by Jill O'Donnell

The choice for seniors is to remain at home. This is certainly achievable but requires planning, adapting and help. The most important factors to consider are to be in a safe and secure environment. Of course the word “home” can mean a house, a condo or an apartment.

Aging is a normal process and so are the changes associates with it; reduced hearing, vision and mobility. Chronic conditions creep up and are often not even noticed until they begin to affect everyday life that seniors get concerned. These conditions can be heart and stroke related, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and dementia. Each person is affected differently. Some people are old at 60 while others are young at 90.

Physical Surroundings

Our well-being, self-esteem and sense of identity are definitely affected by our physical surroundings. This is why there is a strong desire to remain in familiar territory, even when it is not advantageous. Of course, with planning, personal space can be made accessible and safe.

Remove scatter rugs

Remove loose electrical wires

Increase lighting inside and out

Re-arrange furniture to give more space to navigate

Install grab bars in tub area of bathroom and by toilet

If possible install a raised toilet or add one to existing toilet

Ensure all stairwells have secure railings

Low pile carpets and wood floors are easier to walk on

There are grants through the Government of Canada to property owners who require special home adaptations.

Reality Check

Are your parents managing well on their own? Can they truly maintain their present living situation? Don’t just let the “chips fall where they may” because you could live to regret it. The best way to look to the future is to plan for it. People who do plan ahead are happier and healthier in general and very often considered optimistic with a positive attitude towards life.

When a senior has difficulty managing on their own, it may be necessary to find a more suitable place to live. If the older person doesn’t start to make a decision, they may be at the mercy of adult children and live to regret it.

The 3 things that seniors want most are:

Closeness to a cardiac unit

Closeness to public transportation, and

Closeness to higher learning.

Moving may mean finding a new doctor, dentist, optician, chiropractor, place of worship, hair-dresser, favourite bookstore or café. Will the new location offer these things? Make a list of what is most important to have when a move is necessary and try to find a place that will meet those requirements.

The possibility of not being able to drive is the biggest threat to an older person. That is why it is so important to be near public transportation. Of course family and friends who are younger and have a car can be chauffeurs and there are always taxies and limos if you can afford them.

Making the right choice

Moving to an apartment or condominium is the easiest way to get out of home maintenance like gardening, grass cutting and snow shoveling. There are new senior’s complex’s everywhere now, in both urban and rural settings where a community environment provides programs and activities designed for seniors. Life-lease arrangements where you purchase a unit and like a condominium pay monthly maintenance fees is a great way to be with peers.

Retirement residences where all meals are provided along with accommodation may be the best solution when meal preparation becomes a chore. Also moving to a seniors complex provides opportunities to meet new friends and to become involved in a lifestyle specifically designed for seniors.

Don’t wait for destiny to decide for you. Make it your choice.

Jill O’Donnell, RN, BA is President of IRIS Consulting for Seniors Inc.

www.irisforseniors.com and Co-author of The Canadian Retirement Guide.