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“Aging in Place”
The percentage of Americans over 85 is growing steadily, and
with it a new conundrum: Where will the elderly live? For a growing number of
folks who are still healthy, the answer is “right at home.” According to the
federal Consumer Expenditure Survey, from 1987 to 2003 the percentage of persons
over age 85 living in single-family, detached homes surged from 45.7% to 62.6%,
and the best guesstimate is that the figure is now about 70%.
Current conditions in the housing market may well accelerate
the trend. The tradition of selling the family home for a large profit, moving
to smaller quarters and keeping the savings to augment the retirement nest egg
is difficult to impossible to implement in a falling real estate market.
The idea of not moving out of one’s lifelong home has been
dubbed “aging in place” by sociologists. The new trend has spurred a new
industry of books, videos, Web sites and consultants to help make that hope a
reality. Financial independence is one core element. Adapting the home for an
older resident is another. The housing and living needs of someone over 85 are
markedly different from those of younger persons. Some homes may need
renovations if they are to remain livable for an elderly person. A variety of
changes, minor to major, can have an impact on senior life.
Basic steps
Four areas typically need to be addressed to improve a home’s
livability for an older person.
Access and mobility. The biggest concern for the elderly is
avoiding falls. Accordingly, the house should be inspected for slippery floors
or areas where rugs or carpets can bunch up, creating a tripping hazard.
Additional handrails for stairs are a good idea. Looking ahead, the house may
need a wheelchair ramp or a lift to get to the second floor.
Bathrooms. Grab bars are recommended, and toilet modifications
may be appropriate. Placing a chair in the bathroom may make groom-ing easier.
Bathtubs and showers can be modified for easier and safer access.
Kitchen. Cabinets that were once easily accessible may no
longer be convenient when they involve bending or reaching. Stepstools are not a
good answer. A kitchen makeover for cabinets and appliances may be needed,
putting the priority on ease of use.
Lighting. A common problem facing seniors is deteriorating
vision. Poor lighting can affect safety as well as the quality of everyday life.
Illumination should be even, free of glare, and automated whenever possible.
If there will be a full- or part-time caregiver for the
elderly person, attention will need to be paid to create privacy zones and
separate liv-ing quarters.
Don’t be afraid to say “no”
Not every home is suitable to be renovated for senior life.
Renovations can be too costly in some cases. Sometimes it is better to admit
that a house is really designed for younger families and move to another, more
appropriate house. “Aging in place” doesn’t necessarily mean “aging in the same
place.”
Additional resources
To learn more about resources for the elderly, visit the
National Aging in Place Council at www.naipc.org and the Aging in Place
Initiative at www.aginginplaceinitiative.org. Nobody ever said that growing old
was going to be easy.
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