April 13, 2010

COMFORT KEEPERS, AN IN HOME SENIOR CAREGIVING AGENCY OF WALLINGFORD, CT WOULD LIKE TO MENTION, TO FAMILY CAREGIVERS AND HOME CARE COMPANIONS, THAT A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF OUR ACTIVE HEALTY AGING SENIORS ARE OPTING TO STAY IN THEIR OWN HOMES WITH ASSISTANCE TO MAINTAIN A COMFORTABLE AND FAMILIAR ENVIROMENT

By Carol Carbutti

Surveys by the American Association of Retired Persons found that more than 85 percent of healthy aging Americans age 50 and older want to “stay in their own home and never move.” An aging society of baby boomers will have a very different sort of retirement. They’re more likely to work longer, start a second career, volunteer or go back to school. Baby boomers want to live well and healthy, live comfortably, and age in familiar surroundings. Here are the ten top reasons for planning for aging home healthcare during your golden years.

Aging in place allows for maximum amount of freedom for your senior parents. Baby boomers are more likely to be found in the gym, spending time volunteering, or on the internet. Remaining at home allows them to engage in a daily routine, as their health permits, in the least restrictive environment. It allows elderly retirees to have the home care that they want.

Aging in place is safe. Baby boomers are changing the expectations of what they want as they age. They do not want to compromise health and safety. A senior client who returns home after an illness will have a decreased risk of infection if their home is well cared for. Family members and caregivers should prepare the home ahead of time to prevent issues that may arise.  This can be done by having an evaluation done by a health care professional to identify problem areas in the home. One example in assessing the home environment includes preventing falls. Simple changes in the home environment and introduction of caregivers and home care professionals can address many issues. As an example, you may have a senior that may have balance issues, weakness, and dizziness or may need help bathing and dressing.

Aging in place promotes healing. Baby boomers want quality of life. Aging in place allows a more holistic approach to senior care as their physical bodies or health declines. For an older adult, there is no place like home for successful aging. Living in the familiar surroundings, being around loved ones heals the mind and spirit, not just the body. Minimizing change also helps create less confusion in the older adult and can help extend their lives.

Aging in place gives the retired adult some control. Baby boomers want choices and options.  They expect to be an active participant in their own care. Planning ahead and exploring all their options will help the aging adult choose the in home services that best suit their needs. Receiving care at home allows them to have more of an individualized approach to their care.

Aging in place can allow for the care to be personalized. As our aging mom or dad get older they may require more assistance in the home.  Home care allows the care to be individualized to meet the specific needs of each elderly client. It also allows one on one attention and interaction.

Aging in place is comfortable. Retired baby boomers have made it loud and clear year after year they would prefer to stay in their home for successful aging. Familiarity and comfort of being in their own environment, surrounded by loved ones is a type of quality of life that our senior parents have come to expect.  It is also the type of quality care that loved ones would want for their aging loved ones.

Aging in place contributes to a healthier, safer and happier life. Elderly clients are more health conscious and concerned about the quality of life than previous generations. There is a growing industry of universal design (home modifications that can be appealing to the eye and useful to everyone) and technological advances to meet the needs of the baby boomers as they age at home. This movement will replace the institutional walls of a nursing home. Living out the rest of their days at home, in a safe environment contributes to a healthier, happier aging adult.

Aging in place allows them to remain in their community. The entire community stands to gain from the aging adult that wants to remain in their home as they age. If their health allows, the healthy aging senior can be a mentor in the community. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, forty-five percent of people over 65 volunteer annually. This equates into savings for the community and having positive role models for future generations. Aging retirees are concerned about their community and show their support by buying locally and contributing financially to causes that are important to them.

Advanced technology supports aging in home senior citizens.  Baby boomers have been heard and now advanced technologies are available for them. Advancements are being made daily to assure safety and well being as they age in place. For example, the Wii is being utilized by hospitals and rehab centers to promote strength, endurance and flexibility in elderly patients. This is a program that can be utilized at home to keep the aging retiree active and have fun doing something they like to do. Robot vacuums are now available to assist in keeping the house clean. Also, there are sensors that can be placed in the home that measures the activity of the aging adult, so that even a long distance family member can see if there is a change in activity on a daily basis.

Aging in place reduces the fear of loss of independence. A study commissioned by Clarity and the EAR Foundation, found that aging adults fear moving into a nursing home and losing their independence more than they fear death. This same study found that the Baby Boomer children of seniors also fear for their parents. In particular, there is a concern about their parents’ emotional and physical well being should they have to enter a nursing home?

If your family is planning for future long term needs now you and your senior parents are already ahead of the game. Anything that you can do now will save your elderly mom and dad money and decrease stress and anxiety for you and your family when difficult decisions have to be made. We should all be prepared by planning early to allow our seniors and their family caregiving members to be more thoughtful and knowledgeable. It allows everyone involved a chance to explore all their options for when the time comes.

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