safety measures
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Reviewing exterior safety risks, such as crumbling mortar in steps and wobbly stair railings
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Selecting the right products at the start so seniors don’t have to buy twice
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Collaborating with home health-care professionals and other specialists
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Integrating budgeting and step-by-step improvements into larger projects
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Correcting common errors, such as incorrectly installed grab bars
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Assessing minor safety risks before they become major hazards
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Decluttering and organizing
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Planning projects for multigeneration homes.
“Safe aging in place isn’t as simple as going to a hardware store and buying a few grab bars,” Zamora said. “You need an expert who can get things right from the start, address trouble spots, and help prevent falls and other accidents.”
Warning Signs, Red Flags, and Alarm Bells
Even with careful planning, help from the pros, broad support, and a safe and comfortable home, there may come a time when aging in place isn’t viable. Keep these potential game-changers in mind:
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You’ve got too much house and too many stairs.
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You’re too far away from loved ones.
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Your friends have moved away or sadly, passed away.
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You’ve suffered a fall or other medical setback.
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You have diminished mobility, vision, or balance.
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You want to move while the decision is still your own.
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You want to sell your home while the resale value is high.
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You’ve had a couple of scary wake-up calls–you left the water running in the bathroom sink, the oven on after dinner, or the front door key in the lock all night.
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You simply want to enjoy your free time, not mow the lawn, worry about the hot-water heater, or dust keepsakes.
The decision to stay or go rests on a careful balance of preserving lifelong independence and adapting to present-day realities. When life’s circumstances stay steady, the decision can be an easy one. When the balance tips, however, the decision can be difficult and emotional.
Preparation and planning make all the difference.
