Aging-in-Place….. What does it mean?
Cindi and Scott Ross with Home Sweet Accessible Home, Jacksonville, FL
Aging-in-Place is a becoming a common term used among health care and service providers who care for seniors. Aging-in-Place (derived from ‘age in place’) is the ability to live in one’s own home – wherever that might be – for as long as confidently and comfortably possible. Livability can be extended through the incorporation of universal design principles, telecare and other assistive technologies. These technologies also span categories of communication and engagement, health and wellness, home safety and security, and learning and contribution. (1).
Occupational Therapists are a vital part of the team in the aging-in-place service delivery model. Part of AOTA’s 2017 Centennial Vision “is to meet society’s occupational needs”. This can be done with seniors by helping them to age in place and “live life to its fullest”. OTs are able to assess how a person may function in their home and participate in activities of daily living (ADLs). We gather this information and make recommendations to improve a person’s independence and safety within their home, which may include things such as widening doorways, improving lighting, installing grab bars, and building a ramp or a roll-in shower.
A 2010 census shows our nation’s population is aging – Florida ranks 5th. Between 2000 and 2010, the population 45 to 64 years old grew 31.5 percent to 81.5 million. This age group now makes up 26.4 percent of the total U.S. population. The large growth among 45- to 64-year-olds is primarily because of the aging of the baby boom population.
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