More than half of older adults want to “age in place,” staying in their homes and living independently as long as possible.
If you or a loved one falls into this category, it’s wise to plan ahead.
So what do experts advise about safely aging in place? We shared frequently asked questions with Jodi Waterhouse, director of outreach at the Multidisciplinary Center on Aging at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and Emily Johnson, licensed clinical social worker at the UCHealth Lone Tree Primary Care and Lone Tree Seniors Clinic.
What does ‘aging in place’ mean?
To “age in place” means staying in your home as you get older and making plans to live as independently as long as possible in your later years.
“Many older adults will successfully age in place depending on health, design of living environment and support services and systems to aid aging in place,” Waterhouse said,
Why is aging in place a good idea?
“For many of us, home is comfort,” Johnson said. “There’s a history we are familiar with: It’s family, friends and neighbors. It reflects our culture and our community.
“As we begin to lose control of other aspects of our life, staying in our home says, ‘I can accept help, but I am still running the show,”’ she said.
Both women agree that individual circumstances will play a big role a person’s decision about whether they want to age in place.
Older people and their families need to carefully consider details to ensure that the aging person is safe, Waterhouse said.
Will staying in my home help me live longer?
For some people, living at home is preferable to starting over later in life and having to adjust to a smaller living space in a residential facility with staff, prepared meals and living in close proximity to large numbers of people.
But it’s a decision that requires looking at the big picture.
“These will be very individual decisions, depending on health status, community and partner support, along with consideration of home-based health services that are available to the older adult,” Waterhouse said.
If I want to age in place, what do I need to think about and plan for in advance?
Have a realistic plan in hand for both the near term and the future, with the ability to pivot if something urgent or catastrophic occurs. Work with trusted family members on day-to-day living needs that include a rundown on:
- Safety in the home
- Medical needs
- Meal preparation
- Home cleaning
- Laundry
- Toileting
And don’t forget to discuss long-term needs such as:
- What type of changes and alterations should occur within my home?
- What support systems will I need?
- Do I have trusted family members and friends?
- Will I have to hire care employees to help me?
- Will I have the financial means for home-based care and services if I need on-going help?
- If so, are there any special accommodations they will have to provide?
“Be proactive. Where are there gaps now, or barriers to living independently in the future?” Johnson said. “You might have to have some hard conversations with family and friends in the future if you are not successful living at home. Talk about next steps if it’s not working out.”
Waterhouse concurred: “Think about and plan accordingly for aging in place, long before you actually need more care. Making important decisions and managing improvements, if needed, to your home are big decisions, and best to be made while you are still able.”
Aging in place house plans: create a fall-proof home
One of the biggest barriers to independent living is the fear of falling. To create a safer living space, Johnson and Waterhouse have the following recommendations:
- Maintain overall body strength. Strong legs help support balance that is essential to getting up safely from the sitting position. It’s important to get exercise and improve flexibility through walking, swimming, yoga or Tai-chi.
- Discuss the need for assistive devices. If you are having problems with balance, mention it to your primary care provider or a physical therapist.
- Stay up to date with eye exams and get annual checkups for cataracts and glaucoma.
- Review medications to discuss potential side effects such as drowsiness or other interactions with your provider or pharmacist.
- Use electrical tape with contrasting colors on stair landings or the last step. Remove throw rugs, use handrails and install grab bars in showers and tubs and next to the toilet.
- Make sure your home has proper lighting. Remove clutter and cords to clear pathways and install night lights in halls and bathrooms. Porches and outside walkways should be swept and shoveled to prevent slipping on ice and snow.
- Wear proper shoes in the house and outdoors with good support and grips on the soles.
- Be flexible, acknowledge your limitations and adapt as your situation changes.
- Engage in activities when you have the most energy.
What are other tips that make it easier to age in place?
- Check into a grocery delivery program.
- Use an electronic medication reminder or alarm.
- Zoom or FaceTime with family and friends to avoid isolation.
- Participate in classes, clubs and adult day programs at senior centers or churches.
- AgeTech uses technology to help older people stay in their homes with security cameras, smart phones, voice activate technology and smart home systems.
“Going out into the community and keeping your mind and body engaged can help you stay in your home,” Johnson said.
Why would I want to age in place or encourage my parents to stay in their home?
We are learning more about the importance of social and emotional connections, and living in an environment that feels familiar and safe while embracing your community and culture is vital, Johnson said.
“It’s an individual choice, and some people feel better staying where they are as it does improve mental health outcomes when done safely,” she said.
What if I’m alone?
While living alone can make it more challenging to age in place, community care managers who work with city or county aging agencies can assist older people. Other resources include the Denver Regional Council of Governments, as well as some church and faith-based institutions. Private companies also offer geriatric home care services.
What type of planning does this take to stay in your home as you age?
Plan now for what we you will need in future years. One of the major challenges to remaining at home is safety in the home, mobility — if you will need a wheelchair or other accommodations — and protecting financial resources. Hiring care workers at home can be very expensive, but so too, or elder facilities.
Do I need to move if my bedroom is on the second floor?
Not necessarily. You don’t need to put your house for sale and find a one-story home, but you should do a complete home assessment.
“With family or loved ones, walk around your house and see how it is or isn’t working for you. How could that change in the future?” Johnson asked.
Consider whether or not you can afford to make some modifications in your home. For instance, would you have to convert space into a bedroom or laundry area within a safer proximity to a living area that doesn’t require going up or down stairs? Or perhaps a caregiver can do laundry.
A stair lift — a chair that can electronically move up and down a flight of stairs — is also an option.
Does it take a lot of money to retrofit my home?
There are some resources available through the state’s Medicaid Waiver program, such as for elderly, blind and disabled residents as well as veterans. Several nonprofits can provide financial assistance for modifications, they said.
For many though, if changes are necessary, there will be a financial commitment to ensure the home is designed to help aging successfully at home, and if possible, be as proactive as possible and spread the costs over time.
At what age should I start worrying about where I will live as I grow older?
It’s good to be thinking about housing options long before you need help, both Johnson and Waterhouse said.
“It really can be discussed at any age. If it’s on your mind, then go ahead and start talking about it,” Johnson said, adding that it’s a popular topic for people at retirement age, anywhere from early to late 60s, although she encourages people in their 40s and 50s to begin planning if they have any concerns or want to aggressively save money so they’ll have more options as they age.
Waterhouse agreed: “Start researching and having important discussions well before an update of your home is needed. You don’t want to start this process during a healthcare crisis.
Work with a team to include your healthcare provider, care partners and home-based support services to determine if this is an appropriate environment and whether you can receive the appropriate care while remaining in your home.”
Are there other resources that will help me?
Yes. Check out the following:
- A handy checklist for older adults who want to remain living in their home issued by the AARP.
- A website full of helpful information from the National Aging in Place Council.
- The Denver Area Agency on Aging website.
- And of course, you should consult with your primary care provider.
link