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Supportive Living Environments for Older Adults: Summary
o Gaining insight into alternatives for past goals o Current lifestyle choices and strategies for healthy living
Assisted Living Model Assisted living models are geared toward older adults who are physically and mentally functioning well but would like to be a part of a more social community. They support healthy aging, social programs, congregate meals, maintenance of ADL with extra support available, autonomy, dignity, sustaining normality, and maximizing function. There is usually a professional assessment completed to be sure the community will match the needs of the individual. Social Determinants of Health The aspects of life that comprise environmental factors that impact health and well-being; include the following domains: o Economic stability o Education access and quality o Access to quality healthcare o Social and community context o Neighborhood and built environment Housing conditions are directly correlated to physical and mental health functionality and well-being. Assistive Technology Supportive technologies can create safer living environments; ambient/active assisted living robots and AI products are being piloted: • ElliQ : Companion robot to help with social isolation • Eversound : Hearing support for older adult communities (connects to community audio/visual system) • Care Predict : AI monitor/predicting device that can mitigate issues through proactive, real-time assessments by detecting changing in habits • AARP AgeTech Program Challenges to integrating technology: o Acceptance of products o Prioritizing needs and interests of older adults o Methods of adoption and ability to learn new technology o Absorbing costs o Maintaining privacy o Perception of interaction complexity Integrating Technology Integrating technology should be a priority for all types of senior housing to improve ease of communication and connectedness. New technologies to support living environments should be designed for accessible and multiple functions and recognize changes in physical and mental capability (vision, hearing, dexterity, mobility).
o Preferences and available options o Sharing information with family
Person-Specific Components of Healthy Aging • Physiological level: How do they feel today? • Basic needs: What accommodations are needed? • Psycho-emotional level: Purpose, dignity, happiness • Evaluative level: What is necessary for quality of life? • Cognitive level: Can the person be proactive? WHO recommendations for cost effective, age- friendly housing include elevators, wide passageways, social facilities, and access to healthcare o Chronic kidney disease o Coronary artery disease o Osteoarthritis o Stroke o Type 2 diabetes o Cancers (breast, prostate, colorectal) o Sarcopenia: Loss of muscle strength/mass: ■ Leading cause of functional decline that precipitates falls • Although genetic factors play a role in disease development, lifestyle factors have a direct impact on morbidity and mortality. Age Related Disease and Conditions • Aging increases the risk of: o Alzheimer’s disease Falls Falls are often the precursor to forced transition from independent living in the home and directly affect morbidity and mortality. There is a high probability that older adults who fall will not return to their prefall levels of well-being. Living environments should limit fall risk and reduce fall hazards (e.g., using a shower chair, installing handrail). OLDER ADULT HOUSING • Independent living : For those living independently, no in-home services necessary • Assisted living : Typically have 24-hour care available, can be personalized • Memory units : For those with memory loss/ dementia • Skilled nursing facilities : For those needing custodial care (eating, bathing, etc.), and higher-level medical care
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