When my husband died at the age of 34, I promised myself I'd never complain about getting old. Now that I'm in my mid-to-late 50s, that promise is challenged time and time again. The fact is, sometimes it's not a lot of fun getting old. For me, walking is an issue, due to chronic illnesses. I live in a two-story house with a laundry room in the basement. That's a lot of steps.
I am a huge fan of long, hot baths. Of course, my husband and I are a bit concerned that the day will come when I won't be able to step into or out of our current bathtub, so we're considering replacing it with a walk-in tub, like the ones shown here from Premier Care:
These types of walk-in tubs make it possible for people like me to continue to enjoy the luxury of baths if the time comes when it is impossible to step over the side of a tub into or out of a bath.
Of course, there are also shower options for those who prefer showers.
I watched as my aging mother managed to stay in her home until her death last year. She was 86 and also had trouble walking, particularly when it came to stairs. When she was considering selling her home and moving to a one story home in a retirement community about 10 years ago, I suggested she put in a chair lift instead. The next week, I called home and she said she couldn't talk to me... the installers were there putting in a chair lift!
You see, it's important for many people to be able to stay in their homes. That's why it's equally as important to look into options so they can do just that. By putting in a chair lift, or a walk-in tub or shower, you are able to maintain some independence in your later years. Of course, I'm barely in my later years, but there are many younger people like me, who have chronic pain issues or conditions that need some modifications to their homes.
It's also possible that you are a young mom reading this (as most of you are in the GG community) and this whole concept seems far, far off into the future. But... you most likely have parents who are facing some of these issues. Why not talk to them about it? They just might be struggling with decisions they don't want to make and a simple suggestion like this might ease their minds. Open up the dialogue and find out what they're thinking. It will be your gift to them. Show them the pictures. Check out Premier Care's website.
The Premier Care baths offer strength, security, and most of all, peace of mind. Not only will a Premier Care bath or shower give you or a loved one safe and easy access for bathing, but they do so stylishly as well.
From what I can tell, Premier Care pays special attention to the unique needs of their customers. These needs can be challenging, but Premier Care does all it can to exceed your expectations. Visit the website and fill out a form to receive a free brochure and learn about their payment plans (some as low as $150 per month).
That's just my suggestion. I know my independence is important to me, and it was important to my mom. I'm glad she was able to live her life as independent as possible. For that, I am most grateful.
Presenting some options for those who are aging,
Of course, there are also shower options for those who prefer showers.
I watched as my aging mother managed to stay in her home until her death last year. She was 86 and also had trouble walking, particularly when it came to stairs. When she was considering selling her home and moving to a one story home in a retirement community about 10 years ago, I suggested she put in a chair lift instead. The next week, I called home and she said she couldn't talk to me... the installers were there putting in a chair lift!
You see, it's important for many people to be able to stay in their homes. That's why it's equally as important to look into options so they can do just that. By putting in a chair lift, or a walk-in tub or shower, you are able to maintain some independence in your later years. Of course, I'm barely in my later years, but there are many younger people like me, who have chronic pain issues or conditions that need some modifications to their homes.
It's also possible that you are a young mom reading this (as most of you are in the GG community) and this whole concept seems far, far off into the future. But... you most likely have parents who are facing some of these issues. Why not talk to them about it? They just might be struggling with decisions they don't want to make and a simple suggestion like this might ease their minds. Open up the dialogue and find out what they're thinking. It will be your gift to them. Show them the pictures. Check out Premier Care's website.
The Premier Care baths offer strength, security, and most of all, peace of mind. Not only will a Premier Care bath or shower give you or a loved one safe and easy access for bathing, but they do so stylishly as well.
From what I can tell, Premier Care pays special attention to the unique needs of their customers. These needs can be challenging, but Premier Care does all it can to exceed your expectations. Visit the website and fill out a form to receive a free brochure and learn about their payment plans (some as low as $150 per month).
That's just my suggestion. I know my independence is important to me, and it was important to my mom. I'm glad she was able to live her life as independent as possible. For that, I am most grateful.
Presenting some options for those who are aging,
The best option for someone who is aging is to consult with an occupational therapist to evaluate your home, not a sales rep. These options aren't right for everyone and a sales rep will never tell you that. Look for a reputable therapist who is an aging in plans peculiar or who has their executive certificate in home modifications. They will not try to sell you things you don't need and will help you find the solutions to age in place in your home.
ReplyDeleteI respect your thoughts on this, but I disagree somewhat. Pulling in an occupational therapist is not always necessary if a person knows what they want and need. In my mother's case, an occupational therapist might have advised her to sell her home and move to a retirement community, but that was not what she wanted, nor what she needed. She just needed some independence within her home. I wouldn't suggest calling in a salesperson unless it was truly for something you already decided you wanted.
DeleteAnother very important part of aging is to have a living will... I have three grand-parents who have all been forced into some sort of assisted living. (One is with a son and the others are looking at options that will accommodate their needs but allow them their freedom to move around as they wish.) The thing that my mother (who has been figuring out care for all three of them) keeps stressing is that it's so important to have a power of attorney set up and to make your wishes known. Do you want to live out your days with a machine to keep you alive or do you have a "Do Not Resuscitate" wish? Make sure your Power of Attorney is legally named and knows your wishes.
ReplyDeleteExcellent point, Wanda. If you ever feel like guest blogging on this issue, let me know. :-)
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