Visit the Aging in Place website here.
What is Aging in Place? Simply put, it means choosing to remain in the home and community of your choice for as long as possible with as much independence as possible.
Nationally and locally, surveys indicate that almost 90% of older adults want and expect to age in place, staying in their homes and communities through their later years. Even though many older Americans believe they will be able to manage changes that might occur in their health, wellbeing, and finances, approximately 70% will require help with their care at some point, for an average of three years. Thinking about your current and future potential needs and pre-planning for changes, including home modifications, can assist in maintaining your independence at home and will promote your ability to age in place.
With this in mind, the New River Valley Aging in Place Leadership Team, a regional multi-disciplinary group that formed out of the work of the Livability Initiative in 2011, developed materials to help individuals form a plan to help them stay in their homes and communities for as long as possible. Several Aging in Place workshops have been held using the materials. Recently the Team launched an Aging in Place Website containing an Aging in Place workbook, videos, a facilitation guide and resource listings. The information is provided to be used by individuals or in a group with a facilitator.
The Aging In Place workbook is built around five key topics which aging experts have identified as the critical factors that people should consider and plan for to successfully age in place. These include Housing, Health & Wellness, Transportation, Personal Finance, and Connection & Growth. Materials have been designed to present in a group setting with a facilitator or to be used on an individual basis. A facilitation guide is included to help those interested in setting up and facilitating a group workshop.
Additionally, there is an introductory video designed primarily for health and human services for professional development. There is no cost to download and use the materials for educational purposes. Hard copies of the Aging in Place workbook and Workshop Facilitation guide may be ordered through the New River Valley Agency on Aging by calling 540-980-7720.
