Do you know that one third of American households are home to one or more residents 60 years or older? It is a good news/bad news story – the good news, Americans are living longer; the bad news, Americans are living longer.
What makes it bad news is the fact that with aging comes a change in abilities, which disrupts and places the person experiencing those changes at risk. The good news is that the use of assistive technology (AT) devices and services can decrease those risks and make staying home with age related changes possible, less disruptive, and safe.
IPAT staff fields calls, answers emails and meets with people experiencing age related changes daily. The common thread we note in all the inquiries is the desire to remain home, engaged and safe. Do you know that there are numerous AT devices available to do just that as hearing, vision and mobility skills decrease? There are, and we have created a booklet that will help you identify the areas and activities within the home that are often problematic. Use it to start a conversation about aging safely at home, and get some ideas for using AT as a support to living well and safely.
To discuss and explore AT devices in a home-like setting, visit IPAT’s Home First Showroom located at our Fargo office. It may be just what you need to spark ideas and see the potential of AT for someone you care about. For other ideas on how to begin making a home aging friendly, use these checklists developed by AARP and Rebuilding Together. With the use of AT our homes can become great places to grow up, live, and grow old.
Peggy, this is only part of the story, an accessible home, but admittedly a very important element remaining independent as we age. Many of us have a problem being able to afford assistance with daily living activities. Of course going along with being able to afford assistant you also need to be able to locate someone or some agency that will be able to provide the service. Can you imagine the problem someone living in rural parts of North Dakota, or anywhere else, finding an agency or someone to help?
Let’s continue this conversation! Bob
Bob, I agree that preparing to remain home is a multifaceted process to include creating an accessible environment, finding the funding to make that happen, and obtaining the support services for day-to-day life. IPAT is here to help those thinking about how to make that happen start and continue the remaining independent at home conversation. Thanks for your input and insight.
Hi Peggy,
I agree with Bob, and I applaud you in address this ever increasing problem. However, if you have any universities with Occupational Therapy programs, you may have an untapped resource. We occupational therapists specialize in home modification and task adaptations to allow people to remain in their homes for longer if not permanently. OT students are always looking for projects and programs to support. Just wanted to share a potential resource for you.
Sincerely,
Diane Collins, OT, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of OT, University of Texas Medical Branch
Galveston, TX
Thanks, Diane. The OT students are definitely a population that we reach out to and provide informational presentations on a regular basis throughout the state. We stress that the Assistive Technology programs throughout the country are a resource for them to use and work together with to provide the positive outcomes that we are all after. Thanks again for the comment.