Aging In Place is a way by which seniors can avoid being dependent on others due to declining health and mobility. Seniors who age in place will be able to live in their own homes for as long as possible and may not have to move from their present residence in order to secure support services in response to their changing needs, should that become necessary.
The Baby Boomers
Research shows that baby boomers’ expectations of how they will receive care differ from that of their parents’ generation. Overwhelmingly, they will seek care in their own homes and will be less likely to move into congregate living settings.
Why do many senior citizens prefer to age in place?
Nursing homes, to many, represent a loss of freedom and a reduced quality of life. Here are a few good reasons why these fears are justified:
In 2007, inspectors received 37,150 complaints about conditions in nursing homes. Roughly one-fifth of the complaints verified by federal and state authorities involved the abuse or neglect of patients.
The proportion of nursing homes cited for deficiencies ranged from 76% in Rhode Island to as high as 100% in Alaska, Idaho, Wyoming and Washington, D.C.
Many cases have been exposed in which nursing homes billed Medicare and Medicaid for services that were not provided.
A significant percentage of nursing homes had deficiencies that caused immediate jeopardy or actual harm to patients.
Aging-in-Place Inspections
Inspectors may recommend corrections and adaptations to the home to improve maneuverability, accessibility, and safety for elderly occupants. Some such alterations and recommendations for a home are as follows:
Appliances:
microwave oven in wall or on counter
refrigerator and freezer side by side
side-swing or wall oven
easy to read controls
raised washing machine and dryer
front-loading washing machines
raised dishwasher with push-button controls
stoves having electric cooktops with level burners for safely transferring between the burners; front controls and downdraft feature to pull heat away from user; light to indicate when surface is hot; and
replace old stoves with induction cooktops to help prevent burns.
Bathroom:
fold-down seat installed in the shower
adjustable shower heads with 6-foot hose
light in shower stall
wall support, and provision for adjustable and/or varied-height counters and removable base cabinets
contrasting color edge border at countertops
at least one wheelchair-maneuverable bath on main level
bracing in walls around tub, shower, shower seat and toilet for installation of grab bars
if stand-up shower is used in main bath, it is curbless and wide
low bathtub
toilet higher than standard toilet, or height-adjustable
design of the toilet paper holder allows rolls to be changed with one hand
wall-hung sink with knee space and panel to protect user from pipes; and
slip-resistant flooring in bathroom and shower
Counters:
base cabinet with roll-out trays
pull-down shelving
wall support, and provision for adjustable and/or varied-height counters and removable base cabinets
upper wall cabinetry lower than conventional heigh
accented stripes on edge of countertops to provide visual orientation to the workspace
counter space for dish landing adjacent to or opposite appliances
glass-front cabinet doors; and
open shelving for easy access to frequently used items
Exterior:
low-maintenance exterior (vinyl, brick, etc); and
low-maintenance shrubs and plants
Entry:
sensor light at exterior no-step entry focusing on the front-door lock
non-slip flooring in foyer
accessible path of travel to the home
at least one no-step entry with a cover
entry door sidelight or high/low peep hole viewer; sidelight should provide both privacy and safety
doorbell in accessible location; and
a surface on which to place packages while opening door
Electrical, Lighting, Safety and Security:
install new smoke and CO detectors
install automated lighting, an emergency alert system, or a video-monitoring system
easy-to-see and read thermostats
light switches by each entrance to halls and rooms
light receptacles with at least two bulbs in vital places (exits, bathroom)
light switches, thermostats and other environmental controls placed in accessible locations no higher than 48 inches from floor
move electrical cords out of the flow of traffic
replace standard light switches with rocker or touch-light switches; and
pre-programmed thermostats
Faucets:
thermostatic or anti-scald controls
lever handles or pedal-controlled; and
pressure-balanced faucets
Flooring:
if carpeted, use low-density with firm pad
smooth, non-glare, slip-resistant surfaces, interior and exterior; and
color and texture contrast to indicate change in surface levels
Hallways:
wider than average
well-lit; and
fasten down rugs and floor runners, and remove any that are not necessary
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning:
install energy-efficient units
HVAC should be designed so filters are easily accessible; and
windows that can be opened for cross-ventilation and fresh air
Miscellaneous:
30-inch by 48-inch clear space at appliances, or 60-inch diameter clear space for turns
multi-level work areas to accommodate cooks of different heights
loop handles for easy grip and pull
pull-out spray faucet
levered handles
in multi-story homes, laundry chute or laundry facilities in master bedroom
open under-counter seated work areas; and
placement of task lighting in appropriate work areas
Overall Floor Plan:
main living on a single story, including full bath
5-foot by 5-foot clear turn space in living area, kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom; and
no step ups between rooms on a single level
Reduced Maintenance and Convenience Features:
easy-to-clean surfaces
built-in recycling system
video phones
central vacuum
built-in pet feeding system; and
intercom system
Stairways, Lifts and Elevators:
adequate hand-rails on both sides of stairway
residential elevator or lift; and
increased visibility of stairs through contrast strip on top and bottom stairs, and color contrast between treads and risers on stairs with use of lighting
Storage:
lighting in closets
adjustable closet rods and shelves; and
easy-open doors that do not obstruct access
Windows:
plenty of windows for natural light
low-maintenance exterior and interior finishes
lowered windows, or taller windows with lower sill height; and
easy-to-operate hardware
Advice for those who wish to age in place:
Talk with family members about your long-term living preferences. Do you want to downsize to a smaller single-family home, or do you plan to stay put in your traditional family home?
Take a look at your finances and retirement funds. With your current savings and assets, will you be able to pay for home maintenance? Consider starting a separate retirement savings account strictly for home maintenance.
Remodel your home before your mobility becomes limited. As you age, changes in mobility, hearing, vision and overall health and flexibility will affect how easily you function in your home. Consider making your home “age-friendly” as a phased-in and budgeted home improvement, rather than waiting until you need many modifications at a time due to a health crisis.
If you decide before you retire that you want to live in your current home through the remainder of life, consider paying for “big ticket – long life” home projects while you still have a healthy income. Such items may include having the roof assessed or replaced, replacing and upgrading the water heater or cooling unit, completing termite inspections and treatment, having a septic tank inspection and replacement, as needed, and purchasing a riding lawn mower if yard care is not something you will have done by a professional.
InterNACHI advocates healthy living, as it plays a vital role in your ability to age in place. Most seniors leave their homes due to functional and mobility limitations that result from medical crises, and an inability to pay for support to stay with them in their home. Effectively managing health risks and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you stay strong, age well, and live long at your own home.
Permission granted by InterNACHI
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