Age in Place 3 Action Items

Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.

~Vincent Van Gogh

Aging in Place

For many year’s Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” hung above our small kitchen table–it was an ever-present reminder of my mother’s appreciation of beauty. It doesn’t matter where I am in the world when I see that image it takes me back to her kitchen. These are the meaningful objects that make a house a home and support identities through-out our lives.

Have you ever been to a garage sale, strolling antique row in some small town, or on ebay and come across an item that you grew up with in your parent’s home? You are compelled emotionally to make it yours again…A boomer experience.

Mom’s Place

For Baby boomers, our parent’s homes are treasure-troves of valued objects that define us and them. These family things have contextual importance in terms of history that we existed and have roots–parents, for better or for worse, are designated as the keepers of the family artifacts (as you are now, for future generations). Living this continuum of meaning can be emotionally stabilizing, breads crumbs leading us back to whom we were and are now, as well as, who we are becoming.

Aging in Place can keep this chain of past-present-and future intact; and a few small things brought together can lead to great things–a continuity of self.

This weekend’s visit

3 DYI aging in place action items:

1. Visit Medicare.gov together and explore options with your loved one

2. Do a walk-through of the home with your senior/s guided by the NAHB Aging-in-Place Remodeling Checklist

3. Talk over and agree on what modifications you can start on your own (DIY) and what projects need to be hired out to the professionals.

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Bonus: 

4 Tips for Hiring a Remodeler: aginginplace.com