The Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. One focus of the ACL is to support those aging in place – how to stay in their home and live independently in the community for as long as possible.
Question: My parents are aging. How do we know they can continue to safely stay in their home as their needs change?
Answer: Here at ADRC, we can assist you and your parents with conversations relating to planning and understanding the resources available. There are community resources that could help contribute to living in their home for as long as possible. Let’s take a look at examples of resources your parents could consider:
1. Home Care
These are resources that can assist with lawn care, snow removal, personal care services, skilled medical home care needs, companion care, laundry, chores, meal preparation, and medications.
2. Durable Medical Equipment
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is equipment that can be used in the home to assist in a better quality of living and independence. These can include shower chairs, grab bars, walkers, canes, wheelchairs, commodes, dressing aids, hospital beds, transfer lifts, and ramps.
3. Assistive Technology
These are products that are used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. These can include communication aids, reading devices, hearing aids, and memory aids.
4. Safety
Safety is always an important topic for discussion. Some resources that can help to ensure safety in the home include personal emergency response systems (i.e. a lifeline device), falls prevention resources, abuse/neglect/exploitation prevention strategies, and accessibility features.
5. Transportation Resources
Create a custom transportation plan to plan for trips to the store, doctor’s office, social events, or other appointments.
6. Food Resources
There are multiple ways to get food delivered right to your door! ADRC offers a homebound meal program, there are frozen meal delivery programs, and grocery delivery services. Looking to get out? Visit ADRC’s Community Café.
Contact ADRC at (920) 448-4300 to learn more about resource options available in Brown County!
