If you prefer to stay in the community, you may be able to stay at home longer than you think.
As the years fly by, it’s easy to see how people can turn around and suddenly find themselves rapidly approaching retirement without having given much thought to what they would like to do or how they want to age. Putting some thought into it now can really pay off later.
Between now and 2040, the New Zealand population will grow by 12 per cent, but the number of people aged over 65 years is expected to jump by 44 per cent and the number of over-85’s will likely double to nearly 200,000*.
Age the way you want
Making a few key decisions now can smooth the road ahead and help ensure you age the way you want to.
From a financial perspective, it is important to keep your Will updated and set up an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) to specify and safeguard your wishes if you can no longer make decisions.
Creating an Advanced Care Plan is also a good idea because it helps clarify what you want for yourself in your later years including what you want or would not want at the end of life.
Where is home for you?
Do you plan to stay in your own home for as long as you can, could you move in with family or would you prefer a residential care facility (rest home)?
If you prefer to stay in the community, you may be able to stay at home longer than you think. There are wonderful, personalised services available such as Enliven which offers up to 30 hours per week personal care and household management services to support you at home.
Key questions:
- Will your present home still be suitable as you grow older? Is it too big?
- Are bathrooms accessible if you need to use a walker in the future?
- Are living and bedroom spaces all on one level making it easier to get around?
- Do you live close to your GP, hospital services, and public transport?
All these things can contribute to your quality of life. As you age staying connected with friends and family and keeping up interests is important and have proven health benefits. What’s good for your heart is good for your mind. Keep active and remember the power of a good laugh.
Enliven also has day services based in community settings throughout the country. These are designed to help people make the most of their independence during the daytime.
A personalised programme is developed with each person in order to provide opportunities for social interaction and engagement in the local community.
*Stats NZ
NOTE: Enliven services are free and can be accessed through your GP who will then refer you to a Needs Assessment Service Co-ordination agency (NASC). A NASC assessor will meet with you to discuss your needs and the service you’d like to use. Don’t leave asking for help for too long; if you need help, talk to your GP. It isn’t always necessary to enter an aged residential care facility (rest home). You can stay in your own home for as long as you are able.
Enliven is a values-based health and disability service that is part of Presbyterian Support Northern.
