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Successful Aging in Place Takes Planning

by Nancy Eustis January 25, 2010

I’ve been studying, writing and teaching about long-term care since I was 24 and I’m now in my sixties. In the beginning, long-term care was all about nursing homes. In the late seventies and early eighties, we focused on comparing the costs and benefits of home care versus nursing-home care, in part to make the case for spending public dollars on alternatives.Now it is widely accepted that supporting disabled or frail persons in their homes is the priority.

Minnesota is a leader in supporting aging in place by spending a relatively large proportion of its Medicaid dollars on home- and community based services rather than on nursing homes.

Despite the savings that more use of community-based services provide, the future costs of long-term care still threaten to overwhelm states’ budgets. Policy makers rightly urge that we take more personal responsibility in planning for our own needs in case of frailty or dependency. How do we plan for ourselves or help our elders in doing so?

VAN’s ALVA Leadership Program has spawned two publications that can help. Peggy Gaard and Gail Skogland have just published “Proactive to Stay Active” to assist individual to be proactive rather than reactive in facing major life changes. Mark and Janet Skeie, both ALVA grads, published Mapping Your Retirement, www.mappingyourretirement.org, a guide to plan for life choices, health options, and financial needs.

Remaining in your home as you age is possible only if your home provides an environment that supports your changing needs. The concept of universal design offers a useful tool for developing environments that allow people to remain independent for as long as possible. In the context of homes, universal design features elements such as a no-step entry, wide interior doorways and passages, maneuverable kitchen and bathroom layouts, easy to use cabinets and sinks, contrasting colors, and so forth. The website of Minneapolis-based Lifetime Home Project (www.lifetimehome.us) provides useful information for building or adapting housing for accessibility.

Finally, individuals can take responsibility for their future needs by purchasing long-term care insurance. Minnesota provides an attractive option, the Long-term Care Partnership.Minnesota’s residents who purchase qualifying policies have more of their assets protected if they later need help from the state.

Nancy Eustis, PhD
Chair, Vital Aging Network

Comments

Bonnie Esposito - February 05, 2010
Another local housing option for "Aging in Place" is promoted by a small nonprofit organization - Golden Girl Homes, Inc (GGH). This volunteer run organization promotes shared housing much like the women portrayed on the TV show "Golden Girl Homes." GGH brings women together for information sessions, workshops, and just to meet other like-minded women who may want to share their own home, buy into a home with other older women, or rent part of a home with others. More than housing, GGH promotes intentional community to combat isolation and depression. For more information visit the GGH website at www.goldengirlhomes.us

Nancy E. Lee - January 28, 2010
A NORC (Naturally Occuring Retirement Community) Project is occurring in West Seventh and Highland Park of St. Paul right now to enhance seniors access to services and support their aging in place. Jewish Family Service of St. Paul, in partnership with the Highland Block Nurse Program, the Jewish Community Center, Ramsey County Human Services Department, Sholom Community Alliance, and the West Seventh Community Center, has been funded by the US Administration on Aging (AOA). Incorporating a particpatory community resident advisory model, the NORC Partnership will create collaborations and increase efficiencies in service delivery of local organizations that have significant contact with persons over 55 years old. The outcome should enhance the independence, vitality, and quality of life for seniors so they can remain living in their community as long as possible. It will offer resources to them, their caregivers and others who are reaching retirement age. If anyone needs more information about this project email: norcinfo@jfssp.org or call 651-698-0767

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