August 3, 2006

Aging Connection

Many seniors prefer ‘Aging in Place’

By Vivian I. Silva, Gerontologist
Special to the Times

The majority of elders want to stay in their own home as they age. Often times parents want their adult children to promise they won’t take them out of their homes if they become ill or have dementia. What does “aging in place” mean? What can we do to keep our parents at home?

Fifteen years ago when I started my career in aging, the term referred to being able to stay in one’s own home until the end of life. The term now includes the ability to stay in one’s community but perhaps in a different home or condo, not necessarily the home of 30, 40 or 50 years.

More than 25 percent of seniors live where residents have aged together. These are the neighborhoods where their children went to school. Then there are those planning to move to the popular retirement states such as Florida and Arizona.

Perhaps your circle of family and friends moved to Oregon or Washington. Or do you know others planning to build on property in Idaho or Montana?

But, how many of them thought ahead to make sure their needs will be met if they encounter a medical challenge?

The term “universal design” can be thought of as pre-planning. Rather than modifying a home after the fact, universal design deals with the creation upfront of easily accessible homes and products.

Lower cabinets and counters, wider hallways to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers, and adequate lighting are just a few examples of universal design. Many elders gave up their homes because climbing the stairs became too difficult.

My 90-year-old neighbors loved their condo and location. However, with failing eyesight and with difficulty walking, they both stopped going upstairs to sleep. They didn’t have a bedroom downstairs but made due until too many falls propelled their decision to move to a one story abode.

How can we stay independent when we want to age in place? Clients ask me to check out their living situations so they can remain safely at home. Sometimes just a few adjustments or additions help.

One client used a wheel chair and felt trapped in his home. His 83-year-old wife struggled to get him in and out of the house. A wheel chair ramp made all the difference in the world to go in and out of the front and back yard.

An 85-year-old woman lived alone and her daughter worried about her mother bathing. Installation of grab bars for the shower and tub as well as near the toilet eased her worries.

In addition, a raised toilet seat made her mobility issues less an issue as well as adding handrails and lights in the hall. She’d get up in the middle of the night so I also assessed her bedroom and the pathway to the bathroom.

Getting rid of unnecessary furniture, items and boxes in the bedroom and hallway gave her a wider space to walk to the bathroom in the middle of the night. I always check for throw rugs that could be a “trip” waiting to happen.

Get rid of them!
What other tips can keep one safe to “age in place?”

- If the doctor says to use a walker or cane, use it! Don’t resist using the devices that can keep one safe at home.

- Build a support network. Knowing one’s neighbors and remaining on good terms with one’s family and friends can be helpful when there is a need.

- Remember to ask for help—whether to find out what resources are available or how much they cost. Of course, friends and family aren’t mind readers so don’t forgot to tell those who care about you what your needs are.

- Make yourself a priority. In other words, spend your money on you! The money you are saving for a rainy day, well, spending it on your safety or care at home may allow you to age in place.

Staying in one’s home still may not satisfy one’s need for companionship or social activities. Retirement communities can be the setting to combat loneliness. Check them out as one may be in your neighborhood.

The booklet, “New Lifestyles, The Source for Seniors,” can be picked up at the Almaden Valley Counseling Center or accessed at www.NewLifeStylescom.

Vivian I. Silva, Gerontologist/ MSW is the director of Geriatric Advisory Program at Almaden Valley Counseling Service. The service educates and advises adult children and elders on aging issues and provides individual and family consultation. For more information call (408) 975-2988 or e-mail vivsilva@aol.com.