What is Aging in Place?
Simply stated, aging in place is the ability for an individual to remain and thrive safely in their home, for as long as possible throughout the aging process. Many people prefer to transition to a retirement community, assisted living or nursing home as they navigate aging and retirement, but a going number of seniors are choosing to remain in their homes. As you prepare for your next phase of life, there are a number of things to consider if aging-in-place is the path that you choose.
Why do I Need to think about Aging?
Everyone’s aging process is different. Some people live well into their late 90’s, maintaining the ability to walk, dress themselves, shower and make meals on their own, while others two decades younger may require the use of a wheelchair and assistance for most self-care tasks. There is no way to predict what your path will look like, but it is important to discuss your options and your preferences with your family so that you can prepare and be ready for whichever way your life takes you. It is also important to discuss how your plans may or may not change, based on the state of your health, mobility and how much or little assistance you may need. We will talk about home accessibility, caregivers and community partners further down in this article.
Why would Someone Choose to Age-in-Place?
Deciding where you want to spend this chapter of your life is an entirely personal decision. There are many reasons why someone may choose to age-in-place:
· Memories: Home is a place filled with memories, joy and pride. Some of life’s greatest milestones happen in the home, and families spend decades curating their home to meet their specific style, needs and preferences.
· Comfort: We design and decorate our homes in a way that makes us feel comfortable, safe, and at peace.
· Finances: For some, transitioning to a retirement community or assisted living can be expensive. For those who have homes that are set up for accessible living, aging-in-place may be a less-expensive option. On the other hand, if the home is not accessible, modifying and renovating a home for safe aging-in-place may be more costly.
· Family: For many families and cultures, family members choose to take care of each other. For people who have friends and family available to provide assistance as needed, aging-in-place is an appealing option.
Why Would I Choose not to Age-in-Place
Just as people have personal preferences to stay at home, others prefer to be a part of a residential community with different levels of support, available as needed throughout the aging process. For people who do not have family support readily available, or for those who would prefer not to have their families provide immediate assistance, community-based living may be more appealing for several reasons:
Socialization: Some prefer the community and socialization that come with residential communities. For people who’s families live far away and do not have access to social activities at home, this can be an attractive option, as many communities have access to community meals, social gatherings, activities and exercise classes.
Access to Services: Some communities offer transportation to the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, community activities and day-trips. Others also have hair and nail salons, convenience stores, gyms, pools, spas, and banks available in-house. Some also include medical services including occupational, physical and speech therapy and access to concierge medical care. Having a variety of services available within the living community can simplify tasks that could typically require extensive planning.
Access to Care: There are many retirement communities that offer a range of services across the span of care including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and access to skilled nursing facilities. Many also have access to one-on-one caregiver services to provide care as needed for personal care and housekeeping.
Is Aging-in-Place Right for Me?
You will notice a theme in this article where we refer to personal choice. You are the ultimate decision-maker on which environment is going to best support you as you age. Factors that will contribute to your decision should include:
Available Support of Friends and Family: To assist with driving, running errands, getting groceries, cooking, cleaning, and providing care. If family is not available, do you have the resources to bring in hired assistance, as needed?
Home Accessibility: Depending on your level of mobility, is your home accessible in the event that you may require a walker or wheelchair? Do you have safe access to a bedroom and full bathroom? If your home is not accessible, is it within your means to modify your home to make it accessible?
Finances: In considering the amount of support that you may require, which setting makes the most sense for your budget? Some services may be covered under your long-term care insurance plan, if you have one.
Your Personality: Are you someone who thrives being at home whether by yourself or with friends and/or family, or do you prefer to be in the middle of a social community with a variety of people and activities? Everyone is different, and again, the choice is yours.
Where can I find Resources for Aging-In-Place
Good news! There are a wide variety of services to assist you with safe and successful aging in place. Here are some things that you can search for.
Your local Area Agency on Aging: This is a GREAT starting place. They can help connect you with known and trusted services in your community.
Occupational Therapists (OT’s): This is my shameless plug for OT’s! OT’s are specially trained to provide home assessments to help you find ways to improve the safety and accessibility of your home through the use of home modifications, adaptive equipment and adaptive techniques. Recommendations can range from small, low-cost modifications to larger renovations, depending on your needs and budget.
In-Home Rehabilitation Providers: Both home-health and mobile-outpatient service providers can be of assistance to you during this process. Occupational and physical therapists who are experienced in home health can help make sure that you are able to navigate your home and maintain your independence throughout your aging journey.
Caregiver Agencies: Many agencies provide not only caregiver support for self-care tasks, but some also include light housekeeping, meal preparation, and assistance for running errands.
Senior Care Managers: These are professionals who are specially trained to assist seniors with navigating the medical system, coordinating doctor’s appointments, understanding your medications, and also proving assistance with creating living wills. Many can also assist with coordinating community programs and caregiver support.
Senior Move Managers: These companies provide expert consultation and assistance in planning your move, in the event you decide to downsize, or transition to a retirement community. They help coordinate packing, delivery, and unpacking (including hanging pictures, putting away clothing and arranging furniture). Some can also help with handling items that you no longer wish to keep.
As you can see, there are many things to consider and think about as you plan for the road ahead. There are many resources available to assist you throughout your journey. For more information on making your home accessible, please contact us, or view our article on “Aging in Place Home Safety Assessment Checklist” for more information.
Resources:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place-growing-older-home
https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2021/home-and-community-preferences-survey.html
