elderadvocare

According to the AARP the “great majority of older adults say they’d prefer to live out their days in their own home.” Armed with that possibility care givers should look at some of the steps recommended by AARP to make independent living work:1. Have a group or family meeting. Such a meeting is a good opportunity get clear early on about what care-giving duties the older adults in your care may expect you to assume as they get older, and what you and other caregivers or siblings are (and aren’t) willing or able to take on. A frank conversation about this upfront can help avert potential resentment or disappointment down the line.2. “Future-fit” their home for independent living. Take a tour of their home and think about how to make it safer and more navigable. This is also the time to think about downsizing — helping them get rid of decades of accumulated belongings that can make their home harder to maintain as they age.3. Observe and then put together a plan. A family member or caregiver should start by spending a day with them writing down their daily routine. This will let you know when they are (Read on …)