Preparing to Age in Place

Now, as the season has changed, my time outside is earlier in the day, and there are not as many people on the sidewalks as there are in high summer. While sitting on the porch yesterday enjoying a phone call, the gold finches that frequented the bird waterer were glorious. How infrequently I sit on the porch and simply watch what is happening in my front yard! As the crocosmia has ceased blooming, the majority of the hummingbirds have disappeared save for a few who frequent the hummingbird feeders that hang in the yard.
Yes, simply taking time to watch and listen can be gratifying and enriching.

I am 89 years old and still living in my home and independent. What helped me to decide to stay in my home was visiting a couple of facilities that advertise independent living. I found the apartments were very small and that I would not be able to bring my own furniture and other things with me. The rents are not cheap either. So far I am managing with a cleaning helper who comes every three weeks and a gardener who comes every month. I am extremely fortunate to now have anything major wrong with me. I have a torn tendon in my right arm but it does not need surgery. This afternoon I go to physical therapy to make arrangements for 12 sessions. I do not need to take a bunch of drugs. This definitely helps. I can and do still drive so I do not need to depend on anyone to get me to where I need to be. At my age I cannot know how long I will be on this earth or if I will need any assisted living. But based on what I read about the costs, I believe it will be cheaper for me to hire my own assistants to come here where I am comfortable.

I'm hoping to be able to stay in my home till the end. I have a 2 story home which I loved when I bought it new while I was still working. 16 steps up and 16 steps back down require concentration to make sure I don't stumble. I've found great success going down the stairs sideways holding on to the railing with one hand. Much easier on the knees. PT I was seeing really liked that idea. I will look into having a stair lift installed when that time comes. If I had to move, I'd really miss not being near to my long time friends. That is a network that thru years of friendship & support keeps me & my friends going!

I'm hoping to be able to stay in my home till the end. I have a 2 story home which I loved when I bought it new while I was still working. 16 steps up and 16 steps back down require concentration to make sure I don't stumble. I've found great success going down the stairs sideways holding on to the railing with one hand. Much easier on the knees. PT I was seeing really liked that idea. I will look into having a stair lift installed when that time comes. If I had to move, I'd really miss not being near to my long time friends. That is a network that thru years of friendship & support keeps me & my friends going!

Going through the same thing. Doing ok just now. Will be 84 this month. Hoping, and praying, that when the decision time comes, that I’m able to make the right ones.
None of us really know what’s ahead. So am doing my best every day, am in a townhouse with minimal upkeep, bedroom downstairs, etc. etc.
I do find it hard to deal with all the advice I’m getting, from my children, and society in general.
We don’t really know what lays ahead. So I pray a lot.
Decided to enjoy every day, trying to stay in the moment. Do water aerobics, still take piano lessons, drive as long as I’m able to see the kids, even go on tour guided vacations. And am thankful!!
I feel blessed.

Have you investigated eventually having a full time or part time "Live-In " caretaker ?
Reduce your payout by providing them : "Free Accomodation " .
Go through a professional councillor to test these thoughts or your local church .

I've lived on my own for decades and I would want a stranger staying in my home. I have neighbors around me who offer to help if I need it. Also have a wonderful Patient Navigator at the cancer center I go to who has been of amazing help. Was married for almost 20 yrs. before we divorced so ever since I'm quite happy living in my own home with my kitties. I'm pro-active with my health and participate in a lung cancer support group.

I've lived on my own for decades and I would want a stranger staying in my home. I have neighbors around me who offer to help if I need it. Also have a wonderful Patient Navigator at the cancer center I go to who has been of amazing help. Was married for almost 20 yrs. before we divorced so ever since I'm quite happy living in my own home with my kitties. I'm pro-active with my health and participate in a lung cancer support group.