For the past several weeks, AgePros has examined various aspects of aging in place, including simple home renovations to support the goal, as well as the growing role of advanced technology in the movement. But an important question remains: Is aging in place right for everyone?
All these discussions begin with same assumption: Aging in place is best. This makes sense, when you consider that by a wide margin Americans express an overwhelming preference to remain in their homes as they get older. However, pondering whether aging in place is the right choice for everyone still deserves attention.
The benefits of aging in place most definitely support their desire:
- Familiarity — being surrounded by the known, physically and emotionally, helps older folks feel more secure.
- Connection — staying in the community makes it easier to maintain the human relationships that are critical to health and wellness as we get older.
- Independence — aging in place empowers elders with a sense of autonomy and control, another pillar of mental health and wellness.
- Personalized care — in their homes, elders and loved ones can direct the type of care needed, without worrying about “getting lost” in an institutional setting.
Independence vs. isolation and other potential drawbacks.
Even with its many benefits, aging on place isn’t always the best way to ensure the health and happiness of individuals or those who love them. Here are just a few of the factors that can make aging in place problematic and raise the question: For some, aging in place may not be right for everyone, so careful consideration is crucial.
Sources such as Medical News Today and the National Institute on Aging are great sources for questions your clients and their families should ask when weighing the pros and cons of aging in place.
- Is the home ready — studies suggest only 10% of the homes in the United States are aging-ready.
- Is the neighborhood ready — easily accesible public transportation, wide, well-maintained sidewalks and abundant ride-sharing options are all key to avoiding the homebound isolation proven to acerbate cognitive decline and other health issues. (Worth noting: Currently, 2 million Americans 65 and older rarely or never leave their homes. Another 6 million are considered “semi-homebound.”)
- Is a person’s body ready — it’s more than basic mobility. While needing medical equipment doesn’t automatically preclude aging in place, complex medical needs and equipment, for example, dialysis, oxygen tanks and intravenous medication demand an honest assessment of the feasibility and real benefits of remaining in the home.
A final caveat when considering whether aging in place is right: Time.
Minds. Bodies. Communities. Even family dynamics and geographic proximity can all change. These and a host of factors can alter the aging in place equation. What makes sense today, may not be in an elderly person’s best interests in the years to come. Ultimately, we must ask: Is aging in place the best option for everyone?
That’s where AgePros can be a big help. Empathic and trusted, yet thoroughly professional and knowledgeable you’re in a unique position to advise the individuals and families in your care about the rightness or pitfalls of aging in place. To sum up, professionals should always consider: Is aging in place right for everyone in each unique situation?
Aging in place. Is it a trend or is it a movement?
A few months back we blogged about trends in the aging industry. The desire to age in place in place comes a close second to the ever widening gap between seniors and the number of AgePros available to serve their needs. So when exactly does a trend become a movement and what exactly does that mean for you AgePros? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Email us.
