TRY THIS
4 TIPS FOR AGING IN PLACE With thoughtful planning, seniors are enjoying their own homes longer than ever. written by HOLLY LELEUX-THUBRON
PLACES THAT PAY FOR HOME HEALTH Home health care is a necessity for many seniors. Luckily, there are many programs that help pay for it. Home health care services can mean the difference between maintaining autonomy and becoming dependent, but the costs can add up quickly. Medicare, the health insurance pro- gram of choice for more than 90 per- cent of older Americans, doesn’t help much. But there is help out there. • Reasonably priced private home health care is available through Senior Monongalians . 304.296.9812, seniormons.org • Seniors eligible for Medicaid can expect help in paying for home health services, but seniors whose incomes make them ineligible for Medicaid can get help from the Lighthouse Program , which provides 60 hours of help each month on a sliding scale. wvseniorservices.gov; click on “Help at Home” • For those who served their country, Skilled Home Health Care is a program funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to benefit any veteran who requires skilled nursing assistance. va.gov; search “skilled home health care”
Decide where It’s important to think long and hard about where you’ll spend your advancing years. Isolation can be hardest on seniors, and maintaining social connections should drive decisions on where to live.
Adjust and adapt Prepare your home for positive aging. Install a walk-in shower, lower counters, add automatic lighting and fall-preven- tive flooring. National Association of Home Builders–certified aging- in-place specialists can help.
Embrace technology Today’s tech- nology can keep seniors safe while they live independently where they want to. Consider voice-activated tools like Google Home and easy- to-use tablets for staying connected with friends and loved ones.
Bring in help That can include assistance with anything from chores and transportation to med- ication reminders, bathing, and more. Service providers like Home Instead ( homeinstead.com ) can make all the difference.
22 MORGANTOWN DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker