Ageing in place: Making home safer for the golden years
Ageing in place is the ability to continue to live in one’s home or community with access to health and social support. It’s a choice that most older adults would prefer rather than moving to assisted living, a nursing facility or another option. There are three general considerations: making the home accessible and safe; building resilience, including the physical and mental capacity of the individual; and, finally, being intentional about seeking social connections. Combined, these support the ability to live independently and with dignity while maintaining the individual’s usual community ties. Ultimately, the secret to successfully ageing in place is timing. Far too often, individuals or families wait for a medical crisis or a serious fall before they consider home modifications or the importance of exercise and cognitive stimulation. A favourite chair that one struggles to get out…