What is Aging in Place?

Aging in place is almost exactly what it sounds like, its aging where you are, making the choice to live in your own home in your later years. In theory it seems simple but there is a lot of preparation that goes into it, however, with proper planning it is possible. As people age many of them want to stay in their own homes but in order to do so planning has to begin early. Some resources on aging in place recommend people begin planning in their early working years in order to be able to retire and age the way they want to later in life.

Planning begins with determining what types of assistance you may want or need down the line, this means making financial allowances for services. It is important to consider how you want to live, do you intend to live with a spouse, family, friends or alone? Are there any illnesses you may be likely to have later in life that you can plan for now? Based on these people can predict their future lifestyle and begin planning the kinds of assistance they may need later on, maybe they will need help with household tasks, financial management, meal preparation, healthcare, and transportation among others. It is important to seek out the assistance you need and if you are unable to then have someone seek out that assistance for you. In order to afford the assistance needed it is important to plan ahead financially and also look for affordable and free services where they are offered. Community organizations, government agencies, Veterans’ Affairs, and religious groups have various benefits that can assist people in aging in place. There are also resources for finding care through the National Institute on Aging, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, and Eldercare Locator. Getting older can happen at happily, at home and on your own terms. 

Check out these sites for more information on aging in place:

https://www.nia.nih.gov/

https://www.n4a.org/

https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx

Seeking Help with Exercise, Balance, and Mobility?

According to the Center of Disease Control more than 50 percent of adults 80 or older fall once per year. As young healthy children the world is our playground. Activities such as walking and jumping seem fun and second nature. It is hard for us to imagine our future and how our health will be impacted by the patterns we establish early on. As we become older the body's systems begin to break down. The more we age, falls and accidents can impact our daily quality of life. To prevent balance issues and health ailments like osteoporosis and arthritis, elderly individuals should seek out physical therapy treatments.

C.h physical therapy trains older people to improve their dynamic balance and incorporates custom healthy lifestyle improvements to achieve long term positive results. With locations in Beaverton, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Portland's Pearl District, Mall 205, and Tigard C.h is ready to help any and all older people keep and maintain their independence. They accept numerous insurance networks, including Medicare and Medicaid. To learn more about combating age related health problems in physical therapy capacity visit  https://chphysicaltherapy.com/what-we-do/specialties/geriatrics/

Meals on Wheels, Helping the Elderly Stay in Place

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Amongst the many issues an elderly person may encounter, remaining independent and being able to take care of one’s self in the home is a huge concern. Many elderly are unable to remain independent and their ability to complete everyday tasks, such as making meals, becomes impossible. Meals on Wheels serves seniors 60 years of age or over who are at risk of malnutrition and unable to leave their home. Not only does Meals on Wheels help the elderly stay in their home, the program also improves their quality of life, as the elderly are visited by volunteers of the program. 

Every state has a Meals on Wheels program, all assisted by nonprofit organizations. Meals on Wheels People serves the Multnomah, Washington, and Clark counties. This specific organization has about 110 full-time and part-time employees, but needs 500 volunteers every day. To get involved, visit the Meals on Wheels People Volunteer Page.