According to AIPatHome 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.[1]
These technologies also span categories of communication and engagement, health and wellness, home safety and security, and learning and contribution.[2]
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.[3] 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.[4]
There are now Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) specialists to fill the growing need in this service model for seniors.[5] 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.[6]
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[7]
- Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) /Nursing home[8]
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.[9][10]
Aging in Place should reduce forced relocation to a different living arrangement (and sometimes, transfer trauma also known as relocation stress syndrome[11]) and produce more favorable outcomes.[12]
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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 absolute increase of 21 percent.
References
- ^ Age-in-Place at Home
- ^ Aging in Place Technology Watch
- ^ Senior Resource for Aging in Place
- ^ National Aging in Place Council
- ^ Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS)
- ^ Aging in Place Initiative, http://aipi.n4a.org/
- ^ Alzheimer Care: Long-term Care
- ^ Medicare coverage of Skilled Nursing Facility Care,http://www.ohca.com/docs/medicare_coverage.pdf
- ^ `Aging in place' concept takes hold with retirees - St. Louis Business Journal:
- ^ Senior Resource for Aging in Place
- ^ Transfer Trauma
- ^ New Freedom Initiative: HHS Self Evaluation - Chapter III
Books
- Robin Means[1], Sally Richards[2] and Randall Smith[3] (2008) Community Care: Policy and Practice [4], Palgrave MacMillan. ISBN 0230006744
- Dr. Marion Somers Elder Care Made Easier: 10 Steps to Help You Care for an Aging Loved One, Addicus Books, 2006. ISBN 1886039801
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 emerging Aging In Place Technology market will grow to become a $20 billion market by 2020. See 2009 Market Overview at http://www.ageinplacetech.com.
External links
See also
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