Most Older Adults Want to Age in Place. Are You Prepared?
The fifth annual National Poll on Healthy Aging found that most older adults feel it is very important for them to age in place. However, many have not prepared to do so. How about you?
“Aging in place” refers to living independently, safely, and comfortably in one’s home for as long as possible, and it’s an important goal for many older adults and their families. Without home modifications and additional support from others, however, unexpected medical events and declines in health can make it challenging to remain in one’s home. - HealthyAgingPoll.org
According to the study published by the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, most adults aged 50 to 80 (88%) feel it is important to remain in their homes for as long as possible.
However, only 15% indicated they had given a lot of consideration, and another 38% some consideration, to modifications they may need to make to successfully age in place.
These findings suggest that many people in their 50s, 60s, and 70s should do more to modify their homes or plan for services they may need if they want to age in place.
Key Elements to Consider
The survey covered various factors that can contribute to aging in place success:
- Home features like grab bars, shower benches, entry ramps, lever door handles, main floor bedrooms and bathrooms, and more
- Smart technologies such as personal emergency response systems (PERS), voice-controlled assistive devices, water leak detectors, and more
- Social supports, including community organizations that feel welcoming
- The ability to afford help with household chores, shopping, and personal care
What You Can Do Now
“Family members can help encourage older adults to find out what’s available, to invest in home improvements, and to aid them in installing safety devices and technologies that can help keep them aging in place. Think of it as a positive investment toward current safety and future independence — that can help older adults get past the temptation to put it off for another day.” — Poll director Preeti Malani, M.D.
At Caregiver Technology Solutions, we couldn’t agree more. Our technology solutions enhance current safety and enjoyment of the home while also safeguarding future independence.
Caregiver Technology Solutions Enable Aging in Place
CTS solutions enable aging in place by helping to defeat both fraud and isolation. We enable family caregivers and their loved ones stay connected safely™ at home and when transitioning to new living situations such as senior living, assisted living, rehab, or sharing a family member’s home.
For example, the CTS Safe at Home Phone™ service can be configured to allow calls only from people on the contact list, thus blocking robocalls and calls from suspected scammers.
The solution provides dial tone to personal emergency response systems (PERS), and works with Alexa for voice-controlled calling. It also integrates with home security products, including water leak detectors, motion sensors, door and window sensors, and smoke alarms.
Learn more about all of our solutions at caregivertechnologysolutions.com.
Learn from the Aging in Place Experts
On Thursday, May 19, 1:00–2:30 pm E.T., distinguished national aging experts will share the latest research and discuss opportunities to enhance health as we age in a webinar called: “Optimizing Health and Well-Being as We Age: Celebrating Five Years of the National Poll on Healthy Aging”
