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Supportive Living Environments for Older Adults: Summary
Specific Types of Communities Naturally occurring retirement community (NORC)
• Example: The Villages • Residents play an active role in developing the community • They are typically within a specific geographical area • Promote and supports aging in place
Congregate and co-housing model
• Example: Discovery Village • Resembles home-like environment, but residents share spaces to reduce individual burden (e.g., multiple people in one house, sharing the kitchen/ living room) • Expenses are shared among residents • Congregate housing through Housing and Urban Development: Collaborates with community-based organizations for meals and support services for frail and disabled individuals and those with financial difficulties • Older adult community designed to offer services, foster independence, and support aging in place • Does not offer transportation or healthcare • Collective living experience increases safety • Typically has accessibility features available • Various levels of housing opportunities • “Buy-in” community in which they receive support as needs change but pay a monthly rent • Leased living arrangements with coordinated services to provide affordable solutions • Shared spaces help control costs
Village community
Continuing care retirement community
Sheltered housing
Therapeutic Services Healthcare professionals can create treatment plans to enable older adults to maintain strength, flexibility, and function as a result of a structured, supportive living environment; therapeutic services can occur in communal programs such as: • Exercise • Dance and music • Journaling • Sharing personal stories For those choosing to age in place (in their home), healthcare professionals should pay attention to the person’s ability to socialize and can recommend joining a community center or club, as ongoing social isolation can lead to decline. Ways to Support Older Adults as a Healthcare Practitioner • Provide healthy aging educational programs • Expand knowledge base through networking • Shift ageist language/perceptions to address challenges of aging and variables affecting healthy choices
• Gain insight about perspective of community-based resources • Serve as a resource for older adults to learn to access services When assessing an individual’s needs • Apply patient-centered approach • Evaluate needs based on ability, home, and interactions • Involve caregivers and other professionals as needed • Educate individuals about available options • Help them understand a realistic budget • Discuss available modifications (e.g., removing trip hazards) and installations (e.g., grab bars, ramps, raised toilets, shower chairs) to improve safety
WORKS CITED
https://qr2.mobi/older-living
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