Health

HE A LTH • Spring 2021 15 What does financial freedom mean to you? At Bartholomew & Company, we believe it comes down to sound financial planning and investment advice—expertise you can trust to keep you on track at any stage, whether you're sending your firstborn to college or welcoming your first grandchild. It's the kind of guidance we've been delivering for more than 25 years. So that when those important moments come along, you can experience every one of them with confidence. Call us for a complimentary consultation at 508.753.8807, or visit www.bartandco.com. Financial Planning Today for All of Tomorrow's Firsts 370 Main Street, Suite 1000, Worcester, MA 01608 | 508.753.8807 Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, ® Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Health, happiness, and comfort reinforce a senior's choice to live at home and age in place. When daily activities require assistance, seniors and their families choose Home Care through Family Services of Central Massachusetts (FSCM)—an affordable option to Assisted Living facilities. Some of our Home Care services include: To learn more, contact Marnie Dow, Director of Home Care & Long Term Supports, at 508.756.4696 or mdow@fscm.org. 210 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01605 • 508.756.4696 • fscm.org HOME CARE Professional Assistance for Aging in Place • Companionship • Respite Care • Personal Care • Light Housekeeping • Meal Preparation • Laundry • Shopping • Prescription Pickup "My aide is a delight to have in my home weekly. She is kind and caring." —FSCM Home Care Client SENIOR PLANNING GUIDE M ore retirees are choosing to live independently. A survey by AARP revealed a clear majority, 77% of adults over age 50, plan to stay in their current home for as long as possible. Unfortunately, less than half believe it is a realistic long-term goal. Staying in your own home as you get older is called "aging in place." People choose to remain in their homes for numerous reasons. Moving can be stressful, and many find the process of sorting through their belongings both physically and emotionally taxing. The years of memories associated with a family home can create a feeling of loss and an unwillingness to let memories go. Another factor is financial stress. Many costs come with moving, and home pricing is volatile. Nursing homes are costly, while living at home allows indi- viduals to live within their own budget. As a result, people are seeking options to live and thrive in their homes. Many older adults have a strong bond to their community and have close friends or family who live nearby. Leaving that environment can lead to a change in routines and loss of security. Yet, individuals face many concerns when living independently. The risk of harm from falls increases with reduced mobility and are the leading cause of injury-related emergency room visits. Affordable quick fixes can be done to make a home safer. These include tex- tured strips, grab bars, and waterproof chairs in the shower, using nonslip wax on f loors and removing rugs, which are trip hazards. Nonskid treads on stairs, and rubber-backed foam mats next to the bed and in the bathroom can pre- vent slips and provide extra cushion when standing. Removing clutter from high traffic areas, marking thresholds with brightly colored tape, and adding plug-in motion sensor lights can improve visibility. Technological advancements can provide mature adults with advantages to help them. These include meal deliv- ery programs, grocery shopping servic- es, and online banking. Smart devices help us to stay in communication and can provide reminders for important tasks. Medications can be ordered online, and virtual doctor appoint- ments mean people rarely need to leave their house. And when they do, there are transportation options to safely help people travel to where they need to go. Last, personal medical alert systems allow people to call for help if they fall or need medical attention. If mobility becomes a more serious concern, extensive remodeling may be necessary: ramps and stair lifts, expanded doorways, bathroom and kitchen adaptations, hardwired alarm systems, property fencing, and acces- sory dwelling units. Homeowners must weigh what types of modifica- tions will be most beneficial against the costs they incur. For adults look- ing to stay within their community, but in need of more cost-effective housing, there are market rate and affordable apartments. Many offer safety features and resident programs designed to enable tenants to live comfortably and independently. RCAP Solutions is dedicated to nur- turing strength, resilience, and confi- dence in those we serve. Our compre- hensive array of programs include home modification loans for homeowners and small landlords, affordable housing apartments, rental assistance programs, landlord services, and emergency rental and mortgage assistance for individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For information, call (800) 488-1969 or visit www.rcapsolutions.org/elderly-dis- abled-services. Maegen N. McCaffrey is the vice pres- ident of communications at Worcester nonprofit RCAP Solutions. Resources for long- term independent living By Maegen N. McCaffrey There are countless programs available to provide helpful services to assist individuals and those living with disabilities to age in place or live independently. H

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