Aging in Place in Canada
Aging in Place in Canada
What is aging in place?
Aging in place is having the appropriate health and social supports and services you need to live safely and independently in your home and or community for as long as possible. It is important to plan ahead for the future and implement the necessary steps to foresee any future health changes that may come your way with age.
When do you need to plan to age in place?
According to the Government of Canada “The earlier you start planning, the more prepared you will be to respond to changes that may occur as you age such as changes in your health, mobility or social connections. To successfully plan ahead, you need to start thinking about how you want to live as you age and what steps you need to take to achieve that lifestyle. When planning, you should also consider the unexpected. This includes planning for what you would do if you had a sudden onset of a chronic illness, developed a disability or had a change in resources.” The Government of Canada website offers some great tips on how to prepare and plan to age in place.
Who can age in place and where do you age in place?
Any Canadian can age in place and prepare the home to accommodate changes in lifestyle and health. It is extremely beneficial to any individual to plan for these unforeseen changes in the even of a health change. Questions that should consider when planning to age in place include:
- If I want to live in my current home as I age, what modifications could help me remain safe? (e.g., installing hand rails, a ramp, emergency response systems, etc.)
- Are there any services in my neighbourhood that I can access? Is there additional support, or organizations that could help me age in place?
- Do I have the financial resources to remain in my home independently and bring on additional help?
- Can I access provincial health funding and provincial health resources to age in place?
- Do I need to relocate to a more manageable home with less space and limited stairs or potential hazards?
- What are the costs associated with moving to a different home?
- How will I get around if I can no longer drive?
- What activities can I access in the community?
- How can I stay healthy as I age in place?
- How can I financially plan for all my health care wishes? Who will take care of me if I need support?
Why My Health Journals can help to age in place?
Aspen Care created a product to help seniors age in place called My Health Journals. The journals are created to help any individual keep track of their health and maintain good organization especially as we age. The Journals help individuals track blood pressure, oxygen levels, blood sugar levels, weight, diet, exercise, doctors visits and notes, medical history, appointment setting, mental health, pain scale, sleep habits, routines, moods, medications, allergies and more. It is a great tool to keep track of your past doctors visits or maintain a record of your past medications and expiry dates, etc. When planning to age in place, your health is in your hands - and you want to ensure you are keeping track in case of an emergency or in case you require additional support. Caregivers and your medical team can review your Health Journals and get a better understanding of your overall health and make better decisions or intervene when necessary. If you would like a copy of the Health Journal, you may purchase one online by visiting our products, or by phoning us at 403-990-3837 and placing your order.
How can aging in place be beneficial?
More and more Canadians are turning to age in place. A key factor in their decision to remain at home for as long as possible, is to reduce changes and stressors while aging. It is essential for many Canadians to sustain their lifestyle and routines they’re accustomed to. Having to change routines, or abide by someone else’s rules is extremely challenging for a person who has lived a very full life. Aspen Care doesn’t believe in changing a person’s habits to deliver good care. Aspen Care honours their clients wishes, and wants to work with them to maintain their way of living. Having to make adjustments in someone's daily life can be extremely stressful and upsetting for any individual and senior. Aspen Care believes in the benefits of aging in place and encourages seniors to seek resources and plan ahead to ensure they can age in place. As advocates for seniors, Aspen Care is happy to help you plan ahead and provide you with any resources you may need to age in place, just give us a call free of charge: 403-990-3837
For help with aging in place, please visit www.aspencarehealth.com