HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON HOW TO SAFELY AGE IN PLACE
The University of Michigan Poll on National Aging asked a national sample of adults ages 50 to 80 their perspective on aging at home, and 88% felt it is important to age in their own homes.
Jessica Jones, director of the Berks County Area Agency on Aging, has witnessed a shift in the 20 years she’s worked with the aging population that is reflective of this preference.
“There has been a big shift on aging in place at least in the last 10 years,” Jones said.
She attributes that to the various benefits of staying at home.
“They get to remain in their home and still maintain a higher level of dignity,” Jones said. “There is also a cost aspect around that. It’s a lot more cost effective for families and the state system to support people in that type of setting.”
The BCAAA offers many programs that help older adults age in place.
“These programs allow older adults to remain in the community with support and services for as long as they can be safe,” Jones said. ”We also have programs to support family members who are caregivers, to help the older adult stay in the community.”
They provide guides to home care, home care registry agencies and home health agencies, along with other services.
According to the University of Michigan poll, people ages 64 to 80 are giving the most consideration to modifications that will enable them to remain at home.
When planning ahead, there are many factors to take into account as your needs evolve, from personal care and household chores to meals, money management and health care. The end result is an individual who receives personalized care in the home that meets their needs.
“They might need someone to come in a few days a week to do meal prep, bathing, give cues to take their medication,” Jones said. “Maybe their only need is homedelivered meals — that is one of our funded programs that people utilize a lot. That is a big piece of what we offer to keep people independent in the community.”
In addition to health benefits, there are affordable options that make living at home possible. According to the National Institute on Aging, an important part of the planning process is to consider how you’re going to pay for the help you will eventually need in your home.
“Some things you want may cost a lot — others may be free — some might be covered by Medicare or other health insurance,” the NIA states on its website. “Check with your insurance providers; it’s possible that paying for a few services out of pocket could cost less than moving into an independent living, assisted living or long-term care facility.”
Of course, a senior independent living community, assisted living or long-term care facility could be a good option for some older folks. Seniors need to assess what’s best for their own situation.
Cost-saving measures can also be reaped by caregivers.
“We have a caregiver support program,” Jones said of the BCAAA. “It allows them to receive reimbursement on different types of services and supplies.”
The reimbursement is based on a caregiver’s income to determine a percentage to be reimbursed, such as on the purchase of incontinent supplies.
“We serve caregivers over 55, and the care receiver has to have some diagnosis of dementia, like Alzheimer’s,” she said.
One of the BCAA’s goals is to help individuals figure out the least restrictive way they can have their needs met safely in the community. Regardless of income, they can offer advice on the best route to go.
“I always encourage people to call us and have a discussion about an individual’s income and assets so we can give them direction on what would best suit their needs,” Jones said. “We can help stretch assets more to enable them to age in place for as long as possible.”
As for maintaining a life rich in social outlets while living at home, there are outlets that are easily accessible to help maintain contact with others. Many offerings can be found at places such as the Tri County Active Adult Center in Pottstown and the West Chester Area Senior Center in West Chester.
“We have fitness classes, foreign languages, current events, Bible study, knitting and crochet, card playing and bingo,” said Jessica Tipton, fitness instructor at the West Chester Area Senior Center for the past seven years.
Tipton instructs individuals ages 60 to 105 at the Center, which also offers functional fitness testing.
“Most of them live independently in their own home,” she said.
The Center serves as more than a place to keep busy with activities.
“It’s primarily for socialization,” she said. “It’s like a family away from their family.”