Many aging seniors would prefer to live in their own home as long as possible, but unfortunately mobility and safety issues can often make aging in place challenging. For those who aren’t familiar with the term, aging in place, according to the SC Aging In Place Coalition, refers to “being able to remain in one’s chosen residence while securing desirable support services in response to changing needs.” Understanding the options available to the aging population can help make this a reality for more seniors.
Imagine you are an otherwise healthy senior but age-related vision or mobility issues are making it difficult, and potentially unsafe, for you to remain in your home. Technological advances and adaptive home design can make your house safe for you to navigate again. Aging seniors can safely remain in their homes with the help of strategic home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps, elevators, bathroom and kitchen remodeling (lower counter heights and wheel-chair height appliances) and much more. Jed Elmaleh, a licensed physical therapist and Certified Aging in Place Specialist who also happens to be the founder of Adaptive Home Design, says it is “very rewarding for us to give our clients that sense of freedom and independence.” By using assistive technologies such as smart home monitoring systems, families can have the peace of mind that their loved one is all right even though they aren’t able to be with them around the clock. Some of these technologies involve installing sensors throughout the home which are set to timers, so family members can be notified immediately if their loved one hasn’t gotten out of bed by a certain time or if they’ve been in the bathroom too long. These are just a few examples of the innovations that are available to help seniors fulfill their desire to age-in-place.
The Adaptive Home Design process starts with a thorough home assessment and creation of a checklist covering both the interior and exterior of the home. Jed and his team interview the family and caregivers to get a full picture of the situation. Finally, the Design Team develops a plan for home modification. Jed’s personal experience living with multiple sclerosis gives him a first-hand appreciation for what his clients are going through and gives him a unique insight into their needs. He says, “I live what I preach.” A self-professed tech junkie, he enjoys testing out the newest systems on the market and bringing his knowledge of assistive technologies to his clients.
For more information on Adaptive Home Design, visit their website or email Jed at info@adaptivehd.com.
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