Aging in place is a topic that many people don’t think about until they face an issue or obstacle to doing so. We get it — planning for your aging future can be hard to think about and be filled with emotions and uncertainties. But by getting tips and strategies from experts, you can create a plan that helps lower the stress of the future.

Team Bold spoke with Florence Macauley, a certified aging-in-place specialist, and the founder of Agewise Home. Her business helps clients age at home safely and happily. Keep reading to learn more about what she does, and her top tips for aging in place. 

Bold: First of all — what does “aging in place” mean?

Florence: To me, aging in place should begin when you decide that the home you live in today is a home you want to stay in. You want to be proactive about making sure you can stay in that home that you love.

The CDC defines aging in place as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.”

How do you help clients prepare to age in place?

Aging in place is as unique as you are. That means, whatever you need in your home is what we’ll give you. Everyone is going to have a different game plan. We’re here to help you develop that.

We help you figure out what support you’ll need to age in place. This could mean:

• Helping you line up services you might need, like housekeeping, wellness checks, transportation, or a handyman
• Rearranging furniture to help lower your fall risk
• Making your space as mobility-friendly it can be, in case you need mobility aids
• Consulting with contractors to upgrade the space and make it accessible for years in the future

For example, some people can make their homes more accessible by:

• Adding grab bars near toilets and inside showers
• Widening doorways
• Adding railings at stairs and entryways
• Adding stair lifts or ramps if needed

Clients probably feel overwhelmed about all of this. How do you help manage anxieties?

I always start with asking clients, what’s the life that you want? What’s the vision for your life? 

If this house is in your vision for the life you want, let’s make a plan to keep you here and happy. A lot of people think that aging in place is all about mortality, but it’s actually about living the life that you want.

What can people do now to be better prepared for aging in place comfortably?

The biggest thing is to plan, plan, plan. When we are under stress or not feeling our best we don’t make the best decisions. Now is the time to plan for the life that you want in years to come.Make sure you can easily navigate any stairs in your home, as well as the space around your bed. Here are some questions to ask:

• Is there any clutter on the stairs or around the bed? Stacks of books, piles of belongings, etc.? If so, rearrange or remove.
• Are there rugs or other slippery floor coverings? Can they be rearranged or removed?
• Do you have good lighting? If you’re moving around at night, can you see? Invest in a night light or motion-activated lighting.

These three tips will get you started strong on your aging in place plan. Keep aging your way with Bold.