Some more suggestions on how to start making your current home a place in which you can stay as you become frailer.
Stairs may become a problem as we transition from old to very old. I look upon stairs as a sort of built-in Physical Therapy, forcing us to strengthen our leg muscles with every climb, but arthritis, heart or lung issues or neurologic disease may eventually make that climb a challenge.
Ideally, if you are doing major home renovations, moving the master bedroom to the first floor will pay dividends in the long run. If this is beyond your budget, electric stair climbers may be the answer, with cost in the ballpark of $5,000.
Over time, change most doorknobs to levers for easier turning.
Have proper storage, so that toys, shoes, boots, etc. are in a box or on low shelves and not sitting on the floor waiting to trip you.
Get a video doorbell tied to your phone so you do not have to rush to answer the door, and so that you can screen callers to be sure you want to answer it.
The last point brings up another: Seniors are often targeted by scammers. Your local police department and/or Council on Aging probably offers lectures on how to avoid becoming the victim of a scam: Attend one of these!
Finally, it is likely that at some point, one of a couple will become the primary caretaker for the other. Plan for this. Do not try to do it all. Accept help when it is offered, whether by family or friends. Use outside agencies for some meals and for respite care.
Join an online or in-person support group to share your experiences with others experiencing the same issues. Keep some “me time.” If you do not make time to relax and do something enjoyable, you will burn out sooner.
If you live alone, a personal alert system adds peace of mind for both you and your family.
Unless you have good, long-term healthcare insurance, realize that costs of outside help are not covered by Medicare or other health insurance. Short-term help after a hospitalization is covered, but not the regular care needed to stay independent.
If you are very rich, no worries. If you are very poor, Medicaid will help. For most of us in between, be sure to budget and set aside money for these expenses.
Edward Hoffer MD is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard.
What Does The Doctor Say?
By Dr. Edward Hoffer