The Savvy Senior
Aging in Place
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Updated July 2024
As we grow older (not me!) 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 remain in their own home 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 as we age. This may include modifying your living space.
Several professionals can help you plan for your future. These include elder law attorneys, 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, 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 National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys at www.naela.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 is a major concern in the home as we age. Good lighting, use color contrast, eliminating throw rugs, and installing grab bars 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 use should you become disabled. Contact your local Center for Independent Living for a referral.
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.Medicare.gov is a great website aid in locating all kinds of health care facilities.