Aging in Place

When aging in place is embraced the community benefits.  Beyond the health and wellness benefits of aging in place for older adults, community members can benefit from the wisdom that older adults can share from their life experiences. Older adults volunteer more than other age group and remain active in their community, which helps people of all ages.

Aging in Place is different for each individual based on their unique needs and resources.  Taking steps to prepare and support our elders for their future can extend the quality of their life and longevity while ensuring their success with Aging in Place.

Alternatives to In-home Care

Alternatives to in-home care refers to items or services that assist an elder to live more safely and independently longer in their home.  Even a small change may make a longstanding difference in the quality of life of an elder.

Some suggestions for alternatives to in-home care could be hiring a professional cleaner, looking for a local gardener or the neighborhood teens looking for summer employment, bringing laundry to the dry cleaners to be washed and folded, having the grocery store deliver food items, order on-line, use an app for shopping like Instacart or scheduling neighbors and friends, or durable medical items or services, Meal on Wheels, Adult day supports etc.

Technology Examples:

1. Social Media Platforms: Zoom, Facebook, and Apple Face Time have become important ways to help older adults stay connected with loved ones and friends.

2. Watches with GPS Capabilities: These smart watches from Apple, Garmin, Fit Bit and others, can often track heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. Some can also track an aging loved one’s location or will alert 911 if there is a fall.

3. Online Grocery Delivery: This service helps reduce worries about falling when out and about, as the groceries are brought right to the customer’s door. Delivery also comes in handy if inclement weather or sickness keeps an aging elder home.

4. Telehealth: When health questions arise, it’s easy to schedule a medical appointment via computer or smart phone. Telehealth has several advantages, including cost savings, convenience, and the ability to provide care to older adults with mobility limitations, or those without easy access to a local doctor or clinic.

5. Caregiver Management apps:  There are a variety of apps that aid with scheduling and communication for family caregivers. Many apps are free, example below CaringBridge App.

6. Call Alert System:  There are several products that provide a wrist or necklace style button to push for emergency services such as Medicaid Guardian and Medical Alert.  Some services can be established with a plan to call a neighbor or caregiver before notifying paramedics.  Alert 1 has a program for fall detection, cell phones, and buttons that can be posted around the home and not worn.

Articles:

Looking Ahead to Solo Old Age articles addressing growing older with limited family supports

Aging in Place Tips to keep loved ones at home and what Medicaid will pay for article published by the American Council on Aging

Equipment and Products for Aging in Place article by Aging Care that includes ideas for products.