As older Americans increasingly decide to forgo selling their homes and moving into a retirement or assisted living facility, previously unconsidered challenges to their independence, psychological state and emotional well-being have become apparent.
A recent Harvard University Study found that many Americans are worried about the affordability of retirement and are unsure of how to best equip their homes to stay safe and comfortable. Children of older Americans are also wondering how best to grant their parents’ wish to age in place, and how well their environments are suited for the decision.
These are major considerations, and Americans can find surprisingly few resources about the best way to approach them in this age of readily available information. Debra Street, professor and chair of the Department of Sociology at the University of Buffalo, who specializes in long-term care and families, was interviewed by her university’s publication, the Reporter, to give some guidance to families struggling with the logistics of aging in place.
“No one gets up in the morning and says, ‘I can’t wait to move to assisted living,'” Street explained. “Most of us, most of the time, just want to remain in our own homes as we age.”
She shared some critical questions to consider when deciding where an older family member should live. Her first concern is whether or not there will be someone else present in the household, and if the older adult will be able live alone safely. For example, those adults with a fall risk may need additional caregiving support to feel safe on their own.
Street’s second question is whether the older adult will be able to carry out activities of daily living without assistance. Once-simple tasks, such as doing the laundry or getting groceries, can present significant challenges in later life. With mobility problems, issues regarding social isolation also need to be included in the decision-making process.
Street’s final consideration is whether the home holds physical hazards for an older adult, such as stairs or cramped bathrooms.
The answers to these questions can help a family conclude whether or not aging in place is the right choice for their loved one. However, if concerns remain, there are solutions that could still allow older adults their wish.
The appropriate use of technology can make all the difference in keeping older adults safe and giving their family peace of mind. Technology has advanced to the point where it can unobtrusively aid an older adult with several of the issues that can arise from the decision to age in place, such as elderly isolation, depression and remembering to take important medications.
Advancements in telecare, including Independa’s Angela interface, make it possible for older adults who are aging in place and their loves ones to feel comfortable and confident. No computer skills or knowledge are required by the care recipient to enjoy and benefit from using Independa. Our Angela solution features an award-winning, intuitively designed interface that provides single-touch access to medication reminders, daily schedules, video chat and important health information, as well as fun games and activities that mentally stimulate older adults. Best of all, the Angela solution comes pre-installed and ready to run on an LG television.
To schedule a demo, contact us through our online form.
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