The Savvy Senior
Aging in Place
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Every May, The Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). In 2022, ACL will be focusing on aging in place – how older adults can plan to stay in their homes and live independently in their communities for as long as possible. The 2022 theme is Age My Way, an opportunity for all of us to explore the many ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities.
Topics include how planning, participation, accessibility, and making connections all play a role in aging in place – emphasizing that what each person needs and prefers is unique. (Source: acl.gov/oam)
As we grow older our first choice is to remain in our homes for the rest of our lives. How many of us develop a plan to “age in place”? Just like you plan for college or retirement, we must also plan for the years beyond retirement. Aging in place refers to a person’s desire to stay in place and receive services, if needed, in their home or community. To successfully age in place, one has to plan for the physical and mental changes that may occur. This may include modifying your living space.
Several professionals can help you plan for your future. These include elder law attorneys, social workers, financial planners, health care providers, home accessibility consultants, for profit health related companies, and non-profit organizations.
An elder law attorney specializes in working with older adults. They handle general estate planning and counsels clients about planning for any future incapacity. The attorney would also assist the client in planning for possible long-term care needs, including nursing home care. An elder law attorney can help you locate the appropriate type of care, if the need arises, coordinate private and public resources to finance the cost of care, and work to ensure the client’s right to quality care. There are many elder law attorneys in our area. Ask any attorney if he/she is certified in this field. To locate an elder law attorney, contact the Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys at www.afela.org or contact jennifer@afela.org.
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is someone who is specially trained in personal finance. To become licensed, Certified Financial Planners must have demonstrated competency in seven important subjects: the General Principles of Financial Planning, Risk Management and Insurance Planning, Employee Benefits Planning, Investment Planning, Income Tax Planning, Retirement Planning, and Estate Planning. These are the areas one would need to consider when planning for long-term care expenses either immediately or in the future. CFP’s have been subjected to a background check and must also have demonstrated experience before becoming licensed. Select a certified financial planner who specializes in Medicaid, VA benefits, and elder care planning. Be sure to ask any prospective planner if this is their area of expertise. To locate a certified financial planner, contact the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards at www.cfp.net or call 800-487-1497.
Writing a living will and choosing a health care surrogate are important steps to take while one is healthy. A living will lets your doctor know what steps should be taken or not taken in the event that you cannot communicate your needs. A health care surrogate is a person you appoint to make decisions regarding your health care in case you are unable to. These forms are available at most hospitals or by going online to Aging with Dignity at www.fivewishes.org or calling 1-888-594-7437.
Safety and accessibility are major concerns in the home as we age. Good lighting, use of color contrast, eliminating throw rugs, and installing grab bars in the bathroom and shower are all things that help make the home safer. There are home accessibility specialists that can help you determine what is needed in your home to make it safe and easier to navigate should you become disabled. Contact the Center for Independent Living Options for a referral at 561-966-4288.
Are you safe at home? Are you able to care for yourself? If you are unable to live independently there are alternative housing options. Independent living, or Continuous Care facilities enable you to live independently in a community.
Assisted living residences are NOT nursing homes. They are facilities that provide supervision for people who may need assistance with daily living skills or with medication management. Assisted living facilities allow you to be relatively independent by providing meals, transportation and communal activities. Nursing homes are the last resort when a person is totally unable to safely live independently and meet their own needs.
As part of the planning process, you may want to select a home care provider now who can provide you needed services in the future. You may also want to look at housing alternatives, such as an assisted living facility or nursing home if the need arises. www.floridahealthfinder.gov is a great website aid in locating all kinds of health care facilities.
