Tuesday, 12 April 2016

The Living In Place: What The Seniors Prefer

By John Ward


You are now grown and you realize that your parents or grandparents now need your attention more than before. The age is catching up with them and they are now succumbing to some old age syndromes including the loss in physical ability. It is now clear to you that your work may not give you the opportunity to attend to them as they deserve. The first thought that may come to your mind is to take them to a nearby senior care facility where they can be given more attention. However, before you consider this option, has it ever dawn on you that living in place may be a better option for them than a care facility?

As people grow older, the need to move to a place they are safe and easy access all they need becomes real. However, if they move from their residents, they get out of touch with a familiar setting and a friendly community attached with life long memories. They also lose a significant control of their life which undermines their sense of dignity and feeling, their quality of life and their level of independence. They no longer have the sense of security and feels like they are neglected by their loved ones.

The usual environment consists of trees, some of which they planted and see them grow, the birds, some of which have made a home in their residents and all the nostalgia of somewhere you have lived for the better part of your life. As such, it is best to assure them the necessary support, security, comfort, and independence they deserve while in their own homes. By moving them away from home, they feel neglected, a burden to the family and sent away to die in peace.

The changes such as the failing vision, the hearing impairment and osteoporosis are experienced by seniors at different stages and at different levels. The changes may be too quick among some seniors, while gradual among others. To some, these changes may not be experienced at all. However, the change in mobility seems to affect everyone, and the need of physical support is very real.

These changes, however, have no impact on their wisdom and creativity. They become even wiser and love to share their wisdom with family and the rest of the community. However, they are faced with the threat of social disruption. Their children move towns, and their friends may even avoid when they become more vulnerable.

It comes as no surprise that the majority of seniors prefer to stay in their own residence for the rest of their lives. However, in order to age in place, there is a need for thorough planning. The planning process needs to address the changes to be made to accommodate the physical, mental and the psychological changes that come with aging.

The physical change that may be made in the home varies widely depending on your preferences and the assessment done by the professionals. In many cases, the kitchen may have to be fitted with resting places and supportive parts. The bathroom and bathtub are also remodeled accordingly. The slippery floors must also be avoided.

The home remodeling is also necessary. There is a need to change the bathroom setting, the kitchen and the house as a whole to be accommodating and supportive to the physical well-being of the senior. The slippery floors need to be changed. In addition to these, the stove and switches need to be fitted with safety gadgets. The experts in Patchogue, NY are best placed to conduct an assessment and recommend he changes that are needed in regards to modification.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment