What Aging in Place Looks Like at Almost 90
Mack and Joyce are almost 90-years-old. They live independently in their North Carolina home and are very much Aging in Place. Aging in place is the idea of staying in your home independently, safely and comfortably for as long as possible. Regardless of age, income or ability level. For some people, aging in place might mean having the goal of living in their home into their final days of life. Whereas for others, it could look like staying in their home for as long as they do not need to have a live-in nurse.
For Mack and Joyce, they would like to stay in their home as long as physically possible. And so far, they are doing just that, with the help of technology and family. But exactly what does that look like for them? How did they get to here from there?
How They Transitioned to Aging in Place
Mack and Joyce met in 1948 at Northwestern University. They married after graduating in 1952 and were soon busy working and raising a family, first in Green Bay, Wisconsin and later in Plantation, Florida. During this time period, Mack served in the U.S. Marine Corps for three years and the Reserves for four years. Fast forward to 2020, they have had 7 children, 9 grandchildren, and almost 67 years of marriage.
When they were 82-years-old, their children encouraged them to leave their home of 37 years in Florida and relocate to an area of the country where any of their children lived. The idea was that by being closer to family, they could have more supports in place as they became older. The decision was difficult for Mack and Joyce, but they both knew they needed help with routine things around the house, reminders, and weekly errands.
They decided to move to North Carolina, to be close to three of their children. Their goal was simple: To continue to live independently with a high quality of life, empowered by specific supports in place.
Concerns Addressed
The move to North Carolina addressed a few key concerns both they and their children shared at that time:
Being a fall risk and needing assistance getting back up
Receiving assistance with driving, such as to the grocery store or appointments
Having help within reach if there was an emergency
Needing community and socialization
Implementing a variety supports to assist with daily reminders (for example, empty the dishwasher or take medication)
Wanting to live a comfortable, happy life during these aging years
Peace of mind for them and family that they are safe
Living Independently
Technology is an important piece of the solution for empowering individuals to live independently. The idea is that technology will fit seamlessly into a loved one’s life by empowering rather than monitoring. And for assistive technology to work effectively in every aspect of an individual’s life, it must also work in conjunction with other natural support systems. That can include things such as paid support, family support, health care, or any other options a family member needs to live a high quality of life.
By incorporating multiple support systems, Mack and Joyce are able to self-determine the life they want to lead.
In order to address all of Mack and Joyce’s concerns with living independently, several components were implemented into their weekly routine:
PERs unit: Mack and Joyce received a SimplyHome Personal Emergency Response Unit (PERS). By pushing the pendant button in the case of an emergency, they would instantly be connected to a 24/7 Response Center with two-way communication to receive help.
Support from Family: With several children living nearby, Mack and Joyce get meals prepared for them regularly, laundry done and plenty of conversation. For them, having family support also means occasionally asking questions that address concerns such as, What do I (you) need help with? What would help us have peace of mind? In their household, it is a team effort.
Physical Therapy: This is a new piece of the aging in place process for Mack and Joyce. They are each working with a physical therapist to help them be physically comfortable.
Each new year for Mack and Joyce is a new stage - different needs pop up, ranging from physical to medical changes, and therefore the supports must adapt. That is why it’s important for their supports to be flexible. Both Mack and Joyce and their children (as caregivers) are staying open to what aging in place might look like for them in 6 months or one year from now, and staying updated on which options are available to best fit their needs. Down the road, that might mean a stove sensor to help Joyce remember if a stove is still turned on, or door sensors so that the family knows when they have returned from going outside.
No matter your stage, aging in place is a process. And when implemented correctly and proactively, staying in your home is not only possible but enjoyable.
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