While the vast majority of older Americans want to continue living in their own homes as they age, many will end up moving into senior living communities. A recent National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC) meeting in Washington D.C. addressed ways to avoid making that transition.
- Technology: webcams, Skype and other monitoring devices can greatly shorten the number of hours a caregiver must actually be in a home to provide support. Other solutions include: house-cleaning robots such as iRobot, automatic pill reminders, stovetop burners that automatically shut off if they get too hot, personal emergency response systems that connect to 24-hr help with a push of a button.
- The Village movement: usually for an annual fee, households have access to transportation, home maintenance services and in-home care. Depending upon the community, members may also have access to classes and activities.
- Subsidized housing: an affordable living concept that offers subsidized housing for those willing to live in a community while providing help to those with special needs.
Read the entire Forbes article about options that came up in the NAIPC meeting here.
