Aging in Place: Best Resources for Growing Older at Home

Understanding Aging in Place

What Does “Aging in Place” Mean for Older Adults?

Aging in place means continuing to live at home while experiencing age-related health changes instead of moving into a nursing home or assisted living facility. 

Many older adults do not want to leave their homes to move to an assisted living community or nursing home. The independence of living in their own home and the comfort of having their own familiar space may make aging in place a better option.

However, families and older people who choose to age in place must remain mindful of how the home environment may impact safety.

Some families or individuals choose to avoid care facilities for as long as possible. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), “Many people want the same things as they get older: to stay in their own homes, to maintain independence for as long as possible, and to turn to family and friends for help when needed.”

Aging in place involves staying at home while aging and getting caregiver support to remain independent for longer.

Why Is Aging in Place Beneficial for Quality of Life?

Older adults who age in place often feel less lonely and remain independent longer, improving their quality of life.

Living in an assisted living facility may make people feel cut off from their friends and family, causing them to feel lonely and isolated. Aging in place allows older adults to remain an active part of the community. In addition, living in their own home can bring peace of mind and improve mental health as people age.

How Can Aging in Place Support Independence and Well-Being?

People who choose to remain in their own home as they age increase their independence by reducing their reliance on outside support. 

Independent living gives older adults more control over their own environment and lives.

Home-based care for the aging population has become more accessible over the years. A care provider for geriatric clients can support their goal of aging in place. The primary demographic for care services includes older adults with chronic health conditions that do not require inpatient care and those with less severe age-related issues.

Home Care and Support Services

What Home Care Options Are Available for Seniors?

Older adults have the option to receive medical, nonmedical, family, or personal care to help them navigate basic tasks of daily living.

For some people, aging in place involves receiving support with activities of daily living, recovery from injury or surgery, and managing chronic conditions.

Multiple types of caregivers are available to support older adults as they navigate daily life while aging. Often, family caregivers or nonmedical caregiving services can provide all the support a person needs to maintain a healthy quality of life.

How Do Caregivers and Family Members Support Daily Activities?

Family members and caregivers support daily activities by offering reminders, encouragement, practical assistance, and resources to seniors living in their own homes.  

Caregivers and family members help people maintain independence and support their daily activities by being mindful of potential issues and proactively addressing them before they become problems. For example, an older adult prescribed a cane by their doctor may need freestanding rugs or hall runners removed from the home to reduce their risk of tripping on the edges of the fabric.

Caregivers provide practical problem-solving, emotional support, and assistance with everyday tasks.

What Role Do Home Health Agencies and Care Managers Play?

Seniors with more complex medical needs or no family to help them benefit from home health agencies and care managers to advocate on their behalf and improve their quality of life. 

Home health agencies and care managers make it easier for aging adults to find essential resources. According to the previously mentioned page on the NIA, “Geriatric care managers can be especially helpful when family members live far apart.” In most cases, “Your doctor or other health care provider may be able to recommend a geriatric care manager.”

Care managers assist clients and families with getting information about local community resources that improve the quality of life for people aging in place.

Home Modifications for Safety and Accessibility

Which Modifications Improve Safety, Like Grab Bars and Handrails?

Some examples of accessibility modifications and smart home technologies for seniors include: 

• Grab bars and banisters
• Shower seats
• Cleared floors to accommodate mobility devices
• Stair lifts 
• Lift recliners to assist with standing 
• Ramps to reduce the risk of falling down stairs

In most cases, accessibility modifications get added as older people begin to experience a decline in health or cognition. However, planning ahead and installing assistive devices ahead of time can provide peace of mind and make the transition less jarring.

When Should You Consider More Extensive Changes or Assisted Living?

Families may want to consider additional support or assisted living if their loved one struggles to live on their own or has developed problems that may put themselves or others at risk. 

Assisted living and higher levels of care may be necessary if a person experiences late-stage dementia, extensive loss of mobility, complex health issues, extreme disability, and an inability to care for themselves during periods without a caregiver.

Aging in place provides independence for longer. However, when it reaches a point where it is unsafe for a person to remain at home without 24/7 supervision, it often costs less to transfer them to a facility compared to hiring in-home specialized care.

Assisted living facilities also have better infrastructure for handling health emergencies and ensuring older adults have access to all the care they need throughout the day.

Healthcare and Medical Resources

What Healthcare Services Are Key for Older Adults at Home?

Some of the essential healthcare services seniors can access at home include: 

• Skilled nursing services 
• Personal care
• Physical or occupational therapy 
• Mental health support and companionship 

Older adults need to maintain their physical and emotional wellness to stay healthy. Regular physical activity, social support, medical monitoring, nutritious meals, and assistance with activities of daily living help seniors stay healthy longer.

Caregiving services, including meal prep, mobility assistance, and companionship, reduce the risk of heart disease and other preventable conditions for people aging in place.

How Can Seniors Access Medicare, Medicaid, and Nonprofit Programs?

Medical professionals, community advocates, and other individuals can provide information about Medicare, Medicaid, and nonprofit programs for older adults.  

Many local, state, and federal programs provide resources for older adults who need additional support. Home health care agencies, community-based programs, and the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) help older adults and their loved ones connect with nonprofit programs.

DHCS also determines eligibility for Medicaid and Medicare coverage in California. Medicare and Medicaid plans may fully or partially cover home care for older adults.

How Do Medical Alert Systems and Telehealth Support Well-Being?

Telehealth services allow older adults to age in place while receiving essential care and regularly checking in with their primary care doctor or other medical professionals. Medical alert systems enable seniors to live independently without 24/7 care by providing a reliable, easy way to connect with emergency services. 

For example, many older adults use wearable devices with a button they can press to call for help if they fall or experience another emergency. Bracelets, necklaces, and voice-operated systems enable seniors to remain at home while providing a simple way to access quick assistance when needed.

Telehealth services provide older adults with a fast, convenient way to connect with their primary care doctor or other medical professionals from home. The technology enables them to manage appointments and keep their medical team up to date without worrying about transportation. Telehealth is especially useful for older adults with severe mobility issues that prevent in-person visits to a doctor’s office.

Community and Government Resources

What Role Do Area Agencies on Aging and AARP Play in Supporting Seniors?

Local agencies assist seniors by offering practical support, such as transportation services, while the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) offers resources for health, finances, and caregiving. 

Seniors connect with local nonprofits and support programs through word of mouth, local events, community programs, and medical services. Caregivers and skilled nursing services also have information about local agencies that support seniors living in their own homes.

What Resources Help Caregivers Navigate Long-Term Care Options?

Community support agencies can offer a wide range of resources to help caregivers and family members coordinate long-term care for aging loved ones who are in place. 

Family caregivers often struggle to find local resources or know where to turn for additional support in caring for their loved one.

Some of the services available for older adults and caregivers include: 

• Financial and legal planning 
• Respite and volunteer care
• Community-based care programs 

Long-term care includes preparing for the future. For example, older adults can use local legal planning to prepare for medical emergencies by designating a reliable emergency contact with legal authority to make medical decisions.

Wellness and Mental Health

How Can Seniors Maintain Physical Health While Aging in Place?

Remaining physically active helps seniors stay healthier and more independent for longer. 

A few ways older adults can stay fit while aging in place include: 

• Engaging in low-stress exercises such as chair yoga
• Taking short walks every day 
• Participating in fitness programs for older adults
• Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve balance

Some cities offer volunteer programs in which older adults participate in free exercise sessions designed to maintain mobility, strengthen the heart, and increase stamina.

What Strategies Support Mental Health and Prevent Isolation?

Older adults reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation by regularly speaking with friends and loved ones, spending time with pets, and engaging in activities that bring joy. 

Older people benefit from staying active and spending time outside the home when possible. Community engagement through senior meetups and activities provides a sense of fellowship and reduces isolation. Caregivers can provide transportation to and from these events and assist with mobility when needed.

How Can LifeSpring Home Nutrition Support Nutrition and Meal Needs as You Age at Home?

Home-delivered meals make it easy to eat a balanced diet. 

Older adults may struggle to determine how much or when to eat due to reduced hunger cues. However, ready-made meals come pre-portioned with the recommended amount of balanced foods. Frozen meals also provide additional flexibility, allowing older adults to eat on their own schedule.

LifeSpring Home Nutrition provides convenient and flexible meal options for older adults aging in their homes.

FAQs

What are the most important safety modifications for aging in place?

Grab bars, chair lifts, brighter lighting, safer flooring, mobility devices, and bathroom safety features such as walk-in showers help older adults avoid injuries and accidents. 

Aging in place involves preparing for current and future mobility limitations. Modifications provide older adults with a safe environment that reduces the risk of falls or other accidents. Most modifications work to improve awareness of surroundings and increase stability.

How do I find reliable caregivers or home health services?

You can find reliable home health services by checking with local programs and agencies and asking for their recommendations. 

Every agency has different goals, policies, and expectations for the caregiver-client relationship. Always vet potential home health services and caregivers to ensure they hold all necessary accreditations, licenses, training, and background checks. Also, ensure their agency goals and standards align with your preferences.

Word of mouth is another effective way to find a reputable healthcare agency. Doctors, nurses, friends, and family can provide their opinions on agencies they have used or been involved with in the past to help you determine which ones to avoid or look further into.

Are there programs that help seniors afford home modifications?

Yes, many grants and other resources help families convert homes for older adults into a safe, accessible space. 

Modifying different areas of a home can be costly, especially when multiple modifications must be installed simultaneously. Community, state, and national programs offer a range of resources to completely cover the cost of safety modifications or significantly reduce them.

However, you may find it harder to find coverage for some of the more specialized pieces of home equipment, such as a stair lift or Hoyer lift sling.

Volunteer organizations, grants, and other resources may also provide funding or donate equipment for home modifications. You can ask a case manager, a local community program, or a medical professional for more information on how to find local resources.

How can older adults stay socially connected while living independently?

Telehealth services, family visits, community activities, caregiver companionship, and other options enable older adults to live independently and stay socially connected. 

Most communities offer senior classes to support health, explore hobbies, and build new social connections. Churches also provide a safe, comfortable space where older adults with religious beliefs can find spiritual support and fellowship. Online forums and communities offer another way for older adults to connect with others who share similar interests.

Family members and caregivers can help seniors find activity groups and events they may enjoy. Social connection improves mental health and physical activity. Many older people feel healthier and happier if they regularly interact with family, close friends, and acquaintances.

How does nutrition impact health and independence for aging adults?

Proper nutrition is essential for ensuring older adults remain healthy, happy, and strong enough to stay independent.

According to Frontiers in Nutrition, “From a food intake point of view, it has been shown that feelings of hunger are reduced with aging.” In addition, “Older adults are prone to insufficient energy, macronutrient (namely protein), and micronutrient intakes, more significantly after the age of 65 years, often leading to nutrient deficiencies.”

Hydration also plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Older adults may lose some of the cues that tell them when to drink water. As a result, some seniors may experience chronic dehydration that negatively affects their overall health.

Many medications also contribute to dehydration. Medication prescribers should provide guidance on how much fluid to drink with diuretics and other medications that may cause dehydration. Older women should aim to drink 2 liters of water per day, and men should aim to drink 3 liters. Most people get a portion of their daily fluid intake from foods.

Many older adults choose to age in place rather than move into an assisted living facility or nursing home. LifeSpring Home Nutrition provides healthy meal deliveries that help older adults maintain their independence longer. To learn more about our services, locations, and how to sign up, call us at (800) 798-5767.