If you or someone you love is facing end-of-life issues, you may be weighing the options. Do you stay home - known as "aging in place" - or move into a nursing facility or retirement home? Here are some ideas to help you prepare to live out your days at home in comfort and safety.
Home Modifications. Depending on the age of your home, this may be an extensive or minor project. Find a contractor in your area who specializes in making home modifications for the elderly or disabled. Most important to consider is making your home user friendly in case you need a wheelchair in the future.
Meal Delivery Service. This can be anything from gourmet meals delivered to your home to affordable programs for the elderly such as Meals on Wheels. Consider your budget and dietary needs when deciding. Check your local Yellow Pages or look online for these services.
Home Modifications. Depending on the age of your home, this may be an extensive or minor project. Find a contractor in your area who specializes in making home modifications for the elderly or disabled. Most important to consider is making your home user friendly in case you need a wheelchair in the future.
Meal Delivery Service. This can be anything from gourmet meals delivered to your home to affordable programs for the elderly such as Meals on Wheels. Consider your budget and dietary needs when deciding. Check your local Yellow Pages or look online for these services.
Door-to Door Shuttle. Can't drive any longer but don't want to take a cab or can't afford one? Most areas, except rural ones, offer an affordable door-to-door shuttle service. These services are for the elderly and disabled. They can even accommodate a wheelchair.
Books by Mail. Many public library systems offer a free books-by-mail delivery service. You can select the books you want online and have them delivered to your mailbox. Also check out their selection of audio books and books with large print. You can also sign up for this service at your local library.
Medical Alert Service. How it works is you sign up and pay for this service and then you or your loved one has to carry an alarm around at all times. If you have an emergency, just press the button and the service will respond. This service works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Gadgets and Aids. There is a whole new market geared for our aging population. Everything from book magnifiers to large button remote controls exist for your consuming pleasure. Find these catalogs online and have them send you a paper catalog so you can select what you will need to be comfortable.
Caregivers. If you should need one, it is best to have it figured out before the fact. Check with your insurance company to find out what they will and will not cover. Also consider asking family or friends to help if you feel comfortable doing so. You may need full-time care towards the end or just someone to check in on you each day to help you out a little.
If you are a social butterfly, you may prefer being in a retire
Books by Mail. Many public library systems offer a free books-by-mail delivery service. You can select the books you want online and have them delivered to your mailbox. Also check out their selection of audio books and books with large print. You can also sign up for this service at your local library.
Medical Alert Service. How it works is you sign up and pay for this service and then you or your loved one has to carry an alarm around at all times. If you have an emergency, just press the button and the service will respond. This service works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Gadgets and Aids. There is a whole new market geared for our aging population. Everything from book magnifiers to large button remote controls exist for your consuming pleasure. Find these catalogs online and have them send you a paper catalog so you can select what you will need to be comfortable.
Caregivers. If you should need one, it is best to have it figured out before the fact. Check with your insurance company to find out what they will and will not cover. Also consider asking family or friends to help if you feel comfortable doing so. You may need full-time care towards the end or just someone to check in on you each day to help you out a little.
If you are a social butterfly, you may prefer being in a retire
Medical Alert Service. How it works is you sign up and pay for this service and then you or your loved one has to carry an alarm around at all times. If you have an emergency, just press the button and the service will respond. This service works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Gadgets and Aids. There is a whole new market geared for our aging population. Everything from book magnifiers to large button remote controls exist for your consuming pleasure. Find these catalogs online and have them send you a paper catalog so you can select what you will need to be comfortable.
Caregivers. If you should need one, it is best to have it figured out before the fact. Check with your insurance company to find out what they will and will not cover. Also consider asking family or friends to help if you feel comfortable doing so. You may need full-time care towards the end or just someone to check in on you each day to help you out a little.
If you are a social butterfly, you may prefer being in a retirement home or even a nursing home. But if you are a homebody who loves independence, aging in place may be perfect for you. Discuss your options with your family to keep them in the loop.
About the Author:
Gadgets and Aids. There is a whole new market geared for our aging population. Everything from book magnifiers to large button remote controls exist for your consuming pleasure. Find these catalogs online and have them send you a paper catalog so you can select what you will need to be comfortable.
Caregivers. If you should need one, it is best to have it figured out before the fact. Check with your insurance company to find out what they will and will not cover. Also consider asking family or friends to help if you feel comfortable doing so. You may need full-time care towards the end or just someone to check in on you each day to help you out a little.
If you are a social butterfly, you may prefer being in a retirement home or even a nursing home. But if you are a homebody who loves independence, aging in place may be perfect for you. Discuss your options with your family to keep them in the loop.
About the Author:
Katie Marsh co-wrote the workbook How to Die Without Regrets and Have Closure. The workbook will help you create a personal memoir, discuss plans relating to aging, spirituality, caregivers, funeral arrangements and your legal documents.