Aging in place

Aging in place (aka 'age in place') is the ability to live in one's own home - wherever that might be - for as long as confidently and comfortably possible. Livability can be extended through the incorporation of universal design principles, telecare and other assistive technologies. Assistive technologies include communications, health and wellness monitoring, home safety and security.

Overview

The Journal of Housing for the Elderly states that aging in place is not having to move from one's present residence in order to secure necessary support services in response to changing needs. Aging in Place has grown in popularity and celebrated by the National Aging in Place Week and the National Aging in Place Council that promotes the positive outcomes of seniors having a choice in their care and living arrangements.

In addition to Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) specialists there are many more professionals trained to fill the growing need in this service model for seniors. Industries that have special programs or certifications include Real Estate, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Relocation specialists. For example, Toronto company Age In Place Remodeling focus' its efforts on remodeling homes to allow seniors to remain in their homes as they age, and maintain their independence and mobility. Communities are now fully engaged and committed to exploring ways to better serve seniors by developing action plans that address the future needs and ensure that the services are in place for seniors.

Within gerontology, sociology and anthropology, aging-in-place is a construct described as "a complex set of processes that is part of the universal and ongoing emergence of the person–place whole, and the creative social effort to reintegrate the whole in a meaningful way when problems arise, compounded by an older adult’s evolving situation." (Cutchin 2003)

Historically, Aging in Place Initiative referred to multiple level of services within one campus/senior community.

• Independent Living
• Assisted living
• Alzheimer's care
• Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) /Nursing home

The main focus implied not having to move from place to place, and being familiar with the community, allowing the individual to "age in place." All the housing levels are fitted with all the ADA requirements, call buttons and high speed cable.

Aging in Place should reduce forced relocation to a different living arrangement (and sometimes, transfer trauma also known as relocation stress syndrome) and produce more favorable outcomes.

---

3 Scenarios of Aging in Place

Aging in place can be further defined by 3 scenarios:

1. Aging in place without urgent needs: This group includes individuals who want to stay in their current home, are not experiencing immediate health/mobility issues, and prefer aging in place and universal design conveniences.

2. Aging in place with progressive Condition-based needs: This group is made up of those with chronic or progressive conditions that will require special modifications for aging in place. These individuals are usually aware of their needs but meeting them is not necessarily urgent. Many have chronic conditions such as diabetes and lung/heart disease that challenge them.

3. Aging in place with traumatic change needs: This group includes those who experienced an abrupt or immediate change that demands adjustments in the living environment for aging in place modifications and universal design.

---

Aging in Place Initiatives Worldwide

In Canada

In Ontario, Canada, Aging in Place is known as Aging at Home, and has received considerable financial support from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.

In United States

According to the United States Census, there will be a spike in the age 60+ population from 43,043,000 in 2005 to 73,769,000 in 2020, an increase of 71 percent.

Websites and organizations have sprung up all across the nation, in individual communities, states and nationwide to help people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. One organization, At Guardian Angel, has set up five websites to help baby boomers assist their parents in aging in place. IssueswithAging, IssueswithAlzheimer's, IssueswithCaregiving and IssueswithDementia are the primary sites, with IssuesWith a site that posts timely information specific to aging in place.

Books

• Robin Means[1], Sally Richards[2] and Randall Smith[3] (2008) Community Care: Policy and Practice [4], Palgrave MacMillan. ISBN 0-230-00674-4
• Dr. Marion Somers Elder Care Made Easier: 10 Steps to Help You Care for an Aging Loved One, Addicus Books, 2006. ISBN 1-886039-80-1

Research

• [5] The Development of Welfare Services for Elderly People 1971-1993. University of the West of England

• To age successfully in one's own home, a growing desire among baby boomers and seniors, technology (communication and engagement, health and wellness, contribution and legacy, and home safety and security) are all essential to well-being. The Aging In Place Technology market will grow to become a $20 billion market by 2020. See the updated Technology Market Overview and other reports at http://www.ageinplacetech.com.

See also

• Aging
• Assisted living
• Baby Boom Generation
• Home care
• Nursing home
• Reminiscence therapy
• Retirement community

External links

• Aging in Place Technology Watch - Industry Trends, Research, and Analysis.
• AIPatHome - Aging in Place Ideas, Information, Products, Solutions.
• National Aging in Place Council
• NORC Blueprint - A guide for community action to help build effective NORC programs that help seniors age in place
• Health Indicators -- Advancing Healthy Aging in Your Community
• aginginplace.com Successful Aging in Place through Environmental Gerontology