Dealing with aging requires a lot of adjustment and planning, which can be stressful, costly and time-consuming. If left unchecked, it can be even worse, leading to accidents, increased costs, and even death. As you (or your loved ones) get older, here are some things you can plan to make the process easier and safer.
Make your home fall-proof
The CDC reports that approximately 25% of older adults – more than 14 million – fall each year, with approximately 3 million emergency room visits and 1 million hospitalizations.
The bedroom, bathroom and stairs are prime locations where fall accidents occur. Adding lighting, ensuring there are no “trip traps” such as movable rugs or cords, and adding grab bars and handrails are good steps for prevention.
Growing older creates new obstacles in the way you live, but being proactive can help reduce frustration and improve safety and quality of life. (Getty Images)
Scot Cheben, author of “Eldercare: Helping Businesses Support Employees Who Are Caregivers,” also suggests making sure lighting is accessible from the bed and at the top and bottom of every staircase, and installing a whistle in the bedroom and in the shower or bathtub.
WHAT DENZEL WASHINGTON TEACHED THIS RETIRED PASTOR ABOUT FAITH
To create a safe environment, you may even need to find a new living situation that eliminates stairs and poses fewer hazards.
Taking classes to improve balance and strength can help prevent falls. And there are even new classes across the country that teach you how to fall safely.
Driving supervision
No one likes to lose their independence and older family members often have to fight to keep driving for as long as possible. But if you wait too long to drive, it can be dangerous for your loved ones – and for others, too.
Vision and reflex problems, getting lost and missing or not understanding signage can all be signs that it’s time to give up the car keys.
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO REMOVE YOUR CHILDREN FROM THE FAMILY PAYROLL?
There are quizzes and self-assessments that can help you evaluate, such as this one from AAA.
Cheben suggests encouraging family members to take an “unannounced” test drive for evaluation.
Now that Uber, Lyft, and even driverless transportation options like Waymo exist, there are more options for older Americans to maintain their independence without having to take the wheel (though keep in mind the technical limitations discussed below and find ways to help your loved ones, such as ordering transportation for them, if they can’t do it themselves).
Access to information
While technology can make our lives easier, for older Americans with memory problems, technology can become an obstacle.
I updated my will. THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULD TOO
This is becoming a bigger problem as many companies focus their customer service and other functions on websites and online portals.
Make sure you have someone you trust with your sensitive information and financial accounts who can help you navigate the technology and ensure you don’t get scammed, as technology scams often target older individuals.
Also make sure that your trusted helper has access to your passwords and important information. You can do this through a legacy planning kit, such as a Future File system, in which your information and wishes are shared.
Start cutting back
We Americans love our stuff, and the longer we live, the more stuff we seem to have! But as we get older, we may also have to downsize our homes or move into assisted living.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS ADVICE
Once we are gone, organizing and disposing of personal belongings is often a major project for loved ones to go through.
Make it a habit to perform cleansing annually or twice a year. Whether you hold a yard sale, donate to charity, gift personal belongings to loved ones, or otherwise, this will help keep your home manageable.
As a bonus, anything you gift to your loved ones, not only will they be more likely to enjoy your gift, but you will also be able to see how much fun it is.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
If you are going to a healthcare facility, consider leaving most or all of your valuables behind and keeping everything you take with you safe. While there are many wonderful, caring people working in these facilities, there are also some who take advantage of and target the elderly, especially as people lose their cognition.
Although growing older creates new obstacles in the way you live, being proactive can help reduce frustration and improve safety and your quality of life.
CLICK HERE TO CAROL ROTH
