Aging in Place 

Aging in Place refers to the ability of a person to remain in their own home while receiving the necessary support and services to maintain their independence and quality of life. 

Given the choice, 90% of adults would prefer to age in place independently and comfortably.  Aging in place can provide an enhanced quality of life with seniors remaining in familiar surroundings which contributes to emotional well-being and life satisfaction.  Staying in one’s community also allows for continued engagement with established social networks. Finally with the average Massachusetts assisted living residence and private nursing home costing $6,400 and $13,400 per month respectively, investments in modifications to stay at home can be more cost effective than relocation. 

Solo Aging - Seniors Aging Alone

Aging without the support of adult children or close family members presents unique concerns. To plan for the future, solo agers need to be more intentional about forming and maintaining a network of community and professional support. The Jenks Solo Agers Network offers a series of workshops and programs that offer valuable information for both Solo Agers and Caregivers. They offer resources, advocacy, and social connections to help solo agers navigate the challenges of aging alone.  Come join the discussion. Learn more about Jenks Solo Agers.  

• Solo Agers - What if You Don’t Have a Healthcare Agent or Power of Attorney? Lean more 
• SoloAllies.com - SoloAllies.com is a website that provides a directory of professionals who help seniors plan for aging alone. Learn more about the range of national services available and the range of topics from housing to healthcare to legal and financial supports. Learn more

Legal & Financial Preparation

Create a File Box or Binder of Key Documents Before You Need it

Gather important documents and keep them in a file box or safe. It’ll save time and stress later. Discuss with a family member, legal advisor or close friend the contents, location and access directions for documents. Consider including: 

• Contact information for family and friends, church or spiritual advisors. 
• Contact information for doctors, pharmacy and other healthcare providers, 
• Contact information for financial service providers such as tax accountants, estate planners, and legal advisors. 
• Health insurance information, as well as other insurance policies.
• Banking and other financial information with password or access information, safety deposit keys and locations 
• Living will, Durable Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, Healthcare Proxy, DNR, Last Will and Testament 
• Timeline of health history, surgeries
• Passwords for computers or cell phones 

Here is a program that can help you to “organize your life” all in one binder: 

Life Transition Binder Project- A project for aging seniors or in partnership with caregivers led by Sandra Batra.  The  Life Transition Binder is an organizational tool. It is a resource that pulls together important details from all areas of life. Many refer to it daily since all their information is at their fingertips. It is a gift for family too and can bring peace of mind knowing loved ones can assist if help is needed. What's more, it complements estate planning, and the collection of necessary documents when preparing for any moves to assisted living or when providing family members with the details needed to settle an estate. Learn more 

***NOTE - Winchester plans to host a Life Transitions Binder Project Workshop for more information email Suzanne Norton at snorton@winchester.us

There are several topics important to an individual aging alone.  Many of these resources, tips and services have been summarized in the Resources for Caregivers section.  Topics there, and therefore not duplicated here, include the following:

Financial Planning
Healthcare & Mental Health
Housing
Legal & Estate Planning