3 Tips for Aging in Place at Your Winter Destination

(BPT) – It happens every year: as temperatures dip across the country in January, the snowbirds begin migrating to their winter homes. Whether you’re a regular migrator or taking an extended trip to a warmer climate for the first time, the transition from a primary residence to a temporary winter home involves planning and preparation — including anticipating travel, housing and healthcare needs. Additionally, with more and more people choosing to age in place, the are many factors to consider for your secondary residence to ensure the new location will be comfortable and appropriate in meeting your needs. If you’re an AARP member, there are many discounts and benefits available that can help you safely age in place as you enjoy warmer weather in your home away from home.Here are three ways to successfully age in place at your winter home:1. Ensure your home is accessible and safe. Making simple modifications — including installing permanent ramps or chair lifts on stairs and adding bars/rails to your shower — can increase your winter home’s safety and accessibility. With Porch Home Services, AARP members can save 5% on small jobs completed by a Porch handyman, and get enhanced property protection for both small jobs and major home improvements. Plus, you get complimentary access to a dedicated Porch Home Assistant team that provides customized assistance with any home repair, maintenance and improvement. What’s more, Porch Home Services is available across the U.S.If you’ve recently purchased a secondary residence for the purpose of migrating there in the winter, there may be additional expenses to keep it well maintained, safe and comfortable throughout the year. Your AARP member benefits can assist with these often-unexpected expenses. AARP members can receive $36 or more off any American Home Shield® home warranty plan that can help cover the cost to repair or replace parts of home appliances and systems that break down over time. Plus, for a limited time, American Home Shield is giving AARP members an additional $100 off for a total of $136 off any plan. No promo code needed! Visit ahs.com/aarp for more information. Limitations and exclusions apply. Valid only for new American Home Shield customers.2. Stay in touch. It’s important to continue to socialize and keep in touch with your friends and family members while living in your winter home. This can help you sharpen your memory and cognitive skills, and it’s great for your mental and emotional health. Schedule a weekly check-in with a loved one to stay in touch while you’re living in your winter home. AARP members save $10 per line per month on the AT&T Unlimited PremiumSM plan, plus receive up to $50 in waived activation and upgrade fees.To make sure you don’t miss any of the conversation with those you’re spending time with, get your hearing checked by taking advantage of AARP® Hearing Solutions™ provided by UnitedHealthcare® Hearing. AARP members can save 20% on hearing aids and 15% on accessories, plus receive a hearing test at no cost and personalized support through a large nationwide network of hearing providers.3. Maintain your health and well-being. For older adults, it’s essential to maintain your health and well-being, especially when you are living away from your primary residence for an extended period. Finding and obtaining healthcare services is important, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Primary care providers for Medicare-eligible older adults on Medicare like Oak Street Health Primary Care can help you keep an eye on your physical and mental health and well-being by offering high-quality preventive care. With 160 locations across 21 states, Oak Street Health offers the convenience of same-day or next-day visits at most locations where available, virtual visits, and a 24/7 patient healthcare support line.And don’t forget about adhering to your prescription regimen while you’re away. If you need to fill a prescription or you’re looking to make refills easier in general, consider using a free prescription discount card from AARP® Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx®. AARP members not only save on FDA-approved medications but can also sign up for home delivery. The prescription discount card can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide.Whether you’re a snowbird or simply wanting to be better prepared in your home this winter, there are many tools and resources to help you age in place. To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you prepare your residence for your snowbird lifestyle, please visit www.AARP.org/save.###Neither AARP nor its affiliates is the insurer. AARP and its affiliates are not insurance producers, agents or brokers, and do not sell or service insurance products. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.