As people age, many wish to remain in their own homes, maintain their independence for as long as possible, and seek help from family and friends when needed. This desire to stay in one’s home while aging is commonly referred to as “aging in place.”

However, concerns about safety, mobility, and managing daily tasks can arise. Successfully living at home as you age requires thoughtful planning and consideration.

At Senior Living Advisors, we provide guidance to help you find the support you need to continue living independently in New Jersey.

The best time to plan for aging in place is before the need for extensive care arises. By planning ahead, you can make informed decisions while you are still fully capable.

The first step is to assess the types of assistance you currently need and may require in the future. You can explore home-based care options and services available in your New Jersey community and learn about their costs. Planning ahead also allows you to make adjustments to your home to accommodate your needs as you age.

It’s also important to consider any existing health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, that could affect mobility or self-care in the future. Consulting with your healthcare provider can help you understand the potential challenges and prepare accordingly.

Engage in discussions with family, friends, and caregivers about the support you’ll need to remain in your home. Be realistic and plan to revisit these decisions as your needs evolve.

Home-based care encompasses a range of services, including health, personal, and other types of support, to help you stay at home and live as independently as possible. These services can be short-term, such as during recovery from surgery, or long-term for those requiring ongoing assistance.

In New Jersey, home-based support is often provided by informal caregivers, such as family members, friends, and neighbors. This care can be supplemented by formal caregivers and community services.

Services you can receive at home include:

• Personal care: Assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and mobility.
• Household chores: Help with housecleaning, yard work, grocery shopping, laundry, and other household tasks.
• Meals: Assistance with shopping for groceries and preparing nutritious meals.
• Money management: Help with managing finances, such as paying bills and filling out health insurance forms.
• Health care: Support with medication management, wound care, medical equipment, and physical therapy.
• Transportation: Assistance with transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential places.
• Safety: Installation of home safety features and assistance in case of emergencies.

For detailed information on in-home support services, including tips for arranging them, information about costs, and additional resources in New Jersey, Senior Living Advisors is here to assist.

There are numerous ways to enhance the safety and accessibility of your home to better meet your needs as you age. Conduct a room-by-room assessment to identify potential hazards and safety issues. Start by addressing immediate dangers, such as loose stair railings or poor lighting, and then work on other improvements to ensure your home remains safe.

You may be concerned about the cost of making these changes. However, financial assistance may be available through New Jersey’s state housing finance agencies, social services departments, community development organizations, or federal government programs. The Eldercare Locator and local resources can also help you find assistance with repairs and safety updates.

If staying in your New Jersey home is important to you, you may have concerns about getting around, staying safe, and staying connected. As you age, some of these activities may become more challenging, but the resources below can help you find solutions.

• Reach out to people you know: Family, friends, and neighbors are often the primary sources of help for older adults. They may assist with transportation, errands, chores, or provide companionship. Consider trading services with a neighbor or friend to make daily tasks easier.
• Learn about community resources: Your local Area Agency on Aging, New Jersey state offices on aging, social services, or community organizations can provide lists of available services. Healthcare providers, social workers, and religious communities may also offer valuable resources.
• Get help during the day: If your regular caregiver isn’t available during the day, consider support from volunteers who visit older adults regularly, adult day care programs that offer social activities and personal care, or respite services that provide short-term care when needed.
• Prepare for medical emergencies: If you have serious health concerns, consider getting a medical alert ID bracelet or an emergency medical alert system to ensure help is readily available in case of an emergency.
• Talk to a geriatric care manager: These professionals can assist in finding resources to make daily life easier and help create a care plan tailored to your needs. Geriatric care managers are especially helpful when family members are not nearby.
• Explore government resources: Federal, state, and local governments offer numerous resources for older adults and their caregivers. The Eldercare Locator is a great starting point to connect with trustworthy local support resources.

When planning for aging in place, it’s important to consider how you will finance the necessary support. Home-based services can be costly, but they are often less expensive than moving into a residential facility like assisted living or a nursing home.

How you pay for care will depend on your financial situation, eligibility for assistance programs, and the types of services you use. Common payment sources include personal funds, government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and private financing options such as long-term care insurance or reverse mortgages.

When planning for aging in place, it’s important to consider how you will finance the necessary support. Home-based services can be costly, but they are often less expensive than moving into a residential facility like assisted living or a nursing home.

How you pay for care will depend on your financial situation, eligibility for assistance programs, and the types of services you use. Common payment sources include personal funds, government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and private financing options such as long-term care insurance or reverse mortgages.