By Michael Trigilio
Within each of us lies a fundamental desire to live in our own home — safely and securely — with as much independence as possible. There are many choices that will allow you and your loved ones to continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle at home with discreet assistance.
Services can range from minimal assistance to full-time help aimed at providing you with the confidence and convenience needed to age in place. We are using the term aging in place in reference to living where you have lived for many years while using products, services and conveniences to enable you to not have to move as circumstances change.
When you are feeling very comfortable in your own home, but need help with small chores — or just don’t have the energy to do them — you may like a helping hand. For those who need minimal assistance at home, it may be surprising to learn how many professional services are available to aid in day-to-day living. Specialized grocery delivery services and chore services are available weekly or on a one-time basis.
Transportation services may help you run errands or get you to and from appointments. In addition, a companion or homemaker can come to your home and assist with homemaking chores and shopping. All of these conveniences will allow your to-do list to decrease.
For those in need of more than minimal assistance at home, ask about a service that will provide you with a one-stop-shop for all of your household needs. A personalized concierge service can help with everything from fixing your front steps, to plumbing problems to installing/removing your air-conditioner. With just one call you are connected to screened, reputable, community vendors at a discounted price.
The next level of care is full time assistance. Studies have shown that elders remaining in their own homes live healthier, safer and happier lives. One option is to remain at home with home health care services in place.
Depending on your health care status, finances and interests, you may want to explore alternative family-style living situations. A unique choice for elders seeking 24-hour residential care in a non-institutional environment would be a group home, shared with two or more unrelated people. Residents may receive assistance with personal care, including laundry, medication reminders, cooking, cleaning and other activities of daily living.
No matter what level of care is needed, it is important that you maintain control of your situation by making sure you are well informed of your options and feel safe at all times. You must also consider the perks of convenience. Once an outside a physician or family member recommends resources, you will then be prepared to choose the best options for your aging in place situation.
Michael Trigilio is president of Associated Home Care, Inc., with offices in Beverly, Burlington and Marblehead. He can be reached daily between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 978-922-0745. Archives of articles from previous issues can be read at www.fiftyplusadvocate.com.
