by Julie Randolph, Information & Access and Care Coordination Manager
To age in place means to live in your home, or apartment, as you grow older.
As we grow older, income typically remains unchanged. Many depend on Social Security as their only income. Those who have saved over the years now find themselves using those assets to pay for services and products. Often activities like mowing, removing snow, driving, and general home repairs are no longer physically possible. Adaptations like ramps, handicap-accessible thresholds, transportation, and safety enhancements to a bathroom are increasingly necessary. If not already completed, financial and medical care planning is necessary to ensure your wishes are honored. A caregiver may become necessary to assist with bathing, meal preparation, medication assistance or set up, and shopping. If an older adult is renting their home or apartment, the amount can increase.
Older adults with limited assets and unchanging monthly income often find that their changing needs challenge, or exceed their budget. When there is no help within the household structure, an older adult requires additional help to successfully age in place. Extended family, friends, faith communities, and service agencies can work together to establish support to maintain the older adult’s ability to successfully age in place. Senior Services and other community agencies have developed a network of services and resources to meet many needs.
A Care Coordinator at Senior Services is here to talk through these challenges and offer resources and services to meet needs with the goal of helping older adults remain in their homes, safely and independently. Please call 989-633-3700 and request a home visit for an assessment of needs. We are ready to help.
