What is Aging in Place?

“There’s no place like home.”   -Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz

When it’s possible, many aging Americans prefer to remain in the home where they are as they age. Below you will find more information about Aging in Place and a few tips on making your home safer. If you would like to have a personalized Aging in Place assessment, call us or email us. We would welcome the opportunity to help you determine the best options for your individual situation.

Statistics on Aging in place:

A recent study revealed that 89% of homeowners (over the age of 45) prefer to remain in their homes, yet 80% of the population will require special housing needs at some point. Where you are located at the age of 65 is probably where you will stay - Seventy (70%) of seniors live out their lives in the same place they resided at age 65.

However, only 51% of those questioned in the study expect to make any needed changes to their home as they age.

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Facts for Aging in Place:

• Older people typically live in older homes, in older neighborhoods
• Older homes are often in greater need of maintenance and costly modifications to be comfortable and safe.
• Home modifications may make it possible for you to stay in your home longer providing you have the resources and support system in place to assist you.

Many Definitions for Aging in Place

Aging in Place Means different things to different people, and it’s defined differently by different organizations. For instance:

“ Remaining in your current home as you grown older.“ -- SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialists)

“Remaining in ones homes safely, independently, and comfortably.” -- National Association of Homebuilders

“Not having to move from one’s present residence in order to secure necessary support services in response to changing needs.” -- The Journal of Housing for the Elderly

Most Important Home Features for Aging in Place:

According to a recent study these are the features that were found to be the most important for anyone contemplating the Aging in Place option:

• Is the Kitchen/Bath environment safe and convenient?
• Can the stove and refrigerator be opened safely?
• Are stove controls easily accessable and clearly marked?
• Is counter height and depth convenient?
• Can you sit while working?
• Are cabinet knobs and faucets easy to use?
• Does the shower have a hand held knozzle?
• Have crucial items been relocated to lower shelves?
• Do you have a stepstool with handles?
• Is the bathroom equipped with a shower seat/ grab bars?
• Has the hot water heater been regulated to prevent scalding?
• Is lighting sufficent and bright enough for safety?
• Are night lights located where necessary?
• Is the home well ventilated?
• Are smoke detectors/carbon monoxide detectors located in the home?
• Is the telephone equipped with large buttons?
• Can the phone be pre-proggramed with emergency numbers?
• Has Caller ID been activated to avoid telemarketers?
• Is the doorbell audible from every room?
• Are windows and doors easy to open/close?
• Do windows and doors have sturdy locks?
• Are doors and hallways accessible by wheelchair or walker?
• Are floor surfaces safe and nonslip?
• Are steps/stairways smooth and safe for use?
• Are there handrails on both sides of steps/stairways?
• Are stair treads deep enough for the whole foot?

Before Making Modifications:

Before upgrading your home, take the time to assess your personal needs, or the needs of the person occupying the home. Sometimes the smallest things can make a huge difference. According to the National Center for Injury Control and Prevention, more that one third of adults age 65 and older suffer injuries from falls each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.

To reduce risk, eliminate the primary culprits in the home:

• Throw rugs
• Poor lighting
• Limited handrails
• Slippery floor surfaces in bathroom and kitchen
• Difficult to use bathtub or shower stall.

An adequate Aging in Place environment provides safety and accessibility for you to move about in your surroundings. Taking a few simple steps today, could make your environment safer and eliminate unnecessary risks. If you would like more information, call us for a free, in-home Aging in Place assessment.