Aging in Place: A Path to Independence and Living Your Best Life at Home
As we grow older, many of us do not want to leave the home we have known for decades. Aging in place allows older adults to continue living in their own homes, surrounded by memories, pets and the communities we have spent a lifetime building. It is a choice many older adults prefer because it allows them to maintain independence, control over their environment, and access to familiar support systems.
Aging in place allows you to maintain control over your day-to-day life. It means that you get to keep your independence and stay connected to your neighborhood. All these things contribute to your well-being. Furthermore, aging in place can also be more cost-effective than moving to a facility if the right support systems are in place.
Services That Make Aging in Place Easier
Through programs like the Elderly Waiver or the Alternative Care program, older adults can access a range of services to help them live independently. To get started, reach out to your Care Coordinator or county health and human services agency to request a free MnCHOICES assessment. This assessment will help determine which services are right for you.
Home Safety and Comfort
Simple home updates — like installing grab bars, ramps or stairlifts — can make your home safer by reducing the risk of falls. Adding a personal emergency response system (PERS) ensures that help is always within reach, giving you and your loved ones extra peace of mind.
The Value of Your Support Network
One of the key parts of aging in place is your personal support network. Family, friends and neighbors can play a role in your care, sometimes as informal helpers or as paid caregivers. Having this kind of support system in place makes it easier to maintain independence while still feeling safe and secure at home.
How PICS Can Support Your Journey to Aging in Place
At PICS, we are committed to supporting you throughout your aging journey. As a Financial Management Service (FMS) provider, we offer Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) and Community First Services and Supports (CFSS), and, as a 245D licensed provider, we offer Individualized Home Supports (IHS). For those who don’t meet the criteria for the Elderly Waiver or Alternative Care Program, we also offer a Private Pay option to ensure that you still get the personalized care you need.
These services provide flexibility to hire family members, friends or trusted neighbors to be caregivers. You are also able to access other goods and services based on program criteria and assessed needs.
Our Getting Started Checklist is a simple, easy-to-follow guide to enrolling in the right home care program for you.