Retire in Place Helps Seniors Stay at Home with Personalized Care

For many seniors, the idea of leaving home for a nursing facility or moving in with family isn’t appealing. They want to maintain their independence and stay where they feel most comfortable. That’s where Retire in Place, a local agency providing personal care and home assistance, comes in.

Trish Arana, a nurse community liaison with Retire in Place, recently sat down with Royal Examiner to discuss how her organization helps seniors stay in their own homes while receiving the care they need.

A Holistic Approach to Senior Care

Retire in Place offers a wide range of services designed to meet the unique needs of each client. While personal care—including help with bathing, dressing, and grooming—is at the core of their work, they go beyond that.

“We can bring in things like home maintenance, dietary assistance, and fitness support to keep people as independent and healthy as possible,” Arana explained. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. We look at the individual and build a care plan that works best for them.”

One key aspect of their services is socialization, which is often overlooked but crucial for a senior’s well-being.

“Loneliness is a big issue among seniors,” Arana noted. “Even just having a caregiver visit can provide much-needed social interaction.”

Flexibility in Care

Seniors and their families may wonder how often they can receive help and what their options are. Retire in Place offers customizable schedules, ranging from just a few hours a week to 24/7 care.

“We have a four-hour minimum per visit, but beyond that, there are no restrictions,” Arana said. “We can provide care as little or as much as needed.”

This flexibility allows families to choose the right level of care for their loved ones, whether they need occasional assistance or full-time support.

How to Get Started

Recognizing when it’s time to seek help can be challenging, but Arana suggests starting the conversation early.

“There’s usually one thing that stands out as a need,” she said. “Maybe it’s difficulty with personal care, or maybe maintaining a clean and safe home is becoming a struggle. When that happens, it’s time to look into available services.”

Getting started with Retire in Place is simple. Families can contact the agency, and Arana will personally meet with them to assess their needs and develop a care plan.

Paying for Services

While many services are self-pay, Retire in Place does accept veterans’ benefits and long-term care insurance. Additionally, they work with Five Star Home Health Care, a sister company that participates in Medicare’s GUIDE program, which provides services for dementia patients.

“This is a great option for families dealing with dementia,” Arana explained. “It also offers respite care for caregivers, which is incredibly important.”

Retire in Place also partners with other community organizations to ensure seniors have access to the best resources available.

A Community Effort

Arana is part of the Senior Team Alliance, a network of local organizations dedicated to supporting seniors. Through this alliance, she connects families with additional resources, even if Retire in Place isn’t the right fit for their needs.

“If someone calls and we can’t help, we’ll point them in the right direction,” she said. “There are so many great programs in our area that people don’t even know about.”

One such organization is Blue Ridge Independence at Home, which helps Medicaid and Medicare-eligible seniors receive in-home care services. Retire in Place partners with them to ensure even those with financial limitations can access the care they need.

Planning Ahead

Arana emphasized that families should start planning for senior care sooner rather than later. “Too often, people wait until they’re in crisis before seeking help,” she said. “Knowing your options ahead of time can make all the difference.”

For seniors who want to maintain their independence while still receiving necessary support, Retire in Place offers a valuable alternative to assisted living or nursing home care.

“Our goal is to keep people in their homes safely and comfortably for as long as possible,” Arana said. “That’s what Retire in Place is all about.”

For more information about Retire in Place and their services, visit their website or contact them directly.