What is Aging in Place?

Most Canadians want to age in place. But what is it, really? Some say it is as simple as staying in your own home and community as you get older.

Yet, to age in place independently is not as simple as it sounds. Practical, health and social supports and services are critical to living safely.

Here are some things to consider as you plan for aging in place.

Assess Your Home

Planning to safely age independently requires assessing your home to ensure it meets your needs as you get older.

• If you want to stay in your current home, what modifications would help you remain safe? Consider a ramp, an emergency response system, a walk-in bathtub or shower, widening doorways, and handrails.
• How will you complete the regular maintenance on your home? What services are available, and will you have the funds to pay others to complete the work?
• Would a more accessible home or apartment without stairs be better? What will that cost?

Assess Your Community

Come communities make it easier to live independently. Accessible buildings, well-maintained sidewalks and benches, and good public transport can make a big difference. It is vital to have access to essential services like shopping, health care and recreational activities.

Transportation

Now, you may think nothing of driving to medical appointments, shopping, visiting and other activities. But planning for ongoing independence means considering how you’ll manage when you decide to stop driving.

• When you are no longer able to drive, can you access reliable and affordable transportation alternatives?
• Are there delivery options for groceries or prescriptions that decrease the frequency of trips away from home?

What Support Will You Need?

Most people aging in place have at least one unpaid caregiver. That’s a friend or family member who helps out for a few hours a week. But if you rely on these caregivers too much, they can burn out, which impacts their health and happiness.

Check to see what support is offered through health care and social service systems and how much they cost. Start your research by asking at your local seniors’ centre or health care provider. Some provinces have an assessment service that determines which services are covered or subsidized depending on your needs or income.

Make Sure You Are Safe at Home

There are many aspects of home safety, but bathroom safety is critical. A tub to shower conversion is one of the best ways to prepare your home to age in place. The tall walls make it difficult to get in and out of tubs.

A tub to shower conversion is a quick, inexpensive option that transforms your existing tub into a walk-in bathtub or shower in just a few hours. A walk-in bathtub or shower is a requirement for living independently and aging in place.