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Supportive Living Environments for Older Adults: Summary
WHO’s Center for Health Development Supporting aging in place will allow people to live independently longer. Aging in place limits transitioning to a retirement community. Policies, organizations, and public programming should align to support older adult’s desires to age in place. Technologies should monitor well-being within privacy standards, support ADL, support health/safety, expand communication opportunities, provide tools for increased mobility, and boost confidence. HOUSING TRENDS FOR OLDER ADULTS There is an increased need for subsidized housing in the U.S. Low-income renters over age 65 increase annually, and there isn’t enough housing to meet their needs. Low-income housing waitlist has doubled in wait time, frequently leading to poor health outcomes for those waiting. Reliable informal supportive networks are imperative for safe aging in place (family, friends, neighbors). Supportive Environments Supportive environments include easy access to supportive services, including healthcare and community resources. Service provision within the supportive environment must be collaborative between providers, suppliers, and other vendors. Services should be delivered in a compliant and respectful manner. Medicare Advantage plans collaborate with community- based organizations to provide environmental services to support healthy lifestyle (e.g., house cleaning). Addressing Barriers All living environments should support both autonomy and privacy. Addressing the systems in place may require policy changes that examine concepts, initiatives, and services. Healthcare providers and public administration should evaluate demographic changes impacting communities such as spatial design for accessibility, ergonomic concepts, safety features, and assistive technology. Age-Friendly Community Supportive living environment that includes: o Areas for socialization (formal and informal) o Outreach programs to encourage inclusion o Available healthcare o Space for physical and mental health It provides a sense of belonging and improved well- being and acceptance of changes with aging.
Aging in Place Concepts It is important to maintain autonomy, privacy, and a respective level of independence in a community residence (independent living, assisted living, or memory unit). It should include: o Sense of connectedness with social and cultural groups o Programs to support independence and capacity with ADL o Cost-effective living with necessary support o Housing models that can be adaptable in physical layout Functional Built Environment A functional built environment can mitigate psychological distress, improve emotional/physical health, support functional mobility, increase engagement, and provide a sense of security. This environment should include protective measures to improve health and well- being such as proper lighting, safe walkways, grab bars, and ramps. Key elements to fulfilling housing in a built environment include: • Creating a sense of community and relevancy • Providing spaces for conductive interactions (shared spaces, parks, walkways, dining rooms) • Offering communal activities such as learning opportunities, volunteer opportunities, day trips, themed parties/programs, cultural experiences • Availability of coordinators to assist with specific needs (allied health professionals) Push and Pull Framework Pull factors : Attract and entice older adults to supportive housing situations: • An advertisement they liked • Amenities they are interested in Push factors : Motivate them to change with current living situation: • Health factors • Feelings of social isolation • Concern about becoming a burden or concerns for the future • Disconcerting living arrangement • Property maintenance and/or expense • Influence of children Knowing why someone is looking into moving can help us point them in the right direction and help them find appropriate services.
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