Seasons of Life
Aging in Place Maintain Independence Safely
By Linda Sutherland
Aging in place is defined by the CDC as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.”Essentially, it means staying in your own home as you grow older. Nearly 90 percent of seniors would prefer to stay in their own homes as they age, and respecting those wishes is an important factor in supporting them. We all want a life that is positive and satisfying—that feeling does not change as we grow older. With the right support, independence and a good quality of life can be found at any age. The benefits of aging in place go well beyond the desire to stay home. First and foremost, seniors who age in place can continue to stay in familiar surroundings and maintain their routines. Studies have shown that aging in place is good for seniors’ health (provided that they don’t need medical care that can only be achieved on an inpatient basis). There is also the cost-saving aspect of aging at home. Of course, you don’t get the benefits of aging in place if you’re not safe in your home. If your aging loved ones have expressed a desire to live at home, it’s important to figure out whether they can do safely. In many cases, a home can be made much safer for seniors with some modifications. The number-one threat to seniors is falling, but there are many ways to lessen this risk. If the home has stairs (indoors or out),
adequate lighting and railings are necessary. If a senior can no longer take the stairs, a ramp or stairlift may be in order. Grab bars or seats in the shower, as well as walk-in bathtubs, are ideas to consider for the bathroom. Non-skid flooring and sufficient lighting are important in every room. For seniors who have difficulty with hand grip, cabinet hardware can be updated to handles that don’t require a gripping motion. Some of these modifications are relatively simple and inexpensive. However, some require an expert in the field of aging in place. To help people find the professionals they need, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) created a designation for contractors who specialize in this area. They are called Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS), and they have undertaken specific education to learn about what modifications seniors may need and
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