Topics in Elder Care: Considerations For Those Who Want To Age In Place

When it comes to topics in elder care, how one wants to age is paramount.

Aging in place is the term we use when one wants to stay in their own home until the end of their lives. It is the preference many people have in their elder years.

While some people like having community in an assisted living facility or nursing home, many others prefer staying in their own homes with family, and the familiarity of place.

What Does It Mean to Age In Place?

Many people desire to age in place. However, very few people take the time to consider the circumstances that would make this doable. Even fewer put a plan in place.

Aging in place is a thought much like creating an estate plan. Many people know it’s a great idea and think they’re going to do it, but most people procrastinate and simply leave it undone until it’s too late.

Do you, an aging parent, or other loved want to age in place? Thus, it may be a good idea to engage in conversations about the subject. The sooner the better. It’s always a good idea to have a plan that family and loved ones know about before it’s too late.

There are many things to consider to be able to make aging in place a reality. I’m providing an overview of some of the most important things to consider whether you want to age in place or consider other options. I’m also prodding you and your loved ones to create an estate plan that clearly specifies your wishes for your long-term health care.

Consider Current And Potential Future Health Conditions

Even if you are in good health now, as you begin to consider future long-term health care plans, you’ll want to take into consideration what could happen if you were to become diabetic or be diagnosed with heart disease or cognitive disorders. Consider also what might happen if you were to be involved in an accident. These are conditions that could make it difficult for you to get around or take care of yourself.

These are the kinds of things that require outside help either from family members or professional caregivers. It’s important to consider and plan how you will be able to financially provide for the care you might require. Again, this is where a thorough and well thought out estate plan comes in.

Many people who “age in place” receive unpaid care from family members. In 2023, an estimated 38 million people in the United States provided unpaid caregiving services to loved ones. The caregivers who provide unpaid services need breaks, so thinking things ahead of time and planning for the worst-case scenarios typically results in the best outcomes.

When you create an estate plan, you’ll discover what services Medicare and Medicaid cover. You will be able to designate a health care power of attorney as well as a financial power of attorney in the event you are no longer able to make decisions.

At Home Services To Consider For Aging In Place

Very often people tend to overlook the many daily activities that go into maintaining good quality of life. The following list will help when you are considering aging in place or other arrangements for yourself or other loved ones.

• Personal care: Help with everyday activities, also called “activities of daily living,” including bathing, dressing, grooming, using the toilet, eating, and moving around — for example, getting out of bed and into a chair.
• Household chores: Housecleaning, yard work, grocery shopping, laundry, and similar chores around the house.
• Meals: Shopping for food and preparing nutritious meals.
• Money management: Tasks such as paying bills and filling out health insurance forms.
• Health care: Help with many aspects of health care, including giving medications, caring for wounds, helping with medical equipment, and providing physical therapy.
• Transportation: Assistance getting around, such as rides to the doctor’s office or grocery store.
• Safety: Home safety features and help in case of a fall or other emergency.

Whether you are considering aging in place or not, aging is a fact of life.

What isn’t a fact of life is getting into accidents and other conditions that could cause untimely death or conditions that would make one incapable of making decisions. The importance of giving thought to long-term care for oneself and care for loved ones in your absence is what an estate plan provides. Give our office a call at (470) 235-7868 let’s see how we can help you achieve your desire to age in place and/or prepare for other desired scenarios.

Looking to find an experienced estate lawyer in the Georgia area who is skilled in asset protection and estate plan preparation? Shannon Pawley is an attorney in Georgia with expertise in estate planning and asset protection. Shannon can provide assistance with creating an estate plan to include making a will and how to establish a trust properly. If you have questions about asset protection or questions about making an estate plan, reach out to Shannon and she will be glad to help answer all the estate planning questions you might have!