The number of people 65 and older in the United States is expected to increase to 70 million by 2030, and to 88.5 million — or 20 percent of the population — in 2050. These numbers indicate that this population segment will almost double between 2006 and 2030. 

A report from AARP revealed that 87 percent of these adults wish to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. This trend is called “Aging in Place,” and it continues to impact modern societies and how we care for our families. 

For many, maintaining their independence is a primary concern as they age; it is viewed as an essential component of their quality of life. Aging in place allows older adults to retain a high level of control over their lives, as they can continue to live in familiar spaces. An elder law attorney in Tampa can help you facilitate this arrangement for your aging parents or loved ones.  

Important Considerations for Aging in Place

Aging in place may require helping your elderly parents or loved ones make some important changes or adaptations. These are basically for increased safety and well-being, but they are vital considerations as aging brings new challenges. An elder law attorney in Tampa from Mortellaro Law can provide helpful advice, resources, recommendations, and legal help to make aging in place a viable option. 

Budgeting

For many elderly adults, the retirement years and beyond means living on a smaller income. Homes are generally paid for, and other expenses are typically less. However, some may need assistance with financial planning to create the needed income for living at home or making necessary modifications. 

An elder law attorney in Tampa can explain the importance of estate planning, Medicaid trusts and other sophisticated methods of preparing to remain home during the aging process. We can also prepare the necessary legal documentation to safeguard your elderly loved ones’ finances and estate plans. 

Community Connections 

Another important consideration for helping your elderly parents age in place is to form or facilitate community connections. Neighbors and other close connections with whom your loved ones interact frequently is a crucial safety net to help ensure their well-being. Even daily phone calls from friends and loved ones can lift spirits and keep a close watch on your family. 

 

There are also numerous community organizations that can provide mobile meal service, grocery or other food delivery, rides to medical appointments, and more services. We can recommend area services and providers that have strong reputations of integrity, so you can feel at ease about their interactions with your loved ones. 

Home Modifications 

Aging in place may require some safety-related home modifications. Many of these are simple things you can do yourself, but may never consider. Such things as removing door sills from the floor, adding rails beside the toilet and inside the shower, rearranging kitchen and bathroom accessories to make them easier to use without reaching or climbing, adding a home security system, and other ideas can give you peace of mind about your elderly parents living alone. 

Coordinating In-Home Care 

Some elderly adults may require some assistance with daily tasks, such as dressing, cooking, chores, medication management, and more. An elder law attorney in Tampa from Mortellaro Law can help you plan for these services and explain their benefits to your loved ones, so they will not see in-home care as an infringement on their privacy or independence. We can also recommend highly rated and trustworthy services and help you with financial planning to pay for them. 

Partner with an Experienced Elder Law Attorney in Tampa 

Facing the challenges of aging can be difficult, and as a younger adult with aging parents, you may not understand their wishes and motivations for wanting to age in place. An experienced elder law attorney in Tampa from Mortellaro Law can help. We’ve helped numerous other families through this same process, and we know how. 

Contact us today to discuss how we can help facilitate aging in place for your elderly parents or loved ones in Tampa, Florida.