Learning About:
Housing Arrangements for Aging in Place
Mary Jane Carroll
What does home mean to you? The idea of "home" is as individual as each of us. Whether we live in the city, in the suburbs, or in the country, how we define our "home" depends on a myriad of variables. Regardless of the specifics, most of us think of our home as "an environment offering security and happiness". A valued place regarded as a refuge." Our home is a safe harbor, and where we choose to make our home is one of our most important decisions.
As we age, housing arrangements become even more important than when we were younger. Where we choose to live has a direct impact on our health and well being. Studies conducted by social psychologists in Canada and the United States have shown that housing is a significant factor in our quality of life, affecting everything from our mental health to our physical health. Further, one of the dominant trends that has emerged from these studies is that the vast majority of older adults in Canada with to "age in place."
What does it mean to age in place? According to the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons), to age i place is the "ability to live in one's own home - wherever that might be - for as long as confidently and comfortably possible." Although it is the preferred state, aging in place is not always as easy as it sounds. Too often the housing that was so desirable when mobility was not an issue becomes a burden as we age. Flights of stairs become increasingly difficult to negotiate, yard work becomes overwhelming, and bathrooms become virtual accident traps. This website sets out to help you make informed housing decisions to overcome some of these barriers. Use the checklist entitled "Ask not what you can do for your house, but what your house can do for you" to evaluate what you have right now, as well as what your needs might be in the future. It is important to understand the challenges thoroughly so that you may make informed decisions regarding home modifications. In the end, you may decide that aging in place where you are now is not the best solution, and that you may want to seek out another housing arrangement that more adequately meets your long term needs. Only you know the right choice for you.