Aging in Place
Promoting Independence and Fulfillment for Seniors in Our Community
By Seth Rankin, Goodwill at Home, Colorado Springs LIVING WELL Magazine
We have all heard the heartwarming stories of loved ones who were able to remain in their home, surrounded by family and friends, to live out their golden years. Isn’t that what we all want for our families? Isn’t that what we would choose for ourselves? Most American seniors desire to stay in their homes for their entire life. In fact, an AARP survey found this number to be greater than 80% of seniors. This concept is called “aging in place,” defined as the ability to make the choice of where and with whom we would like to live out our lives.
Contrary to popular belief, most American seniors live independently while maintaining strong relationships with family and friends. Studies indicate that depression occurs less frequently in non-institutionalized seniors than among young adults. That said, age-related changes can and do occur, and many of us will require assistance on some level as we grow older.
So how do we address an increased need for assistance while maintaining our independence? Nursing homes can play a vital role in long-term care; however, a certain amount of control is lost when one leaves home. This “control” over our lives and the choices we make is fundamental to maintaining our personal dignity, quality of life and independence. Leaving behind a comfortable setting, familiar community and associated memories is a challenge no matter what age you are.
Thankfully, there are other long-term care options that allow aging adults to maintain a high level of independence and engagement. One option is adult day centers, which originated in the 1960s and really took root in the 1980s after (then) President Ronald Reagan created National Adult Day Services Week prompting Americans “to consider the value of adult day care centers and to give appropriate recognition to centers offering these important services.” Decades after this groundbreaking declaration, the number of adult day care centers has multiplied to more than 3,500 nationwide.
Senior day programs keep participants engaged, comfortable and safe while deflecting the high cost of long-term care. Many day centers employee specialized staff—including activity coordinators, who organize outings, crafts, cooking classes, computer training and more. Some programs even feature certified therapeutic recreation specialists and certified nursing assistants to address participants’ unique needs, such as treatment services and medication administration for individuals with disabilities and illnesses. The value of such programs and services extend far beyond their therapeutic and socialization benefits, though, by providing much-needed respite for family members, who invest considerable time and energy in caring for their aging loved ones.
Caregivers can find comfort in knowing their family members are safe and engaged in stimulating activities throughout the day while they are attending to personal commitments and taking time for themselves and their families—important priorities that caregivers too often neglect. And, of course, there’s the incalculable benefit of knowing that your loved ones will be returning to their homes and families at the end of the day.
Another option available as a stand-alone service or in tandem with adult day care is in-home care. In-home care comes in two varieties—medical and non-medical. These supplemental services can help seniors remain at home rather than using residential, long-term or institutional-based care. Non-medical services can include assistance with errands, housekeeping, grocery shopping, meal preparation, laundry service and aid with personal hygiene and feeding, as well as companionship.
Along with the obvious appeal of allowing seniors to stay in their homes longer and maximize their independence and quality of life, these programs and services can be obtained at a fraction of the cost of nursing homes and assisted living centers … and without the obligation of long-term contracts. That’s not to say that there won’t come a time when a nursing home or assisted living center is the appropriate decision for those you care for but, until then, please remember that you have choices.
For more information on adult day centers or in-home, non-medical assistance, please contact Seth Rankin at 719-381-9468 or info@goodwill-colosprings.org.
