“Aging in Place" - Why this term should not be scary!

“Aging in Place" - Why this term should not be scary!

Aging in place is a term we now see just about everywhere, but it still isn’t completely understood. It is often surrounded by dread and anxiety over the unknown, especially from those who are entering the golden years of their lives. This shouldn’t be the case. Older adults should face the idea of aging with confidence and excitement, knowing what all their options are.

What is Aging in Place?

Aging in place is when an individual makes a decision to stay and age in their home, or place of habitation, for as long as they can. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines aging in place as “the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.''

Seniors now are embracing aging in place. This growing trend opposes the conventional path that past generations have followed - moving into a rest home. Older adults love the option of living out their years surrounded by the comforts of home and familiar surroundings. Choosing this way of living is now feasible with the advent of new medical technology as well as elderly assistance products.
Home care services combined with a booming home medicare supplier industry have made aging in place a viable and popular alternative.

When Should We Start Planning for This?

It is never too early to start planning. We have all heard it. We all age. Christopher Bullock once said, “It is impossible to be sure of anything but death and taxes.” So it’s no surprise that we eventually have to work on plans for when we’re older.

The stigma of old age is disappearing though, and it’s become a trend for older adults to actively prepare for aging in place. They can now face old age with confidence and excitement. For those who are well-prepared, aging in place is an empowering and great option.
There is no prescribed date when “old age” beg

ins. Different goals and needs for aging in place will have different starting points in your life. Preparing for your twilight years can begin as early as in your twenties. In fact, a lot of people do just that, especially when it comes to financial security in their retirement.

As seniors, what’s important is to ensure security in all its manifestations, live as healthily as possible, and research ways in which to surround yourselves with the best elderly assistance products.

Common Aging in Place Elderly Assistance Products

What are the most common dangers for seniors? Very often, it is not a dramatic disease. Per Baiera Wellness Products, 1 out of 3 seniors experience a serious fall each year and are the most common cause of injury. These are the common but easily preventable accidents that good planning and effective support products prevent.

There are a slew of products out there for aging in place. It is important to understand first what our seniors are experiencing before rushing to find a solution. For example, bed rails for the elderly is not only a much cheaper solution than hiring an in-home caregiver, but one that maintains the seniors’ independence at home.

Here is a list of common causes of accidents our seniors face. Smart use of elderly assistance products will help.

• Falls
• Burns
• Poisoning
• Exposure to temperature extremes

Researching the products available on the market, as well as studying where one will age in place, is a great starting point in planning. This can mean major renovations to ones’ home or simple and smart additions to items our seniors are using in their daily lives. Again, it is never too early to start planning for aging in place!

Aging in Place is Viable!

If given a choice, most of our seniors would gladly choose spending as much time as possible surrounded by their home, possessions, and loving memories. It is now a realistic choice we can give them - one not so viable a couple of generations ago.

There will be 70 million Americans aged 65 or older by the year 2030 according to the US Census Board. That will make up over 20% of our population. With advancements in medical technology, better access to health care, and more education on healthier living, this number will continue to grow exponentially.

Predictably, the medical, pharmaceutical, and business industries have recognized this and are providing amazing new elderly assistance products and services.

There are aging in place options available now to us that previously were only found in traditional rest homes or retirement centers.
Start planning for aging in place now. Aging is happening whether we prepare for it or not - so why not plan for it?

Vince Baiera

Vince Baiera started his career working as an ICU Nurse at The Cleveland Clinic and Duke University Hospital in the Cardiac ICU. After working as a traveling ICU Nurse, Vince stepped away from nursing to pursue Healthcare Consulting and Teaching.