When is the Timing Just Right?

Summer Reflections Of An Aging In Place Specialist

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about a firmly held belief I encounter repeatedly. It’s a belief that creates a problem because the answer, however obvious, is a tough sell.

So, coming across it has been a surprise to me.

When I decided to get certified as an aging-in-place specialist, I had already worked with older adults, some of whom were in crisis situations. I suppose that’s the reason I expected to often deal with folks experiencing calamities of some sort. And while that’s turned out to be true on occasion, what’s bewildering is how often misfortuneand sometimes genuine tragedy – turns out to be the consequence of a commonly held, practical-sounding, deeply-entrenched idea held by most adults: I’ll know when it’s time to plan for aging. When I hear words to this effect, I think: If only that were so.

Professional and academic journals are over-filled with surveys, research, anecdotes, first-person confirmations, and statistical evaluations that all conclude just the opposite: an overwhelming majority of people plan to age in their homes, but most don’t do anything to prepare.

Most of us don’t plan for aging because we’re doing OK on our own or with our partner and believe there will always be time to prepare.

What we know from considerable experience is that the vast majority of people wait too long to plan. What’s typical is a health problem or, more commonly, a fall because of known circumstances – like poor lighting, slipping in the shower, tripping on an area rug – preventable risks that we never quite got around to fixing. There’ll be time for that, we all think.

The issue, of course, is when the first accident or health issue materializes, options for aging in place become more limited. It’s akin to believing the time to start planning for retirement is around age 50. While it’s evident that’s not sound thinking, it’s no different than believing I’ll know when it’s time to plan for aging.

The best time to plan for growing older – especially for aging in place – is before any of the traditional issues associated with aging show up. Ideally, that would be in your mid-50s, but I’m sure to be labeled a killjoy in recommending that age as a starting point. But how about your early 60s, especially when you’re fit and healthy and have a full range of options?

Planning to age in your home with independence and autonomy is an intrinsic part of the American Dream. But it doesn’t just happen; it takes forethought. Neither does it mean significant lifestyle changes or renovation or anything in particular. Instead, it’s all about planning how to make your future comfortable, safe, and precisely tailored to your desires. That’s what agingin-place specialists do, and when you’re feeling well is an ideal time to meet one.

A Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) is professionally trained in meeting the needs of older adults by assisting with aging-in-place, home renovations, and remodels to make the space livable and safe for an aging adult. At Aging Advisory Services, we craft personalized solutions for each and every situation, customized to the level of assistance needed and longer-term planning for aging well in place.

Jacqueline A. Silverman, CSA, CAPS, is the founder of San Diego’s Aging Advisory Services, which specializes in aging-in-place support services and resources in the San Diego Region.

Website: www.agingadvisoryservices. com Contact: Jacqueline@agingadvisoryservices.com

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