20 Healthy Tips For Aging In Place In The Villages In 2020

As we enter this new decade, our priority continues to be supporting you in starting it with excellent health, particularly for those seeking to accomplish successful aging in place in The Villages during 2020.

This year will witness an increasing number of older adults choosing to stay in their own homes or "age in place," instead of relocating to assisted living facilities. This trend is linked to escalating medical costs, along with the rise of a Baby Boomer population that's more vibrant than earlier generations. If you or family members are contemplating aging in place in The Villages, we've compiled 20 health tips to help ensure your success in 2020!

20 Health Tips for Aging in Place in The Villages in 2020

1. Stay ready to adapt your home as needs evolve. There are numerous ways to make your living environment secure and accessible, and we provide handyman services to help with these modifications!
2. Ensure your home has at least one entrance without steps. Mobility challenges shouldn't make it difficult for you to enter your home safely.
3. Plan ahead for temporary health issues that might occur. You may be able to stay in your home following surgeries or illnesses, but arranging recovery services, like those we provide at Senior Home Companions (SHC), will make your recovery process more manageable.
4. In homes with multiple floors, ensure essential activities can be handled on the ground level. This might mean converting a guest room into the master bedroom, or adapting other spaces.
5. Welcome assistance with everyday activities. Senior Home Companions The Villages companion caregivers can come when needed to help with household duties that may become challenging, like housekeeping or laundry.
6. Older adults may find value in investing in a new sleep system. Various adjustable bed models can help with sleep problems often related to aging by changing positions or using therapeutic massage functions.
7. Add improved lighting for senior residents throughout your home to accommodate eyesight changes that happen with age. Motion-activated or automatic night lights can promote safe movement after dark.
8. Consistent flooring is crucial in homes with aging residents. Work to minimize different floor types in your home, and ensure any transitions between surfaces are smooth to prevent falls. Area rugs may need to be removed.
9. Security can be enhanced by installing a traditional phone in several rooms when possible.
10. For emergency situations, it's wise to maintain a written list (with large text) of family or doctor contact information and current medications near the phone. This can help seniors if they become confused, or aid a caregiver or friend during emergencies.
11. Home maintenance and yard work can become challenging, so scheduling regular visits from service professionals throughout the year can be beneficial.
12. Bathrooms are frequent sites for accidents, so think about installing grab bars in and around the shower area.
13. Bathing can become more difficult with age. Installing a shower chair and handheld shower head can make washing easier. These changes can also help a caregiver from SHC if you need personal care services.
14. Cooking might be a pleasant activity for many senior adults, but it can become stressful with complicated recipes. Our companion caregivers can help with meal planning, as well as cooking for you or working alongside you.
15. Adding seated work areas in the kitchen can help reduce fatigue while you cook or clean the kitchen.
16. Maintain connections with friends and family to avoid loneliness. Our Senior Home Companion caregivers also enjoy spending meaningful time with their clients!
17. Utilize technology to stay in touch with relatives who may live at a distance, through phone calls, Facetime, Skype or other digital communication tools.
18. When driving becomes too challenging, SHC companions can assist you with rides to appointments or help with errands.
19. Take part in activities offered in The Villages community, such as at the library or other recreation facilities. Many daytime community programs are free or offer senior discounts.
20. Create a system to review your needs regularly. Your care requirements will evolve as you age, and families should develop a strategy for addressing health and cognitive changes as they arise.

If you have any questions about aging in place in The Villages and how Senior Home Companions can assist, please don't hesitate to contact us today!