Even the most fit, active, and mentally active seniors will lose some of their abilities as they age. Transitioning from being completely independent to a time when you need to rely on someone else can be difficult for many seniors, but it doesn’t have to be so hard.
Staying as independent as possible is often cited by seniors as one of their strongest desires. While many seniors want to stay in their own homes, this alone isn’t enough to guarantee that you will maintain your independent lifestyle. There are several factors you will need to consider if you want to maintain the kind of independence you enjoy now.
Financial Concerns
One of the main issues you’ll have to tackle is your ability to remain financially independent. Whether this means developing a Medicaid plan, relying on available senior programs and discounts, or simply developing a financial plan that allows you to live within your means, this is one of the first steps you should take to protect your independence.
Safety and Assistance
It’s also possible to keep your lifestyle in place by modifying your current home to allow you to more easily get around. Seniors can benefit by simple modifications to the bathroom, additional lighting, and other relatively minor changes. You will also want to allow for the possibility of outside help, especially if you are no longer as able to perform strenuous yard work or home repairs. If you can’t rely on friends or family to help you, hiring a local handyman or in-home care providers is also an option.
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