top of page
Search

May 2025: Support at Home: Navigating Your Options| Senior Truth Series

Updated: Sep 3


Support at Home: Navigating Your Options

Looking to age in place safely and confidently? In this Senior Truth Series seminar, we explore practical ways to get support at home—from home modifications and in-home care to fall prevention and post-surgery recovery tips.

Hosted by Julie Spaulding, this engaging discussion features experts from Senior Helpers, Connect Home Management, and Bath Innovations. Whether you're planning for yourself or helping a loved one, you’ll gain valuable insights into how to stay independent, secure, and comfortable in your own home.

🔑 In this video, you'll learn:

  • The difference between home health vs. in-home care

  • Easy home modifications to prevent falls

  • When and how to ask for help

  • How to prepare for post-surgery recovery at home

  • The emotional impact of aging alone—and how to stay socially connected

Meet the Panel


Host & Moderator: Julie Spaulding, Downsizing Coach, Real Estate Specialist

Fall prevention starts with smart home modifications.

Falls are one of the most common and dangerous risks older adults face, especially in the bathroom. Gary Mehalic from Bath Innovations highlighted that approximately 80% of serious falls occur in bathrooms, often while stepping in or out of a traditional tub or shower. Panelists emphasized the importance of simple, effective home modifications—like installing grab bars, using handheld showerheads, and removing slippery rugs or suction-cup accessories that can fail under pressure. Lighting also matters, especially at night, when visibility is low. These preventative steps can make the difference between a safe recovery and a serious injury. As Julie shared, her own mother-in-law fell and broke her hip just days after returning home from the hospital—not due to clutter or poor lighting, but due to a combination of multiple medications causing dizziness. It's a reminder that fall prevention must include both the physical environment and health-related risks.


In-home services range from non-medical caregiving to skilled home health.

Understanding the spectrum of in-home services can be confusing, especially when the terms sound so similar. Kathi Spray from Senior Helpers broke down the difference between home health (medical support like wound care, physical therapy, or medication management, typically covered by insurance and prescribed by a doctor) and in-home care (non-medical help such as bathing, dressing, meal prep, and transportation, often private pay). Dave Jolicoeur of Connect Home Management shared how his company fills the gap by helping with upkeep, repairs, and organizing projects, using skilled workers who are often recent retirees. These services are crucial when the everyday responsibilities of home maintenance become overwhelming. The takeaway? There’s help for every kind of need—you just have to know what to ask for.


It's okay to ask for help—and critical to find the right support.

Many older adults resist asking for help, either out of pride or a desire to remain independent. But as the panelists emphasized, bringing in support doesn’t mean giving up control—it’s about preserving it. Kathi shared how some clients don’t want their adult children helping with personal care, saying “it feels weird.” That’s where trusted professionals come in, offering dignity, privacy, and expertise. She even suggested ways to set boundaries, like having a caregiver stay in another room and only come in when called. Dave reminded attendees that neighbors and friends often want to help, but older adults feel like a burden and stop asking. The truth is, asking for help is a strength—and it often brings everyone peace of mind.


Safety and comfort can go hand-in-hand, even with temporary needs.

Needing help doesn’t always mean you need it forever. After a surgery or hospital stay, having short-term support can dramatically reduce the risk of complications or readmission. Julie recounted her mother-in-law's experience after returning home with nine new medications and no supervision, resulting in a fall and broken hip. Kathi and the panel discussed how temporary services—like part-time caregivers, rented mobility aids, or short-term home health visits—can bridge those vulnerable times. You can customize the level of support to meet your specific needs without giving up your privacy or routine. Temporary help isn't a sign of failure—it's part of a thoughtful plan to maintain independence longer.


Social connection matters just as much as physical care.

One of the most important but often overlooked aspects of staying at home is staying connected. Isolation can take a toll on emotional health just as significantly as a fall or illness impacts the body. Julie noted that while remaining in your own home can be empowering, it can also be lonely—especially for those who are no longer driving or have limited mobility. Johnson County and KC Shepherd’s Center were highlighted as great local resources that offer social programs and support groups. The group also discussed the value of simple check-ins and telephone reassurance programs. Staying in your home shouldn’t mean staying alone, and building a network of support is just as essential as installing a grab bar.


Staying in your home as you age isn’t just about where you live—it’s about how you live. With the right support, thoughtful planning, and a willingness to adapt, it’s entirely possible to remain safe, comfortable, and connected. Whether it’s installing a grab bar, bringing in short-term help after surgery, or simply having someone check in regularly, there are more resources than ever to support your goals. The message from our panelists was clear: you don’t have to do this alone, and you don’t have to wait for a crisis to take action. Start the conversation, build your plan, and know that help is available when you need it.


🧠 Visit our website for more events and resources: www.seniortruthseries.com


💬 Have questions or want to connect with a speaker? Drop a comment below or email juliespauldingkc@gmail.com


📅 Next Seminar: June 25, 2025 – Using Home Equity to Support Your Future



Comments

bottom of page