The literal definition of Age in Place, "Aging in Place is growing older without having to move". According to the Journal of Housing for the Elderly, it is simply stated as that one does not have to move from their existing residence for securing necessary support services in response to varying/shifting needs of aged individuals.
‘Aging in Place’ could be quoted in reference to many options of living. It can be with reference to living where one has lived for most part of their lives, or living in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. It is also quoted in context to being able to access/avail certain products, facilities and amenities to let or facilitate one to not have to move with gradual aging.
The term ‘Aging in Place’ is increasingly used in the rapidly growing senior housing facilities. That is, moving to any assisted living facility, then ‘to age in place’ by moving into the facility, and to ‘start aging’.
The age in place concept is a feature available in all types of assisted living facilities even in specialized care centers for individuals suffering from Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s, dementia etc.
Though the concept of ‘Aging in Place’ is for individuals, who choose to remain in their choice of residence/community, with the gradual decline in health and onset of aging, it is but a prudent and factual option to move into an Assisted living facility, where one can continue to live and experience a good support system and also experience the ‘Aging in Place factor’. And so it is beneficial to one’s loved ones when choosing a good assisted living facility and it does tremendously ease responsibilities and constant concerns of children for their aging parents/relatives.
In a good and caring assisted living facility or ALF, the ‘displacement theory’ is taken care of. For ex, if a person has practically lived his/her life in a community and is moved to a facility for varied reasons, a good atmosphere and sound support system in the ALF takes care of any feelings of unsettlement and the full-range of support and accessibilities available will help individuals ease into their new settings with minimal discomfort.
When looking for a good assisted living facility or caregiver, these pointers could assist in choosing the right and appropriate home for one’s loved ones:
1. An ALF should have a thorough and solid structure in place.
2. An ALF should have experienced, trained and a good number of staffers.
3. A foolproof medical emergency system.
4. Helping a person, to settle in, adjust and blend in with the other inmates and surroundings.
5. Help and initiate the Age in place factor, which is of primary importance to all residents.
6. Specialized care for individuals with special needs and assistance.
7. A facility that aids in establishing a ‘Home-away-from-home’ factor for each and every resident living in the facility.