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Preparing to Age in Place
Many of us in the Aging Well Support Group express similar concerns. We are currently doing o.k. in our homes, on our own, but recognize that disabilities may be on our horizons.
Can we be reasonably proactive about this?
What can we do to stay in our homes as long as possible?
What can we do to gracefully reach out for assistance when we need it?
What can we expect the costs will be as we try to imagine the economies of our lives as we age?
What modifications can we make now that will make life easier when we have less strength and energy?
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Right now, with a surgically repaired shoulder not yet "ready for action", the idea of aging in place is a little less appealing - I could not go out with a broom or shovel and push away a light dusting of snow on the driveway. And I realized I need to rethink my cupboard contents - without climbing there are just too many daily-use thing out of reach.
Once my shoulder heals, I will be able to safely use my step stool, but in future years I will need a longer-term solution. I see a rearrangement in my future - maybe I can combine it with gifting/donating some extra pots/pans/dishes/glassware. I am starting today by putting an indelible dot on each seldom-used piece that we DO use for special baking and holidays. A year from now, anything without a dot will be a candidate for removal.
Last year, when we redid the kitchen in our tiny home, kitchen and pantry-closet storage got a complete makeover, keeping only what we use. And I can reach everything but the "extras" which I can get from my stepstool.
Fortunately, my husband still manages the snowblower just fine. The other day the nice young woman next door, who is our plant/house sitter when we go away, came out as he was finishing and did the edge bits. And yesterday, after another 1/2" our daughter shoveled it away before coming in to help with baking.
I didn't realize what a nuisance a simple thing like this can be when you cannot do it yourself. Good thing our time "in the weather" is limited.
What have you found lately that needs changing/rearranging?
Sue
PS All of our step stools have sturdy rubber feet and a hand-hold at waist height when you are on the top step. No kitchen chairs or little plastic folding stools allowed.
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7 ReactionsCongratulations. A terrific success story. You are indeed, a very lucky lady with a good sense of timing as it turns out!!
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1 ReactionYou are not alone! Feel free to reach out to me anytime. Thinking of you and sending hugs.
Hello, @bebold
You've nothing to apologize for. We all need to talk, to "let it all out," so to speak. To some extent, that's why we have this forum: a chance to talk among ourselves. And what a learning opportunity this forum is! Reading others' posts on this forum is how I came to understand my own neuropathy. I'll be forever grateful to people like yourself who'll take the time to tell us what's happening in their lives. So thank you! And …
Cheers!
Ray (@ray666)