Aging in Place During the Holidays and Beyond
As the baby boomers age and their children become more aware of mobility and independence hindrances, it is vital for them to remember that aging in place is an option. Though traditions may shift, the ability for still celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas at Grandma’s is still there. Stephanie Borden talks more about aging in place and celebrating with loved ones during the holidays. Borden also discusses what happens after the holidays are over and how to continue to live at home. Through minor home alterations and the addition of assistive technology, aging in place is feasible and affordable. Learning and understanding what is necessary in order to age at home is important, and resources such as the article below are a great place to start.
You can stay home for the holidays and beyond
Written by: Stephanie Borden
Innovators and educators in the aging-in-place field have saved countless retirees from having to sell their homes.
Our most treasured family holidays are only a page or two away on the calendar. For most of us, that means the whole family comes together in our homes to share memorable traditions.
Sadly, the stress has already begun for many aging seniors who wonder if this will be the last holidays in their cherished homes when illness, injuries, or disabilities threaten their ability to continue living safely and independently at home.
I hear a 77-year-old wife telling her husband, "Let our son carve the turkey this year, so he doesn't notice how you tremble." Another couple plans to have all the family gifts wrapped at retail stores, because it's just too painful now with their arthritis. A woman who tripped over her terrier, breaking her hip, says she will board the dog while her adult children visit, so they don't pressure her to "get rid of it and move to assisted living."
The common thread weaving all three of these stories together is our strong emotional connection to our homes and neighborhoods.
I am happy to report that help is available for most retirees to keep living in the homes they love, thanks to the national Aging-in-Place movement. This is the movement providing support for retirees to continue living safely for as long as possible in their private homes, despite challenges in mobility, dexterity, balance, hearing, vision, or cognition.