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"Aging in place." You may be wondering what it is, what does it mean, and does it affect me. In a recent survey, 94% of home owners over the age of 65 wish to remain living in their homes as long as possible. In a nutshell, aging in place is just what it says. Aging in place successfully requires planning however. In order to accommodate physical, mental, and psychological changes that are part of the aging process, there needs to be physical changes made to the home. Normal age related changes may include hearing impairment, weakening vision, osteoporosis, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and mental process changes which include the speed at which information is processed, speed of responding to changes in the environment, long term memory, and word finding abilities. Additional changes such as decreased mobility, dexterity, strength, stamina, and reduced sensory acuity lead to difficulties interacting with one's living environment. Unfortunately these health and financial matters often force seniors from their homes prematurely. This can leave some homeless and others living in a facility that costs society more than if they were able to remain in their homes comfortably, safely, and affordably; something they universally desire. The cost to live outside the home today can run $250.00 per day or more depending upon where you live. A home health aide can cost $21.00 per hour. For the amount of money spent to live outside the family homestead, several home modifications can be made, saving money and at the same time provide a return on investment later when the home is sold. The aging process is blamed for many problems seniors encounter with daily activities. Quite often it is the home that has caused these difficulties. Most residential housing is built for young healthy adults. Builders don't take into account age related conditions; hence most dwellings do not support the physical and sensory changes that older adults encounter as they age. Insignificant home features can have significant effects on a person with only minor aging issues. Most seniors avoid home modifications and helpful technology items that are designed to help. They mistakenly think it is not something the next homeowner might desire or they feel that it looks industrial and institutional. After all, no one wants their home to look like a hospital. Others wonder about the effect it will have on the sale and value of the home. With today's computer technology and consumer demand, many items have been redesigned to fit and belong in the home. They can be used by all who live in the home now and in the future. These items will also add value and safety to the home. The National Center for Injury and Control states that falls are the number one cause of home injury; and studies suggest that a significant proportion of the falls are due to environmental factors. The leading home environment in injury and falls is the bathroom, followed closely by the kitchen. Modifications to these two rooms can be helpful for all age groups and adds considerable value to the home. When planning the modifications to these rooms, please consult a professional in accessibility such as a Certified Aging in Place Specialist for ideas on safe living for all ages. Most of the modifications can be done by qualified individuals and since we know enticing kitchens and bathrooms are often factors resulting in the successful sale of the home why not make modifications that are universal and allow them to be used by those with all abilities? Additional factors for seniors include:
- Bathroom related injuries occur every day.
- 1 of every 3 adults over age 65 experiences a fall each year; and half of those will fall more than once.
- 87% of fractures in people age 65 and older are caused by falls.
- 20% of deaths related to injury can be traced back to a fall.
- On average 350 deaths per year result from bathroom falls in the United States. That is nearly 1 person each day.
- Another 70 people die each year as a result of bathtub related burns.
Consequences of falls are often severe, resulting in a loss of independence, financial hardship, pain, permanent disabilities, limitations in activity, and a profound fear of falling again. Activities may become limited because of fear of falling. As activity decreases, muscle strength and flexibility also decrease, which increases the chance of falling. It is estimated that falls cost the health system 2.4 billlion dollars per year. This is 2.5 times more than motor vehicle accidents. Finally, the saddest fact of all is that with a small investment in bathroom modifications none of this would have happened. The bigger challenge is to identify safety issues which may be unique to an individual based on their particular aging status and condition. While research via books and the internet can help focus on such issues, the use of a good checklist in assessing the home environment is helpful. It is important to do a thorough assessment of the home each year in order to ensure that it can properly handle an elderly or infirm individual. If you feel that you cannot assess your home objectively, consult a professional with experience in helping the aging population. The National Association of Home Builders and A.A.R.P. have joined forces to train Certified Aging in Place Specialists who can help you with your assessment. Either of these associations will also be able to provide you with a good home assessment checklist that will also suggest possible remedies. If you feel that your bathroom or kitchen is not safe, then it is not safe. Take the time to call a professional. Don't wait to become a statistic. Successful "aging in place" requires identifying and correcting any safety pitfalls. A good home assessment will aid in helping to identify modifications; however preventing falls must be a major focus to ensure a safe environment.
Article researched and written by David Clark, a Certified Aging in Place Specialist and member of the National Association of Home Builders.
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