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From Aging Wiki 11

Revision as of 01:31, 1 November 2011

Group #11

• 1. Sarah Lane
• 2. Janice Harrison
• 3. Krystal McCord

Aging In Place

Aging in Place: The Home

As the population ages new issues are coming to our attentions as we must develop plans to deal with the potential problems which may result. One of the trending movements in the aging communities is aging at home. Research as shown that the number one reason behind the aging populating wishing to remain in the home is to maintain the maximum level of independence they can, for as long as they can ^[1]. It has been stated that as a person ages and passes various milestones, their location needs change, as such, an older adult is entering a new period in their life, and as such will face changes with their needs at home. These changes can be influenced by emotional attachment to the home structure, any necessary homecare that may be needed, finances and the structural layout of the home.

Emotional Attachment

There are three different terms that can all be used when discussing a place someone lives, there is a house, which is the objective space, a home which refers to the emotional attachment to the building and a dwelling, simply referring to a comfortable space ^[2]. The importance of a house during older age can come down to the emotional attachment to the building, their home. At all ages, having a place to call home is important, somewhere familiar, and safe that you can return to at the end of the day. The home can hold place to a person's sense of identity, self-expression and belongingness ^[2] and may even contribute to positive health benefits ^[3]. This importance of a home does not change as individuals age. Aging in place can provide the aging individual the opportunity to feel a sense of protection against determination as they age, may boost their esteem and can add to their sense of independence ^[2]. Researchers believe that by aging in the home, the elder will age in a healthier environment, knowing the environment, having a social network and a sense of belonging will provide positive emotions and support while the individual ages and may need more support that they did when they were younger ^[4]. While the world around them is changing, and their bodies are not working quite as well as they did when they were younger, a familiar home can provide the comfort and support an aging individual needs in their lives.

In-home care and finances

It is inevitable, that if an individual remains in their home for long enough, that they will at some point need some assistance in their living, whether it be for a short-time, or more long-term, it is an issue that must be addressed. Not only must the individuals find the in home support necessary, they must also find a way to pay for the added care. There are broad variations when considering what help may be needed to an aging individual, however when deciding if aging at home is that right option, one must explore all possibilities. Care that one can receive at home can range from someone coming in to take care of housework as the house becomes too much to care for, to someone coming into to help with daily activities, such as hygiene, transportation, control medications etc. Or, the individual maybe in such poor health that a 24-hour nursing service is required ^[3]. If an individual does enough research, resources are available to help the aging community in all stages of aging ^[5]. For someone aging at home, it is highly likely that they will need to look into seeking some assistance while living in the home ^[3]. However, with such intensive help, comes expensive costs. Currently, the older population spends a larger portion of their income on fuel and food when compared to any other age group ^[3]. This is likely a due to the fact that much of the older population depends on pensions and many are facing a new way of living, as their spouses pass away ^[3]. In an attempt to help with the financial strains that many elderly face, the Ontario government has developed a new "aging at home strategy" which will include more that $700 million in funding throughout the provinces with various health networks to aid seniors who are aging at home ^[5].

Structural changes in the house

Knowing that many older individuals are looking to stay at home, while acknowledging that declining health and mobility is likely results in structural changes being necessary for the home in order for the individual to live comfortably in their home ^[6]. There are some guidelines and standards set in place to make homes as accessible as possible. These guidelines include accessibility, ease of movement indoors and between levels, easy toileting and bathing as well as a controllable environment ^[4]. These structural guidelines are put in place to ensure that seniors will have proper mobility and independence within their own houses for as long as possible ^[6].