LiveWell Pathway is a proud Canadian home health care company dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of seniors and those living with temporary, progressive, or chronic illnesses and diseases. We spoke with Pauline Smiley, the Director of Administration, about aging at home and what we need to consider if we want to remain in our homes as we age. 

Why is it important to think about how you want to age at home? 

The most important aspect of this question is to be able to make decisions for yourself while you are mentally and physically able to do so. It is also necessary to put all the right measures in place, such as a Power of Attorney that will allow for continuation of care and access to resources if the individual becomes incapacitated at any point.  

What are the main concerns about aging at home, and how can they be addressed? 

To age comfortably at home, your home/space must be compatible with your current health condition.  

• Is your home adaptable in the event you find yourself conformed to a wheelchair?  
• Are you able to get in and out of the shower?    
• Can you maneuver around in the kitchen?   
• Are there stairs to enter the home? If yes, is there a ramp or stair lift? 
• Can you afford to pay someone to come in and provide private care when needed? 

An aging-in-place specialist or an occupational therapist can assess your home and provide a report on any changes necessary to make it more comfortable and accessible for aging at home.  

What are some actions a person can take to remain in the home?  

• Have someone phone every day at a certain time for a wellness check.   
• Ensure your home is free of clutter and is relatively safe to move around. 
• Have resources such as emergency numbers and important contacts at your fingertip. 
• Have a plan in place for meals/groceries. 
• Stay active to avoid loneliness which can lead to depression and ultimately dementia.  
• Volunteer your time in the community.    
• Join some senior community programs. 
• Stay connected; don’t allow yourself to be isolated. 

What are the common circumstances that lead a person to decide that aging at home is no longer possible?  

• The person cannot be alone for safety reasons. 
• The person cannot perform most activities of daily living. 
• The person does not have enough social or family support. 
• The person cannot afford to pay for private care. 
• The person is experiencing memory loss. 

What options are available when it is identified that a person can no longer stay at home? 

• Hire full-time help to stay at home with you 
• Family support, if available 
• Move in with family 
• Move into a private retirement home if resources permit 
• Move into a government-run long-term care facility 

For a list of health care resources in your province or territory, please visit Dying With Dignity Canada’s Local Directory page.