Aging in place
Encyclopedia
Aging 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.
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.
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.
, 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.
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 LivingIndependent livingIndependent living, as seen by its advocates, is a philosophy, a way of looking at disability and society, and a worldwide movement of people with disabilities working for self-determination, self-respect and equal opportunities...
- Assisted livingAssisted livingAssisted living residences or assisted living facilities provide supervision or assistance with activities of daily living ; coordination of services by outside health care providers; and monitoring of resident activities to help to ensure their health, safety, and well-being.Assistance may...
- Alzheimer's care
- Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) /Nursing homeNursing homeA nursing home, convalescent home, skilled nursing unit , care home, rest home, or old people's home provides a type of care of residents: it is a place of residence for people who require constant nursing care and have significant deficiencies with activities of daily living...
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
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is a law that was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1990. It was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H. W. Bush, and later amended with changes effective January 1, 2009....
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.
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 CensusUnited States Census
The United States Census is a decennial census mandated by the United States Constitution. The population is enumerated every 10 years and the results are used to allocate Congressional seats , electoral votes, and government program funding. The United States Census Bureau 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 Meanshttp://hsc.uwe.ac.uk/net/research/Default.aspx?ss=3&pageid=126, Sally Richardshttp://www.reading.ac.uk/Health/about/staff/s-c-richards.asp and Randall Smithhttp://www.bristol.ac.uk/sps/research/cus/staff/smith.shtml (2008) Community Care: Policy and Practice http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp//0230006744, 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
- http://hsc.uwe.ac.uk/net/research/Default.aspx?pageid=421 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 livingAssisted livingAssisted living residences or assisted living facilities provide supervision or assistance with activities of daily living ; coordination of services by outside health care providers; and monitoring of resident activities to help to ensure their health, safety, and well-being.Assistance may...
- Baby Boom Generation
- Home careHome careHome Care, , is health care or supportive care provided in the patient's home by healthcare professionals Home Care, (also referred to as domiciliary care or social care), is health care or supportive care provided in the patient's home by healthcare professionals Home Care, (also referred to as...
- Nursing homeNursing homeA nursing home, convalescent home, skilled nursing unit , care home, rest home, or old people's home provides a type of care of residents: it is a place of residence for people who require constant nursing care and have significant deficiencies with activities of daily living...
- Reminiscence therapyReminiscence therapyReminiscence therapy is used to counsel and support older people, and is an intervention technique with brain-injured patients. This form of therapeutic intervention respects the life and experiences of the individual with the aim to help the patient maintain good mental health.Often utilised in...
- Retirement communityRetirement communityA retirement community, or active adult community, is a very broad, generic term that covers many varieties of housing for retirees and seniors - especially designed or geared for people who no longer work, or restricted to those over a certain age . It differs from a retirement home which is a...
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