accessibility planning

Thinking Ahead….

Nathan Colburn Newsletter

Recently an article on Facebook caught the attention of several members of our team. The article from NJ.com told the story of a nursing home resident whose family trusted the care facility to take care of their aging father. After undergoing surgery to help remove a cyst from his brain, the gentleman was placed in a New Jersey nursing home to help him heal. Unfortunately, the lack of staffing in the care facility lead to pressure sores, which caused an infection, and just a few short weeks after he entered the facility, he passed away. Stories of neglect and failing care in many facilities have become all too common.

In some cases, these facilities are the only option that caregivers have when the needs of their loved ones change. Facilities that offer higher levels of care can often be out of reach for seniors who are on a fixed income. While it is not possible in every case, preparing to age in your home and making modifications over time can offer more options as your needs change. Preparing to age in your home should be part of your retirement planning. Tinking ahead about your current home and the barriers that exist in it can help make the choices less emotionally driven and more focused on practicality, rather than being entirely reactionary to a new diagnosis or a change in ability.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, The aging of the baby boom generation could fuel more than a 50 percent increase in the number of Americans ages 65 and older, requiring nursing home care to increase to about 1.9 million in 2030. With an increased demand for care, comes increased costs associated with this care. Older adults are working longer, and choosing to live in their homes, unassisted for more extended periods of time. Making modifications to the house can extend the amount of time they can age in place by 10 to 15 years.

If you or someone you love is considering aging in place, let our team help you make a plan to make your home accessible. Since 1999, we have been working with families to remove access barriers and restore freedom and mobility. Call today and schedule your complimentary, in-home consultation with one of our accessibility experts today!