For Seniors, Aging in Place Offers Great Benefits but Requires Adjustments

Hook Law Center (formerly Oast & Hook)

Virginia Beach, VA (Law Firm Newswire) March 16, 2015 – As seniors age and develop health problems, changes to living spaces and new strategies for performing day-to-day tasks can facilitate aging in place. A project called Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) sought to prove the effectiveness of these strategies in keeping seniors at home.

“Often, small changes to seniors’ current living situations can allow them to stay at home for months or years longer, even if they are facing a new health problem,” said Andrew H. Hook, a Virginia elder law attorney with Hook Law Center, which has offices in Virginia Beach and northern Suffolk. “The research from the CAPABLE project supports that idea.”

The CAPABLE project employed nurses, occupational therapists and repairmen to help low-income seniors make adjustments that could keep them at home longer. The project allocated a total of $4,000 per senior — compared to costs of about $6,700 per senior every month for nursing home care.

For many seniors, aging in place is an important personal goal. At the same time, keeping seniors out of nursing homes can save money for both their families and for American taxpayers.

During the CAPABLE project, nurses made home visits to help seniors with their medication regimens and health management. Occupational therapists helped seniors learn exercises to stay mobile and suggested adjustments to make activities of daily living, like cooking and bathing, more manageable. Repairmen performed home improvements, including installing ramps and raising toilet seats.