Aging in place refers to someone staying in their current environment as they grow older. Many times, the home we buy when we are middle age does not allow for the physical changes we may experience from a progressive disability or normal aging.
The best way to promote aging in place is to provide appropriate home modifications and falls prevention strategies.
Visitability is similar to having an accessible home where any aging person can go. It refers to creating a barrier free entrance and first floor setup for anyone regardless of age, physical or cognitive ability. The ADA makes requirements for public buildings to have standards for accessibility and visitability, but these requirements do not carry over to your personal property and home.
What are the alternatives to “Aging In Place”?
- Living with Family
- The family member’s home may also need additional home modifications to allow for an older adult to safely manage and prevent falls.
- Living with an older family member may create stress for the “sandwich generation” of adult children caring for their own kids, their older parents, and working at the same time.
- Right now is especially difficult with a lot of middle aged adults working from home and facilitating virtual learning for their children. Adding an additional person to care for may create extra stress.
- In Home Private Duty Personal Aide
- The goal of working with a healthcare provider would be to decrease the amount of 1:1 personal care they need weekly in order to cut caregiver costs.
- If someone requires assistance from a personal care attendant, having a home modification occupational therapist assess needed adaptations will be helpful in order to reduce risk for injuries during activities of daily living and transfers.
- See table below for average costs in the Washington DC Area.
- Assisted Living Facilities
- At some point, moving to assisted living may be required, especially for memory care services.
- See table below for average costs in the Washington DC Area.
- Nursing Home
- See table below for average costs in the Washington DC Area.
| Average Monthly Cost | 2021 |
| Homemaker Services | $5,339 |
| Homemaker Health Aide (44hr/week) | $5,339 |
| Adult Day Health Care | $2,282 |
| Assisted Living Facility | $5,948 |
| Nursing Home Care Semi-Private Room | $11,467 |
| Nursing Home Care Private Room | $13,049 |
Sometimes having attendant care, or moving to a senior care community is inevitable.
That’s ok, we can help!
- We are able to provide assessments to determine the amount of attendant care someone may need based on their physical and cognitive abilities.
- We are able to assess someone’s new living environment in a senior care community to ensure that it has the safety measures and home modifications that will keep them safe as they transition to their new home.
More than ever it is vital to keep your loved ones safe at home, to prevent falls, prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, and prevent needless moves to skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities or long term care.
If you do not feel comfortable with us coming to your home or your loved one’s home, we are offering virtual sessions. Please contact us today to learn how we can help.
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