Source: October 2010 Newsletter from the Senior Real Estate Council
This Senior Real Estate Council Newsletter highlights a major September, 2010 study undertaken by the Mature Market Institute examining the very important issue of “Aging in Place”. Established in 1997, the Mature Market Institute (MMI) is MetLife’s research organization and a recognized thought leader on the multi-dimensional and multi-generational issues of aging and longevity.
This Senior Real Estate Council Newsletter highlights a major September, 2010 study undertaken by the Mature Market Institute examining the very important issue of “Aging in Place”. Established in 1997, the Mature Market Institute (MMI) is MetLife’s research organization and a recognized thought leader on the multi-dimensional and multi-generational issues of aging and longevity.
“Aging in Place” is staying in one’s own home even when age- or health-related changes make it difficult to care for oneself easily and safely. Though almost everyone says they want to Age in Place, individuals or families trying to assist an older relative may find it difficult. Organizing, confirming, and managing care and services can be a daunting task because the delivery system is often fragmented, and needed services may be difficult to find or not always available in an individual’s local area. While acknowledging that steps are being taken by agencies, government, and businesses to make it easier to Age in Place, the real challenge is answering “What strides do we need to create a system that is good and easy enough for Aging in Place to reach its promise?”
Aging in Place has three goals.
1) happier, more satisfied older citizens living in homes of their choice with control, dignity, and respect — essentially independence.
2) better, more economical use of available resources to make it is less expensive for people to stay at home with services rather than move to residential care facilities if they do not desire to do so.
3) the creation of a coordinated, comprehensive, and collaborative relationship between businesses and service providers to support Aging in Place. This would also enhance the creation of business opportunities and jobs to provide the services older individuals need to remain in their homes.
While the study identifies several things that homeowners can do to help themselves right now. And that entails incorporating universal design in their homes. It's something everyone can do when contemplating renovations and upgrades. "One problem is that most home were not designed and built for the needs of aging residents or care giving," says the report.
Moreover, most families don't consider upgrades for aging in place until a crisis hits. Then they're planning and building in a panic, which doesn't always yield the best, most efficient results.
Here's one way to prioritize projects.
1. Falls Prevention - Remove throw rugs, especially in bathrooms
- Install grab bars and grips in the bathroom
- Install sturdy handrails on both sides at steps
- Provide good lighting and switching, especially at stairs, halls, and entries
- Secure or remove carpets at stairs
- Install soft path lighting for nighttime mobility
- Install grab bars and grips in the bathroom
- Install sturdy handrails on both sides at steps
- Provide good lighting and switching, especially at stairs, halls, and entries
- Secure or remove carpets at stairs
- Install soft path lighting for nighttime mobility
2. Safe & easy flow of movement into, and around, the house- Remove or reduce the number and/or height of steps
- Increase the width of steps for easy side stepping. Wider steps also allow the use of both hands on one rail
- Create clear and open paths to the bedroom and bathroom.
- Rearrange furniture, entertainment systems, and spaces to improve the ability to move easily.
- Increase the width of steps for easy side stepping. Wider steps also allow the use of both hands on one rail
- Create clear and open paths to the bedroom and bathroom.
- Rearrange furniture, entertainment systems, and spaces to improve the ability to move easily.
3. Substantial renovations - Install a no-step shower or bath lift mechanism
- Install a sink that allows the adult to sit
- Create more space around the toilet to allow for a caregiver to provide assistance
- Provide seated and/or multi-level food preparation areas in the kitchen
- Create sun- and rain-protected outdoor areas
- Install backup power sources (e.g. a generator) in case of power outages
- Install a sink that allows the adult to sit
- Create more space around the toilet to allow for a caregiver to provide assistance
- Provide seated and/or multi-level food preparation areas in the kitchen
- Create sun- and rain-protected outdoor areas
- Install backup power sources (e.g. a generator) in case of power outages
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