“Aging In Place” is new terminology used by healthcare professionals and by residential care facilities for the elderly, like Assisted Living facilities. Age in Place means that a facility provides needed care and services through the end of a patient’s life without disrupting their environment. This is beneficial for elderly individuals to gracefully age at one location while knowing that they will get the level of care they need, which also reassures families and loved ones that they are getting the best care. Assisted living facilities that allow for this care have a wide range of services and staff of skilled health professionals.
Healthy Aging in Place is also recognized by the CDC, which defines it as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” Overall, Aging in Place is defined as one who can age at one location within their own means.
Some common concerns about Aging in Place are:
- Mobility at home and in the community.
- Finding activities and friends.
- Safety, financial, and housing concerns.
- Getting help with personal care, household chores, and meals.
Some resources to help Seniors age in place gracefully:
- Communicate with friends, family, and neighbors as a source for help and support.
- Get help from a local library or look online about your community and local government’s resources. For example, in Los Angeles county there is the Program for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
- Talk to your primary care physician about long-term care planning for healthy aging.
- Look into federal government sources. For example, the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has supportive services and programs for elderly housing.
- Look into Assisted Living communities with independent living options or continuing care retirement communities if living in your home is too much responsibility. We at WellPath Partners can help with this process.
If you or your elderly loved one is in need of further assistance, WellPath Partners offers many different resources and services for seniors and their family members. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for help!
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By: Hilda Huambachano
Placement Coordinator at WellPath Partners
B.S. in Health Science & Biology at San Diego State University
MPH Candidate at California State University, Long Beach
