Find out everything you need to know about hiring a certified aging-in-place specialist, and how these specialists can enhance safety and comfort in the home.
What is an Aging-in-Place Specialist?
At least 95% of adults aged 55 and older report that aging in place is an important goal, according to a new survey conducted by U.S. News & World Report. To facilitate aging in place, many seniors are relying on technology to help improve their quality of life. Wearable medical trackers, medical alert devices, smart-home technology, and service-based apps for grocery delivery are helping improve the quality of life for seniors who choose to age in place.
Even though technological advances are making it easier for seniors to remain in their homes, a certified aging-in-place specialist can give seniors, family members, and caregivers peace of mind. These professionals strive to design safe, accessible environments that enhance the quality of life for seniors.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and AARP developed the aging-in-place certification program or CAPS. It focuses on home modifications and design solutions that support independence as individuals age. These specialists are equipped with the knowledge to assess a home’s accessibility and safety, offering recommendations for modifications that help mitigate risks like falls or limited mobility.
Benefits of Hiring a Specialist
If your senior has expressed a desire to remain in their own home as long as possible, hiring an aging-in-place specialist is an important step. A one-time investment in home adjustments can make it feasible for seniors to stay at home for longer, reducing long-term care expenses.
An aging-in-place specialist offers many benefits:
- Enhanced safety: They conduct a personalized home evaluation to identify safety concerns and recommend modifications, such as grab bars, stair railings, wider doorways, and a ground-floor bedroom to reduce the risk of falls and accidents.
- Increased accessibility: They focus on ways to make the home more user-friendly. They often recommend installing adjustable shelves in the kitchen and barrier-free bathroom designs, like walk-in showers, slip-resistant flooring, and higher toilets.
- Peace of mind: Knowing your senior has a safe place to live can provide family members with the assurance they need to give the elderly the privacy and space they desire.
How to Find a Specialist
To find an aging-in-place specialist in your area, search the NAHB’s directory. They keep a list of specialists with up-to-date certifications. You can also seek referrals, online reviews, and other community resources to locate experts near you. Make sure your specialist has a background in the construction industry. They’ll visit your senior’s home to do an initial evaluation. Investing in home modifications may seem costly, but it doesn’t compare to the cost of an assisted living facility. The average monthly rent at an assisted living facility is $4,500. And home renovations can add value to the home, which will be beneficial when your senior is ready to sell.
Caregiving Plays a Key Role
Even with the guidance of an aging-in-place specialist, caregivers for the elderly still play a crucial role for seniors who live at home. Caregivers provide essential support, companionship, and assistance with daily activities, helping them maintain quality of life and independence. At A Place at Home, our compassionate caregivers can provide everything from companionship to around-the-clock care. We recognize that each senior’s needs are unique and create personalized care programs tailored to support you and your loved ones.
Let A Place At Home Help
Hiring an aging-in-place specialist and an in-home care service provider, like A Place At Home, can significantly improve the quality of life for your loved one. Our caregivers ensure your loved ones remain safe, healthy, and happy at home.
Find an A Place At Home location near you to get started.
