By Rimas Jasin
The term “age in place” was originally intended to describe a person living in the residence of their choice, for as long as they are able, as they age. But has today’s emphasis on a “person centered” approach redirected the focus simply to what the client wants? What about what makes the most sense for them? I might want to eat a quart of ice cream every evening…but that doesn’t mean I should. The same holds true for my hopes to age in place. I might want to live in my current home until I die – but I should know that is highly unlikely. While most Americans would prefer to die at home, less than 25% actually do. Most of us will die someplace else… often a nursing home. Our planning to “age in place” needs to include a practical and realistic assessment of our physical environment and the immediate community for the long, long…long term. How accessible is my home? Will I be able to maintain it? Am I close enough to family? Will I have the access to the healthcare that I need as I grow older, frailer?
Perhaps it’s wiser to be thinking about it as one’s “second-to-last” home? Ultimately, any plan to age in place should include at least one really good “Plan B”.