As you age gracefully into your golden years, you may start to consider your options for where you will spend the rest of your natural life. It’s important to have a plan in place for the future, and considering your options now is the best way to ensure you’re ready if (or when) the time comes to make changes to your living arrangements. 

According to a study commissioned by the AARP, almost 90 percent of people over the age of 65 want to stay in their homes as long as possible -- in other words, they have chosen to age in place. This is a great strategy for some folks, and it might be right for you. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about aging independently in your home:

What are the benefits of aging in place?

As you get older, you may experience the desire to stay in your own home for the rest of your years -- and with the right help and planning, you can accomplish this goal. 

That isn’t to say that moving (or, more specifically, downsizing) isn’t on the table for some people. Aging in place simply means that you’re not moving into an assisted living facility or nursing home -- you’re aging on your own terms, in your own home. If you do decide you want to make the leap to living in a smaller space with fewer items, you should make sure to do your research about the housing market in the area and what you can get if you were to sell your current house. 

You should also review listings for houses in your neighborhood to make sure you can afford a new home. Bear in mind that in some areas, homes are selling above their listing price. A recent sale in the East Agawam area, for example, came in at 3 percent above the listing price; another home fetched 12 percent above listing price! Do your research and be sure to budget accordingly. 

What do you need to achieve your aging-in-place goals?

Whether you have chosen to stay in your current home or decided to downsize into a smaller -- yet still independent -- abode, it’s important to take stock of your own situation and consider what you will need in order to maintain maximum comfort as you get older. This may include doing renovations on your home in order to accommodate your abilities, both currently and in the future.

Remodeling your house to make accommodations can be pricey, but it’s up to you to decide whether staying in your home is worth the effort and price tag. Putting a ramp up the front walk, installing stairway mobility devices, and renovating your bathroom are all options for home improvements that will make your quality of life better and help you move around your home comfortably.

Hire folks who care

Aging in place is completely achievable with the right help from the right people. Acquiring caregiver services that come to your home based on your needs might be something that can improve your quality of life while at the same time allowing you to maintain your independence -- a huge victory! Groups like Chanda Care employ professional and compassionate caregivers who provide exceptional services to seniors living at home. They come to your home and help you with the personal care services you need the most, allowing you the freedom to stay in your own home and live your own life without having to worry about being moved into an assisted living facility. 

If you think this sounds like a service you would like to consider as you continue to live in your home, please contact the caregiving experts at Chanda Care today, 413-217-9861.