“But I’ve always lived here”: Evidence Informed Analysis on Aging in Place

Authors

Roxanne Mueller, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
Allison Paris, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
Holly Olsen, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
Lindsey Valentine, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
Chris Childers, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

2-15-2020

Publication Title

"But I've Always Lived Here": Evidence Informed Analysis on Aging in Place

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this poster/presentation is to provide an exploration and analysis of aging in place. To ensure the success of the older adult to remain in their home it is essential to determine and meet the changing needs of the aging population in a way that preserves lifelong health and wellness.

Description: The global trend of population aging is on the continual rise due to longer life expectancy and lower fertility rates.¹ It is predicted that by the year 2036 one in every four individuals will be a senior citizen. In some areas, the availability of long-term care facilities is not sufficient to meet the needs of the population, resulting in seniors living in hospitals up to 6 months awaiting a room. This problem is expected to continue to grow.¹ While age related declines compromise an individual’s ability to maintain their personal wellbeing and household, maintaining independence is essential in the perception of successful aging.² Aging in place is the primary goal in the aging population; US housing data suggests that this is accomplished by 80% of older adults.² In addition to benefiting the emotional needs of seniors, aging in place has significant financial benefits on both the individual and the community at large, however the demands of the environment and the abilities of the person must align or a mal-adaptive situation occurs.²

Methods: Search USA: 2010-2019; Ag(e)ing in place, Ag(e)ing in place AND Challenges, Ag(e)ing in place AND quality of life, Ag(e)ing in place AND modification(s), Review of 7 articles

Conclusion: Recent evidence is suggesting that in the next 10 years, middle income seniors will no longer be able to afford assisted living facilities so the need for maximizing aging in place will significantly increase.

Summary of Use: This poster/presentation provides a summary of the benefits to aging in place, modifications and maintenance requirements for success and analyzes the factors contributing to decision making to ensure successful aging in place.

Clinical Relevance: Therapists working in the home health setting are often required to provide appropriate information when asked by their clients if they should or could safely remain in the home, aging in place. This poster/presentation provides therapists with an analysis of the benefits and challenges for individuals desiring to age in place and provides the therapist suitable topics to introduce to the conversation to ensure that an appropriate and evidence-informed decision is made by the client and their family.

Comments

Poster presented at the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Combined Sections Meeting (CSM), February 12-15, 2020 in Denver, CO.

References

1. Dupuis-Blanchard S, Gould ON, Gibbons C, Simard M, Éthier S, Villalon L. Strategies for Aging in Place: The Experience of Language-Minority Seniors With Loss of Independence. Glob Qual Nurs Res. 2015;2:2333393614565187. Published 2015 Feb 4. doi:10.1177/2333393614565187
2. Lecovich, E. Aging in place: From theory to practice. Anthropological Notebooks. 2014; 20 (1): 21–33. Szanton S. L., Leff B., Wolff J. L., Roberts L., and Gitlin, L. N., (2016). Home-Based Care Program Reduces Disability And Promotes Aging In Place. Health Affairs 35(9):1558-1563.
3. Hicks K. 15 Home modifications to make aging-in-place safe. Senior Advisor Website. https://www.senioradvisor.com/blog/2016/12/15-home-modifications-make-aging-place-safe/ . Published December 6, 2016. Accessed April 13, 2019.
4. Epps F, Weeks G, Graham E, Luster D. Challenges to aging in place for African American older adults living with dementia and their families. Geriatric Nursing. 2018; 20 (6): 646-652.
5. Fausset CB, Kelly AJ, Rogers WA, Fisk AD. Challenges to Aging in Place: Understanding Home Maintenance Difficulties. J Hous Elderly. 2011;25(2):125–141. doi:10.1080/02763893.2011.571105
6. McGill N. As senior population grows, aging in place gains popularity: communities conducting outreach. The Nation's Health;43(8):1-16.
7. Szanton S. L., Leff B., Wolff J. L., Roberts L., and Gitlin, L. N., (2016). Home-Based Care Program Reduces Disability And Promotes Aging In Place. Health Affairs 35(9):1558-1563.

Recommended Citation

Mueller R, Paris A, Olsen H, Valentine L, Childers C. “But I’ve always lived here”: Evidence Informed Analysis on Aging in Place. "But I've Always Lived Here": Evidence Informed Analysis on Aging in Place. 2020.