Preparing for Aging in Place and Thriving in Community
Together with Age-Friendly Buncombe County NC, Cares presents this multi-part planning guide and workbook to help adults of all ages and abilities consider how to improve their ability to maintain autonomy, independence, social connections, and access to services as they grow older.
Cares is committed to developing this and other resources and to making them applicable and accessible across diverse populations and communities. We appreciate your understanding that this is an ongoing process, and these documents are not the end of the story. Check back with us soon to see new and more diverse tools.
How to Use
We recommend you begin with Introduction and Resources. This sets the stage for why preparing for aging in place and community are important. It explains the structure of the guides and provides resources for getting started in each domain.
Important Note: These guides are designed to foster thoughtful reflection and discussion. They do not provide legal or medical advice. You are encouraged to identify appropriate professionals to complete your plans.
Domain Guides
Housing – Learn how to assess your home for safety and accessibility and consider whether home modifications would be sufficient or if you want to consider relocating. Learn about professionals who can assist you with these issues.
Your Living Environment – Consider your surroundings and which housing options will best meet your needs as you grow older.
Transportation – Understand what defines safe and unsafe driving. Assess your driving use of transportation and learn about options available if you don’t drive a car.
Staying Connected – Recognize the benefits of staying socially connected and the risks associated with social isolation. Assess your social connectedness and develop a plan for staying connected.
Health and Well-being – Consider the importance of physical, social, spiritual, emotional, and cognitive health. Understand what resources are available to you and assess your own well-being.
Financial Considerations – Recognize important tools for understanding your assets and income, avoiding fraud and scams, and affording aging in place.
Assistive Tools and Technologies – Learn about low- and high-tech resources that can keep you safe and the various professionals who can advise you.
