How to live well at home—well into your senior years

Most older adults want to age at home or in their communities, surrounded by friends, family, familiar surroundings and items that bring back memories. Living at home—even if it means relying on home supports and community services—can mean more comfort, independence and security.

Census data suggests a majority of people aged 85 and older continue to live at home. Though caregiving can be demanding, supports can make the caregiving journey easier and more meaningful.

While the time may come that physical abilities, function or failing health means moving to supportive housing, assisted living or long-term care, there are supports, services and funding available to make it possible to live well at home longer.

Long before you might need to decide to stay or move, learn about the resources and supports available in your community. If you’re finding the options overwhelming, enlist the help of a trusted friend or family member.

Think about your future well-being in areas that are important to you. These can include your health, housing, finances, transportation and social connections. Being informed and planning ahead will give you greater control over your independence, quality of life and dignity as you age.

Here are ideas and resources to get you—and your loved ones—started.

If you feel you need help now or in the near future, it’s never too early to get in touch with IH Home Health at 1-800-707-8550.

Home Health is here to help. Aging in place matters and our services help people stay at home longer and safely.

Our care managers are skilled at working with you, your circle of care and family, your doctor, nurse practitioner and other health-care professionals to meet your goals and come up with a care plan.

We offer a range of services so people can access the right supports at the right time. This may include:

• Assessing you or your loved one for daily living, mobility, communication, cognition and caregiver stress. This helps us identify safety concerns, decision‑making capacity, vulnerability and support needs
• We can help connect you to other IH services such as Home Support, Adult Day Services, and in‑home or respite services in our facilities
• We offer referrals to community organizations that provide social programs, meal services, transportation and caregiver support groups

Who we support:

• Older adults
• People with complex health conditions or frailty
• People recovering from a hospital stay or illnesses

Some services are free. For-fee services are based on your income. There may also be a cost for some equipment or supplies.

And if remaining at home is no longer your goal, we can help you consider options and next steps.

We encourage you to explore and connect with these local and provincial resources—no referral is needed in most cases.

211 / United Way 

211 is a free and confidential service that connects you to helpful resources in your community. These include community, government and social services.

Visit bc.211.ca and search topics by “Older Adults” to find resources nearby in your community. Or simply dial 2-1-1.

SeniorsBC

SeniorsBC.ca is a place for all older adults to find resources for planning and living a healthy and active life. Services and information topics include health and safety, transportation and financial and legal matters.

Office of the Seniors Advocate B.C.

The Office of the Seniors Advocate B.C. provides information and referrals to help you navigate seniors’ services.

The office has an information and referral line that is available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time Monday to Friday. Senior service specialists will work with you to provide resources and help resolve issues.

Waiting Room Revolution

Started by a health-care researcher and palliative care physician from McMaster University in Hamilton, ON, Waiting Room Revolution offers people resources and skills to navigate illness with confidence.

If you’re one of the tens of thousands of people caring for loved ones in B.C., you’re a caregiver. Know you’re not alone, and there are experts, resources and supports to help.

• IH offers services and resources to provide caregivers a bit of break. These include Adult Day Services and Respite Care.
• Community resources help you support your loved one in their homes so not everything falls on your shoulders:
  • Family Caregivers of BC is a provincial, not-for-profit organization that supports more than one million people in B.C. who provide care to family members, friends or neighbours. They have a Caregiver Support Line at 1-877-520-3267 if you need to talk.
  • You can also call 2-1-1 or visit 211.ca for information. Search on “Caregiver” under Resources to find services and support groups in your area.

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