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Aging in Place ~ What it Really Means

Pat Fream

You’ve heard the term ‘Aging in Place’ but what does it really mean?
 
The formal definition of Aging in Place is “having the health and social supports and services you need to live safely and independently in your home or your community for as long as you wish and are able.”

In a practical sense, Aging in Place has important mental and emotional implications for seniors. It allows them the freedom and ability to make and be supported in their personal choices for as long as possible.

 
It also allows them:

  • A sense of safety and security
  • The benefits of routine and a social network
  • Proper nourishment and care
  • A sense that they have some measure of control over their aging experience
  • A way to preserve their dignity
  • A quality of life they deserve

 
For seniors who are ready to leave their own homes but still wish to maintain a level of independence, consider a seniors community such as AgeCare, which was founded on the concept of ‘Aging in Place’.  Seniors can live together in a warm, welcoming community atmosphere while receiving the supports they need if and when their care needs change.
 
Perhaps the best definition of Aging in Place is described in the words of George Berg, a senior who is living this philosophy at an AgeCare community in southeast Calgary:
 

“I lost my wife and 2014 and just like that my whole life changed. My kids hustled me out of our home of 34 years in Midnapore and insisted I go into one of these seniors’ homes. I can tell you right now, I didn’t want to go. I thought I was perfectly able to stay on my own. I was quite upset at first.
 
But now that I’ve settle in, I’ve really come to like it here. I feel comfortable and quite happy and I know I don’t have to move again. I play crib with some others twice a week and food is good . . . I never thought I’d say this, I’m old school . . . 83 now you know, but I’d recommend this for other old folks like me. It feels like a good way to live out my life,” said George Berg.

 
To discover an AgeCare community near you, visit https://www.agecare.ca/compare-services/
 
For more information on Aging in Place, here is a series created by the Forum of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers.
 
Stay turned for our upcoming blog: Seniors and kids – a meaningful bond