Aging in place.

• Author: Dickison, Emma
• Position: Life in America

AS AMERICANS age, there is an ever increasing need for a safer home environment. It is expected that, by 2030, 20% of the U.S. population already will have celebrated their 65th birthday. No one wants to give up their independence and, according to an AARP housing survey, 83% of older citizens want to stay in their current homes for the rest of their lives. This can create a very stressful situation for family members; yet, taking the proper precautions inside and outside the home allows aging loved ones to live safely and independently.

There is a wealth of technological resources that can be employed to that end. Medication management systems, for instance, use microchips to dispense multiple medications at preset times. The device is set with a digital alarm clock and usually can be loaded with multiple medications at once. Some have an alert system if the medication is not taken.

Fall censors are designed to be worn around the neck and automatically alert help if a 15.11 is detected. The wearer also has the ability to call for help--with the touch of a button--if something else is wrong. Fall censors are a great extension of caregivers and not only alleviate stress and worries from the family, but eliminate the potential guilt of someone not being present to help at that very moment.

Tracking devices, meanwhile, utilize GPS technology to locate the user during an emergency, allowing patients to maintain their independence whether they are alone or are under the watch of a caregiver. Many tracking devices actually will alert a responder if the patient does something specific, such as go outside of the home or attend a scheduled appointment. Some even allow users to speak directly with respondents to summon help if needed.

As for the actual physical aspects of a home's layout, seniors might require alterations to be made in their living arrangements in order to keep them safe and avoid serious accidents. There are a variety of companies who devote their services to accessibility solutions for the home, including ramp systems, lifts, shower installments, and safe handles. These installations often come with thorough instructions for certified caregivers so they can transfer clients from one location to another throughout the home.

Research shows that senior citizens typically own older homes, and are staying there much longer than their younger counterparts, which means family members need to make sure the home is suitable for senior...