"As we age, we face declining abilities from age related diseases and the aging process itself. Our home and network can assist or hinder our ability to complete self-care and household activities."
Dr.Mann, University of S. Florida, 2006
Seniors are living longer and staying healthier than at any point in history, yet most seniors inevitably reach a point when they need some assistance with activities of daily living, like eating, drinking and cleaning. Current evidence suggests that aging adults are receptive to services and technology to support Aging in Place as an alternative to assisted living communities. A recent study by Mann et al (2002) suggest strong consumer acceptance for home care and monitoring among frail elders. We, at my company (www.age-at-home.com) have conducted focus group studies with local seniors which support this idea and lead to the development of a three stage process to allow seniors to remain longer in their homes prior to, or possibly replacing the need for assisted living. The process consists first of modifications to the home to eliminate the most common problems in case of healthy individuals, or specifically target problem areas in the event of a crisis. Simultaneously, support services are engaged depending on the clients’ particular situation to reduce the high stress issues of aging such as resource identification and basic home maintenance. Finally, monitoring is put in place to quickly identify non-medical conditions that may cause a deterioration of the individual’s state and communication paths established to share this information with caregivers, family and friends.
Renovation - By making basic renovations to kitchens and bathrooms renovation services provide non-institutional remodeling which will support Aging-in-Place. Research has shown a low point of entry for a significant increase in safety and efficiency. Decreased difficulty were shown in getting in/out of the house, moving around the house, and bathroom activities for a home modification costing on average $5543/person (Hammel, 2006). This equates to two months cost of assisted living and demonstrates the cost effectiveness of our approach. We will offer services in two major categories: revisions to improve safety and security and a more extensive remodeling which includes complete kitchen refurbishment for approx. $36,000. Since professional modifications are often barely noticeable to visitors, homeowners can enjoy their home safely and without any institutional feel and with a moderate increase in the market value of the home.
Support - One must complement this remodeling service with social and home-aide services to support management of an individual’s personal situation, in particular, addressing areas of risk in ADLs. This program is for individuals, couples and caregivers who need or desire additional home health care services other than medical coverage. We will work with seniors and their families to create a home care program that meets all of the seniors’ daily living needs.
Prevention - To support these services we have developed proprietary expert software and integrate systems into the home for home automation and client monitoring. These systems may be installed during remodeling or purchased as stand-alone systems. Automated home features use commercially available low cost wireless sensor solutions and control home elements such as lighting and temperature. They also monitor and report variations in activities such as eating, drinking and toileting. The smart-home approach is integrated with wired security, fire prevention and guest management systems to support safety. Few people would choose to have a caregiver following their movements twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to ensure their well being. Studies show, however, that providing this level of monitoring through technology is more acceptable and provides a high level of support for independent seniors.
Hopefully, this model will work and sell, because demographics indicates that we don't have much of an option. More on this later.
Steve
No comments:
Post a Comment