As the overwhelming majority of older adults elect to pursue aging in place, the only question seems to be where they will settle. While most prefer to age in their current residence, for others, the steps, stairs and layout of their existing home may not make for an affordable or convenient housing situation.
The town of New Canaan, Connecticut, recognizes this trend, and has worked hard to make its communities more appealing to its aging population. The town’s efforts are aimed at not only providing an ideal aging environment for existing residents, but for anyone who wants to pursue aging in place and is looking for a new community to call home.
One of the town’s many efforts towards supporting aging in place is the New Canaan Tele-Health program. Jim Lisher, chairman of the town’s Health and Human Services Commission, explained to local media that the program is “trying to engage [older adults and seniors] in health and technology and show we are a technology-enabled town. The goal is to age in place at home and have a healthy, happy life.”
As part of this program, 100 individuals ages 60-92 receive a combination of different wellness services. One of the services is the use of a Fitbit, or a wireless pedometer, to count steps each day and promote healthy activity. Older adults then check in via videochat with a tele-health nurse, and talk about their current well-being and discuss their progress.
While the program is currently expanding, it is still believed to be the first of its kind, at least in the comprehensive list of services it offers.
Fortunately for other adults hoping to pursue aging in place, Independa’s Angela™ software interface offers an antidote to the number one issue for older adults looking to remain independent: social isolation.
Each Angela™ user receives effortless access to video chat, games, easy family photo and message sharing, a calendar for community events and dining options, as well as many other integrated options. No prior technological experience is required to operate Angela™, and its larger screen fonts, brighter colors and higher contrast are designed exclusively with the needs of older adults in mind.
As the care recipient ages or new challenges arise, Independa’s home care solutions can be integrated with sensors that, when placed in the bathroom or entrances, can track the care recipient’s movements and warn caregivers if things aren’t right. Contact us today to schedule a demo.
Do you have any experiences with supporting a loved one’s decision to age in place? Please share your insights with us on our Facebook page.
