Kupuna Healthy at Home

Age in place with a smart, stylish home

Have you discovered that the home you bought 30 or 40 years ago to raise your family no longer meets your needs today? Is it harder for you to get around your home as you get older?

Life in a pandemic

Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has us spending more time at home, you may be thinking about ways to make your home more comfortable and functional, or considering aging in place as an alternative to moving into a retirement community or other facility. In today’s world, aging in place has become the new normal. With the potential for COVID-19 to spread in group settings, more seniors are finding it safer to stay in their homes.

Healthy in place

Health care organizations, such as HMSA, are making aging in place easier. HMSA Medicare Advantage members can get telehealth visits, including services such as HMSA’s Online Care®, at no charge. HMSA members can get care from doctors on their phones and computers any time, day or night, without leaving home. HMSA Medicare Advantage members can also get medications mailed to them. And they have the option of getting fitness kits at no charge to exercise at home instead of in a crowded gym.

Plan for your future

What can you do to create a home that’s both functional and stylish, so you can stay healthy at home? Enter “Universal Design.” Universal design modifications incorporate home design concepts and solutions for people of all abilities, increasing quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges and disabilities, while supporting independence and safety.

Take stock your home’s layout. Maybe your home has too many stairs or your stairwell is too steep. Perhaps your doorway and hallway may be too narrow. With some Universal Design modifications to your home, you can stay safe and independent.

Real estate advice for seniors

Locations agents can recommend safe and accessible home features for families of all ages, including smart appliances and touch-free products.

“Fall in love with your home again,” says Shari Motooka-Higa, Director of Client Segment Programs at Locations. “Your Locations agent can help you downsize to a single-level home or condo with an open floor plan, or recommend aging-in-place friendly updates to your existing home.”

Want to learn more about the future of residential wellness and lifestyle for seniors? Attend a free, virtual Locations Senior Real Estate Seminar: Kupuna Healthy at Home, Thursday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. Sign up at: LocationsHawaii.com/Kupuna