Aging in Place

• Definition
• Links

What is Aging In Place?

There have been many articles, blogs and discussions about the concept of 'Aging in Place'. There is no formal definition or accepted authority on the topic as there is with Universal Design. As a result, the term is used in a variety of ways:

• One definition of Aging In Place is 'the ability of an individual to grow old and still function in their home'. This definition is all about the person and how they fit in their physical environment. It allows for the concepts of 'home modification' and accessibility, focusing on adapting an existing home so that a person can live there comfortably and safely. While many of the home modification adaptations are done specifically so that a person with a disability can stay in their own home, many people make prospective changes to their homes as part of a plan to be able to live there as long as possible. Since you may not know about the specific physical changes that will come your way, this is the time to incorporate principles of Universal Design so that you will 'have your bases covered'.

• Aging In Place has also been defined as a more comprehensive concept that includes:

  1. a comfortable home that you can live in, taking care of your own day to day needs.

  2. a home that includes proactive safety features that prevent injuries and automation technologies to alert others if certain conditions change. These may range from passive technology like movement sensors and prescription compliance, to active technologies like internet access to help maintain relationships with friends, family and health care providers. It will also include assistive technology (aids that help with daily activities).

  3. personal and community support systems which include services like transportation, food delivery, health related care and homecare or caregiving assistance.

  Advocates believe that when these three things are in place, it will be a more cost effective, humane way to handle the progressive changes that aging brings.

Regardless of planning, however, if a person's health deteriorates to the extent that the comforting features of home are no longer enough to sustain them, and being at home is dangerous or seriously detrimental to other members of the family, then other solutions must be sought.

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Links:

• The MetLife Report on Aging in Place 2.0: Rethinking Solutions to the Home Care Challenge - A forward looking document that explores what it will take to reach the promise of Aging in Place which includes:

  • Independence - happier, more satisfied older citizens living in homes of their choice with control, dignity, and respect.

  • More economical use of available resources

  • The creation of a coordinated, comprehensive, and collaborative relationship between business and service providers to support Aging in Place.

• National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) Directory of CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialists) - you'll need to select the CAPS designation from the drop down and enter your zip code to find specialists in your area. Some are designers, some builders or remodelers, some are product specialists (like us!).

• AIPatHome - lot's of information, ideas and links to businesses that practice in this area of specialty.

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