Aging in Place
AGING IN PLACE: WHY? (Part 1 of a series by Eryn Sellarole, MS, OTR/L, CAPS)
Aging in Place is the ability to live independently, comfortably, and safely in one’s own home or community as you age. Why age in place?
Familiarity and Comfort: Aging in place allows individuals to stay in a familiar environment, which can provide a sense of comfort and security. Being surrounded by the same possessions, neighborhood, and community can contribute to a higher quality of life.
Independence: Maintaining independence is a significant advantage of aging in place. Individuals can continue to manage their daily routines, make decisions about their own lives, and maintain a sense of control over their environment.
Emotional Well-being: Staying in one's own home often fosters emotional well-being. It can help prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness, as individuals can maintain their social connections, visit with friends and family, and stay engaged in their community.
Cost Savings: Aging in place can be more cost-effective than moving into a senior living facility, as long as the home is safe and can be adapted to accommodate changing needs. Senior living facilities can be expensive, and aging in place can help individuals save money.
Personalized Care: Those who age in place can receive personalized care that is tailored to their specific needs. This care can be provided by family members, home health aides, or other professionals who can create a care plan designed to meet the individual's unique requirements.
Sense of Community: Many individuals develop strong ties to their local community over the years. Aging in place allows them to continue to be part of that community, participate in activities they enjoy, and receive support from neighbors and local organizations.
Retained Autonomy: Aging in place allows older adults to maintain their autonomy and retain control over their living environment, daily routines, and decision-making processes. This can lead to a greater sense of self-worth and satisfaction.
Lower Stress Levels: Moving to a new living arrangement can be stressful. Aging in place minimizes the disruption and stress associated with relocating.
Familiar Health Care Providers: Staying in one's community often means continued access to familiar health care providers, which can be essential for managing chronic conditions and maintaining overall health.
** It’s important to note that aging in place may not be suitable for everyone, and it depends on individual circumstances, health, and the safety of the living environment. In some cases, transitioning to a senior living facility may be the better option for ensuring the well-being of the individual. Assessing one's unique needs and resources is essential when considering aging in place. **
AGING IN PLACE: FALLS AWARENESS (Part 2 of a series by Eryn Sellarole, MS, OTR/L, CAPS)
Aging in Place is the ability to live independently, comfortably, and safely in one’s own home or community as you age. Let’s explore information around the high rate of falls and risk factors that can impact one’s ability to age in place.
Rate of Falls
- Falls are the second leading cause of unintentional death.
- Individuals age 60+ suffer the greatest number of fatal falls.
- 37+ million falls require medical attention.
- Medical costs of fatal falls total over $50 billion per year.
- The rate of falls is expected to grow from 52 million in 2018 to 73 million in 2030.
- Each year, there are 32,000 deaths, 3 million ER visits, 800,000 hospitalizations, and 300,000 hip fractures as a result of falls.
- New Hampshire has one of the highest fall rates in the nation (contributing factors could include weather or age of homes).
- New Hampshire has the 15th highest fall death rate in the nation at 103 of every 100,000 falls.
Are you at risk? High risk factors include (but are not limited to):
- Males (higher risk taking/hazardous occupations)
- Alcohol
- Social economic factors (poverty, poor housing, etc.)
- Unsafe environments (low light, slippery floors, poor footwear, clutter, stairs, etc.)
- Underlying medical conditions (lower or upper body weakness, dementia, neurological conditions, cardiac conditions, anxiety, poor sleep, vitamin D deficiency, neuropathy, etc.)
- Side effects of medication that can impact balance or cause immobility
- Physical factors (poor mobility, cognition, vision, pain)
It’s important to be aware of your risk factors and to talk with your doctor about any concerns you may have. Stay tuned for our next newsletter to see what you can do to reduce your risk of falling.
Provided by Eryn Sellarole, Occupational Therapist and Certified Aging in Place Specialist at Lake Sunapee VNA