Promoting Independence At Home
The phrase "Aging-in-Place" is a new buzzword (or words), that is now coming up more and more in planning a remodel or addition. For this important topic we welcome our guest writer, Jennifer DeRosa. Jennifer is an occupational therapist with AdaptABLE for LIFE. She works closely with contractors on remodels addressing the "Aging-In-Place" issue.
What does "Aging-in-Place" mean?
In the past if someone had difficulty taking care of themselves due to an illness or an injury, it was just assumed the only option was for the person to move into a nursing home or with family members. Thanks to advances in technology, growing concepts in remodeling and home design, and specialized healthcare professionals; a growing number of people have found new ways to stay in their homes. This is called "Aging in Place".
Living life to it's fullest in your home of choice is multi-factorial and includes the following considerations: health conditions, environmental factors, lifestyle and socializing as well as financial planning.
REBUILDING INDEPENDENCE
Americans of all ages value their independence and freedom. But, without a comprehensive plan to accommodate for changes along the way: recovering from a hip replacement, or adapting to life in a wheelchair, can make life very stressful and ordinary tasks difficult if not impossible. Using your core values as a compass to navigate through and devise a plan, you can "live life to its fullest".
I think this story of a client of mine will best explain how to devise a plan to "age-in-place" and define who the team players are.
Earl and Delores have been married for 58 years. For 56 of those years they have lived in the same home and neither of them have plans for moving. Their passion for living in this home was challenged early on when Delores was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1964. She fought her illness for nearly a year and recovered her ability to walk again. Now, 78 years old, Delores with the help of Earl, is trying to overcome the effects of aging with MS.
Like many caregivers, Earl had a gut instinct that he needed to make changes in the home now so that he could continue to take care of his wife. Recognizing that he too is vulnerable to injury and burnout, "I just worry about myself if anything happens to me, the burden will fall on my daughter who has MS and two children of her own," he took action.
REBUILDING INDEPENDENCE - IT TAKES A TEAM
Delores' desire to take a shower daily was uncompromising; however she now relied on a wheelchair to get around. Earl knew he needed to remodel the bathroom. After getting a couple of bids from local contractors, he realized he wasn't talking to the right person. "I needed to talk to someone who knew how I could best help Delores in the bathroom space." After meeting with an occupational therapist specially trained in home accessibility , Earl had a clear understanding of how best to use the space, the needed products/fixtures, and was able to prioritize his remodeling needs. With his family's support, the resources available through the WA Chapter of the MS Society, a qualified contractor and a consultant with AdaptABLE for LIFE, Earl was able to build the bathroom that fit his and Delores' needs.
Jennifer DeRosa, BS, OTR/L, CAPS
AdaptABLE for LIFE
Warm regards,
