In our fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the importance of planning for our future living arrangements. But have you ever stopped to consider what "aging in place" means for you personally? Let's dive into this crucial topic and explore how it affects us all, regardless of our current age or health status.

A Quick Refresh: The Age-in-Place Spectrum

In our previous post, we introduced the concept of Age-in-Place (AIP) and its three main categories:

1. Those facing sudden, traumatic changes
2. Those with progressive needs
3. Those without urgent needs

Today, we're focusing on that third group - the largest of them all. But don't be fooled into thinking this doesn't apply to you just yet!

The Two Types of "No Urgent Needs" People

When it comes to AIP planning, people generally fall into two camps: the Planners and the Procrastinators. Which one are you?

The Planners: Proactive and Prepared

Planners are the forward-thinkers. They've often witnessed friends or family members scrambling to make last-minute decisions about their living situations. Taking these experiences to heart, Planners:

• Make early modifications to their homes
• Consider future mobility and cognitive challenges
• Think about making their spaces more accessible for aging friends

Why is this approach smart? It allows for:

• Well-thought-out decisions without the pressure of urgency
• Cost-effective modifications spread out over time
• A smoother transition as needs change

The Procrastinators: Waiting for the Wake-Up Call

Many of us, unfortunately, fall into this category. Procrastinators tend to:

• Avoid thinking about aging until it becomes unavoidable
• Put off important conversations about future care
• Risk having to make rushed decisions in times of crisis

Why do we procrastinate? As Atul Gawande points out in his book "Being Mortal," these conversations are hard. We struggle to face our own mortality and changing needs. But avoiding these discussions can lead to:

• Our wishes being overlooked or misunderstood
• Loved ones being forced to make difficult decisions on our behalf
• Missed opportunities for creating an ideal living situation

Making the Shift: From Procrastinator to Planner

So, how can we start planning for our future today? Here are some steps to consider:

1. Start the conversation: Be open with family about your wishes for the future.
2. Assess your home: Look for potential modifications like ramps, grab bars, or wider doorways.
3. Explore assistance options: Research home care services or consider how family might help with daily tasks.
4. Stay socially active: Seek out community events and activities to maintain strong social connections.
5. Consult professionals: Consider a professional AIP assessment to identify potential improvements.

Remember, everyone is aging in place right now. The question is: are you prepared for what comes next?

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

Ready to move from procrastination to proactive planning? Here's what you can do:

1. Reflect on your current living situation and future goals.
2. Start a conversation with loved ones about your wishes for aging in place.
3. Schedule a free AIP home assessment with Kevin Haines at TL Jackson.

Contact Kevin at kevinh@tljackson.com or 574-527-3224 to take the first step towards a well-planned future.

Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we'll tackle the art of having that "hard conversation" about aging and care. Trust us, it's not as daunting as it seems, and the relief it brings is worth it!