BABY BOOMERS PLAN TO AGE IN PLACE: Where Do You Begin?

As throngs of Baby Boomers move our collective attention to the concept of Aging in Place, here are two thoughts to keep in mind:

1. Choice gives you power.
2. Future Planning gives you that choice.

It’s funny how we plan for most everything else in our lives, except to age. As an aging Boomer myself (I’m just as surprised as you are), I am choosing now how I will live into the future. Having gone through the process of transitioning my own aging parents to an assisted living facility I now know I want to create the opportunity to age in place right where I am. Assisted living is a necessity for some, but if you can create your forever home where you’ve lived most of your life, why spend nearly $100,000 for just one year? I realize now that aging does not have to be so scary if one plans ahead – and with that comes peace of mind.

Here are some things to consider as you begin to envision creating your perfect home for now and forever!

• Be thoughtful of what you want and/or need in your surrounding spaces. Don’t wait for an emergency and possible loss of mobility to take your choices away. If you want to stay where you are, how can you make that happen?
• Note that what you DON’T like is just as important as what you DO like. It all serves to help hone in on what will serve you best now and into the years to come.
• Go room by room. Make a note of how each room makes you feel and how you want it to make you feel. An environment not only needs to keep you safe and sound…it needs to feed your heart and nurture your soul.

In future blogs, I will help you identify what environments you can create and key elements to their success that include:

• Hub of the Home
• Kitchens
• Main-Level Living
• Master Suites
• Master Baths
• In-law Suite Additions
• Elevators
• Making it Personal

About the Author:

Mindy Mitchell, Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) joined the Sun Design team over ten years ago. CAPS recognizes the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential for home modifications for aging in place. According to Mindy, “Aging in Place reflects the notion of multi-generational living. Many accommodations needed for the aging population are the same for younger people such as wider hallways to fit strollers just as easily as wheelchairs.”

Mindy explains, “Sun Design fulfills my ideal work wish list: charitable, fun, creative and energetic. An ever-evolving, integrity-driven adventure! There’s nothing better than helping clients realize their visions!”

In addition to being an avid international traveler, Mindy enjoys writing, volunteering, and holistic health practices.