Most people hope to spend their later years—and even their final days—surrounded by the comforts of home. At Hospice of the Northwest, we believe everyone deserves to have their end-of-life wishes honored. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing information and resources about aging in place.
According to studies:
- More than 77% of adults age 50+ want to remain in their homes long term
- Only 29% plan to relocate to another community
- 7 out of 10 Americans would prefer to die at home, but only 25% actually do
Preparing to Age in Place
With thoughtful planning and support, you can increase the likelihood of living independently and comfortably in your own home for as long as possible. Here are five key considerations for aging in place:
1. Physical Health and Wellbeing
- Are you prioritizing your health and wellness?
- Do you have medical conditions that require daily assistance or support?
- Are you prepared for medical emergencies?
2. Home Safety and Accessibility
According to the CDC, 1 in 4 adults 65+ will experience a fall this year, and approximately 20% of falls result in serious injury. These types of injuries may impact your ability to live independently at home. Modifying your home can reduce your risk. Ask yourself:
- Is your home accessible and safe? Consider stairs, narrow hallways, or other barriers.
- How many levels does your home have, and can you navigate them safely?
- Is the entryway paved with proper lighting?
- Are there grab bars, non-slip mats, or other modifications needed?
3. Community Connections
- Do you have family, friends, or neighbors who live nearby and could provide support if needed?
- Are you near hospitals, clinics, and other medical providers?
- Do you know what caregiving and community resources are available?
- What are the transportation options in your community? Is public transportation available? Can you rely on others to drive you to appointments or to run errands?
4. Financial Resources
Since Medicare doesn’t pay for long-term care expenses, you may need to pay out-of-pocket for a caregiver to help with daily activities, such as:
- Personal care
- Household chores or errands
- Meal preparation/delivery
- Transportation
- Managing finances
5. Your Comfort with Technology
- Telehealth allows patients to speak with a provider through video calls, online messaging, and even through text or chat.
- If you are living with a chronic health condition, remote monitoring may be available to help you avoid unwanted ER visits or hospitalizations.
- Smart devices and phone apps are now available to help with appointment reminders, medication management, meal or grocery delivery, and much more.
- Technology can also help you stay connected to your loved ones through video calls, text, chat, or social networking.
We Are Here to Help
At Hospice of the Northwest, we understand the value of remaining in your home for as long as possible. We invite you to join one of our free Aging in Place classes to learn tips for healthy aging and strategies for living independently in your home and community for as long as possible. You’ll also find helpful resources below to guide your planning.
To find an Aging in Place class in your area, please visit our events calendar.