Surveys show that 90 percent of Americans want to “age in place”. And, there are many ways seniors can retrofit their homes to do so. But refitting the physical aspects of a home are not all the factors that need to be addressed in order to age in place well – particularly for those who live alone.
Unfortunately, many seniors live alone. Being alone presents unique issues when it comes to aging in place. Many baby boomers have lost their partner, never married or are divorced. There are many couples who didn’t have children or have children who live far away and are involved in their own lives. Seniors lose their friends to relocation, to residential facilities, illness and death. They lose their ability to drive and often stop leaving the house. All of these factors lead to isolation and deteriorating mental and physical health of the senior. Is aging in place always the best solution for seniors?
This concept was brought home to me this past year while managing a client’s life. The person became a client after a neighbor learned that she hadn’t paid bills for six months and was in danger of losing her home through foreclosure. Her electricity and telephone had been turned off for non-payment. She had no family or friends and had lost touch with her neighbors. She had been an out-going person but little by little she lost contact with people and ended all outside activities. She hadn’t had a shower or bath, nor had she washed her hair, in more than a year. She ate irregularly, lost weight, became physically and mentally frail. I tried to adhere to her wishes of staying in her home until she had two serious falls. It was time to make a change as aging in place was no longer the best option.
A wonderful family-run facility became her new home. Almost immediately she started eating three meals a day. She gained weight, started engaging with the staff and other residents. She became socially active. She participated in exercise sessions, danced to Saturday Night Fever, and joined the manager on trips to purchase items for the facility. She improved her stability and strength. Although she’s not a mother, on Mother’s Day she got dressed up and posed with the rose given to her in a white and navy-blue suit and hat. Clearly, she is thriving. This decision was by far and away the best one for her. She is healthier, happier and has improved her quality of life.
A study in the American Journal of Public Health found that seniors who are socially active may have slower rates of declining memory. Aging in place was not the best option for this person and it may not be the best option for a loved-one. When faced with this decision it is important to be objective. The family, friend or neighbor who is managing the decision will need to create a thorough list of the issues at hand and the pros and cons of the alternatives that will guide the decision. We at Personal Affairs Management Group are available If you need assistance with this process.
Whatever it takes, the Personal Affairs Management Group is here to make your life simple, reduce your stress and get things done. We specialize in helping all aspects of the day-to-day of busy professionals, families and seniors. We have a team devised to tackle and manage concerns that many may have. If you have questions or need information about you or your loved one’s life management issues, please reach out to us. We are here to make your life simple, secure and stress-free. Call us at 305-646-1833 or email at Corrine@mypersonalaffairsmanagement.com.
