Aging in Place

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Aging in place is a term used to describe how a person can live in the home of their choice (whether their existing home or another), while getting any assistance they need as they age, for as long as they are able.

The act of aging in place can span many years, through many changes for a person, including physical, mental and situational changes. The goal is to create the life that will continue to get the things you need out of life and feel empowered to continue building the best life you are able as you grow older.

Aging in place is about quality of life, on your terms, no matter how old you are or what your abilities are.

 

Aging in place at home

The idea that aging in place (in terms of your home) and universal design try to convey is that, by planning to stay in your home and making changes in it and your lifestyle, it will help ensure your home continues to meet your needs over the years.

These ideas are becoming more important in the design and remodeling world. Mainly, due to the fact that people don’t want to move just because they’re a little older; they want to stay in the home of their choice. That’s where making the choice to have your home remodeled and updated to meet your immediate and future needs comes into play.

Today, older adults overwhelmingly would rather stay in their home, rather than leave to go into a retirement community. They are much more comfortable with the idea of aging in place, and living where they are familiar with the neighborhood and are filled with the memories of their home! Adaptive housing techniques can transform your home, lessening the dangers of growing old and allowing you to enjoy your home for life!

Home modifications should be made in order to accommodate the changes that may or may not take place later in life. Which, is why we provide a range of services to support the range of needs people may have, while they grow older.

 

Aging in Place home modifications

Home modifications and remodeling can be a great way to accommodate the changes that come with growing older. The goal is to help you remain safely in your home and do so, independently.

Let’s say you fall in the shower and end up in the hospital. In order to be released to go home, there has to be an in-home evaluation inspection. If the evaluator doesn’t find your home acceptable to return to as-is, they will most likely make recommendations about changes that should be made.

Unfortunately, when that happens, you have to scramble to get the changes made … perhaps paying more and it taking more time than it should. Sometimes, these “professionals” don’t do work that turns out the way you expected. That’s where we can help.

OHCIH, LLC performs a thorough assessment of your home, then assists you in developing a plan for your home and lifestyle (as necessary). We will help with hiring, coordinating and overseeing the various contractors who perform the necessary renovations in order for you to comfortably and safely age in place.

We have been recognized by groups, such as The National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers, ElderPro (the Association of Elderservice Professionals), ProAging, National Aging in Place Council, The Alzheimer’s Association and many others.

Aging in place remodeling for your home

One of the questions we get regularly is, “What would our home look like if it had been remodeled for aging in place?” Here is some information that will help you understand the type of work we regularly recommend for our clients. Understanding, of course, that every home is different, so are the needs of the people living there.

As we stated before, the goal of aging in place is to create a home that is not only more enjoyable to live in, but easier and adapts to your needs as you grow older and your situations change.

 

Main floor living

Main floor living describes being able to accomplish your tasks of daily living on one floor of the home. Essentially, the floor that is most easily accessible and does not require the use of stairs. This includes:

  • Master bedroom (or owner's suite)
  • Full accessible bathroom
  • Laundry facilities
  • Kitchen (that is easily used)
  • Common areas
  • Easy access by at least one doorway from the outside
  • No obstacles to get to that doorway, into the home.

Keep yourself comfortable & safe

Our ultimate goal is to help each and every one of our clients to stay at home (the house of their choice) for as long as they are able, while getting any assistance or support they need as they grow older. It sounds like a tall order, but we are experts in helping older adults continue to build lives that help them feel a sense of security, safety and quality of life.