Deciding to Age in Place - Neighbor to Neighbor in the Nenes

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Deciding to Age in Place

While aging in place can have many different definitions, it typically refers to the concept of elders remaining within their homes, within their communities as they age instead of relocating.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines aging in place as “the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.”

There are many reasons people relocate to live with family or to live in institutional settings as they age, including medical need, geography of family, financial considerations, or social opportunities. However, elders’ aging in place can potentially promote elder life satisfaction, a positive quality of life, and self-esteem, along with benefiting the entire neighborhood by creating more enriched and more diverse community.

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What do I need to consider when deciding to age in place?

Consider the layout of your home and what physical accommodations your home may need to adapt with you as you age.
Consider your specific medical needs and what specialized medical care you may need as you age and how you can access that care while living in your home.
Consider your network of support, and who can check in with you as you age. Talk with your family and friends about your planning.
Consider how you are able to prepare for an accident, emergency, or disaster and what financial and human resources you have available to call upon.

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What legal issues do I need to to prepare for or know about?

Advance Directives: Including a Living Will and Health Care Surrogate designation, which provides guidance to medical providers and family about your end of life care should you be unable to speak for yourself. This documentation will provide legal direction to support keeping you in charge of your end of life care, and will reduce conflict or lack of clarity amongst loved ones and doctors.
This may or may not include a Do Not Resuscitate Form which gives 911 responders and other medical professionals the legal ability to not perform acute resuscitation.
Powers of Attorney: These documents provide for caregivers or others to support you legally if you become incapacitated.
Will/Revocable Trust: These documents identify where your belongings and money go after you die.
Baker Act: Elders should be aware of this Florida Law (and their rights) which allows for involuntary psychiatric evaluation.

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Who can help me if I decide I am no longer able to age in place? What would I do instead?

Creating a network of friends, family, and medical professionals to help you assess what is best for you as you age can be useful in decision making and in considering resources.
Determining secondary plans for different potential aging circumstances can create a sense of security for both you and your loved ones. Making decisions ahead of when they are needed can help increase the likelihood that you will be able to consider all opportunities, that your wishes can be met, and that financial considerations have been put in order. Talking with loved ones about opportunities to move closer to them, investigating institutional or progressive housing options can be helpful, even if you have no intention of leaving your home.

How can N3 help me age in place?

Through our yard work and house cleaning, we can facilitate your ability to care for your home.
By providing rides, meal delivery, and laundry services, we can support you in caring for your everyday needs.
Through our Friendly Phone Call and Friendly Visitor programs, and through our tech support services, we can help you stay connected to your neighbors and to the world.
Through our network of administration and referral opportunities, we can help to find you assistance when we cannot offer it ourselves.