What Does Aging In Place Really Mean?

The primary desire of most seniors is to be able to age-in-place. But, what does that really mean? Aging in place doesn’t always mean staying in the home one has lived in for 50 years, but it does mean remaining in a home that is comfortable and, more importantly, an environment that allows for independence and quality of life. As home care providers, we know that the desire to age-in-place is not enough. There is planning that must occur and steps that must be taken to ensure safety and the means to live at home with the necessary support. Here are some things to consider as you make an aging-in-place plan:

• Can my current home accommodate my needs as they change? Think about mobility, stairs, access to bathrooms and bedrooms, and access to outside.
• Do I live close to others who can help me or am I isolated from both people and supportive services?
• Do I have my financial and legal affairs in order? At a minimum, you should have a Power of Attorney and Health are Proxy assigned.
• What do I want my older years to look like? Think about social, physical and spiritual needs and wants. Does your current living situation allow for these needs to be met?

New York State has done so much to support healthy aging; here in the Capital District, specifically, there are many services designed to keep seniors home, safe and healthy. At Touching Hearts, we make it a part of our mission to not only support our clients and their families with home care, but also to connect them with the resources they need to thrive. One resource we always tell folks to start with is their County Office for Aging. In the counties we serve, that information can be found here:

• Albany County
• Rensselaer County
• Saratoga County
• Schenectady County