Aging in Place

A transformative approach to aging requires a shift in how we perceive and engage with age. Communities must celebrate the capabilities of older adults by valuing their talents and wisdom. THRVE delivers integrated, person-centered care that meets their unique needs while honouring their dignity and autonomy.

Specializing in the wellbeing of people and the planet.

  • Creating a home environment that supports the changing needs of seniors is more than just a design challenge. It’s a crucial step towards ensuring safety, comfort, and independence as you age.

    Let’s break down what this means for elderly support at home.

    Mobility

    As people age, moving around can become more challenging. That could be due to general mobility issues or more specific conditions like arthritis. A senior-friendly home design minimizes the need for climbing stairs and includes wider doorways and hallways to accommodate mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs.

    Safety

    Falls are a major concern for seniors. A well-designed home for older adults reduces fall risks by having non-slip floors, grab bars in crucial areas like the bathroom, and minimal thresholds that can be trip hazards. Good lighting throughout the home is also essential to prevent accidents.

    Comfort

    Comfort in a home for seniors goes beyond plush couches. It’s about ease of use. Things like easy-to-operate windows and doors, thermostat controls within reach, and comfortable seating that supports getting up and sitting down are all vital.

    Accessibility

    The key to a senior-friendly home is accessibility. That means everything a senior needs daily should be easy to reach. For instance, in the kitchen, essential items should be at waist or chest level to avoid the need to bend down or reach up.

    Sensory Considerations

    With age, changes in vision and hearing can affect how a senior interacts with their environment. High-contrast color schemes can help delineate spaces better, and visual cues can be used for important areas or items. Likewise, homes should be designed to minimize excessive noise, which can be disorienting or overwhelming for some seniors.

    Designing a Comfortable and Accessible Home for Seniors: Essential Features

    Certain features are essential when creating a comfortable and accessible home for seniors. These elements are not just about luxury; they are necessities that address the everyday challenges that aging adults might face. Here’s a look at what makes a home truly senior-friendly:

    Wide Doorways and Hallways: The need for spacious pathways increases as mobility decreases. Wide doorways and hallways allow for easier movement, especially if a senior uses a walker or wheelchair. Ideally, doorways should be at least 36 inches wide.

    No-Step Entryways: Steps can be a major hurdle for seniors. Having at least one no-step entryway into the home is crucial. That could mean a ramp or a flat entrance that eliminates the need for climbing stairs, reducing the risk of falls.

    Floors and Bathtubs with Non-Slip Surfaces: Slippery surfaces are one of the leading causes of falls at home. Installing non-slip flooring, particularly in the bathroom and kitchen, can prevent these accidents. For bathtubs and showers, non-slip mats or textures are a must.

    Sufficient Lighting: Good lighting is vital for seniors, especially those with deteriorating vision. Ample, well-placed lighting helps prevent falls and makes it easier to perform daily tasks. That includes brighter bulbs, night lights in hallways and bathrooms, and accessible light switches.

    Easy-to-Reach Switches and Controls: Light switches, thermostats, and other controls should be easy to reach. Ideally, they should be placed at a height accessible from a standing or seated position. Simple, intuitive controls are also a plus, as they are easier for seniors.

    Lever-Style Door Handles and Faucets: Twist knobs can be difficult for seniors, especially those with arthritis. Lever-style handles are much easier to use and can be operated with a simple push or pull, making opening doors and using faucets much more manageable.

“Our mission is creating environments that enable us to age in the right place, promote well-being, social connection, and a sense of belonging.”
— Andrea Leja

FAQs

Some benefits of in-home care include;

Aging in Place:

Many older adults prefer to stay at home where they feel comfortable and connected to their memories. THRVE Concierge Services supports older adults and their families in this journey, ensuring their well-being and offering assistance whenever it's needed, even 24/7.

Monitoring for Change in Condition:

Professional caregivers provide essential support in the home when family members are unavailable. They monitor and communicate any changes in a client's health, helping to address minor issues before they escalate and potentially avoiding hospitalization.

Socialization:

Loneliness is a growing problem for older adults, with nearly half feeling lonely. The Public Health Agency of Canada states that about 6% of older adults are socially isolated, and 30% are at risk of isolation, affecting women more than men. At THRVE Lifestyle Concierge, our in-home caregivers provide necessary care and foster important connections. They help older clients maintain social ties by taking them on enjoyable outings.

Dignity:

Many retirement homes and assisted living facilities offer nice environments but may lack the privacy and personal touches that some people desire. Shared dining areas and fixed meal times often don’t suit older adults. In-home care lets them remain in their own homes while getting help with meals, hygiene, and social activities.

Fall Prevention and General Home Safety:

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, falls cause 87% of 65+ injury-related hospitalization, 95% of hip fractures, and cost over $5 billion annually. A THRVE professional caregiver in the home can help steady a client who may be feeling the effects of medication or other conditions and provide the support they need. In addition to providing care, a caregiver can assist with light housekeeping duties and ensure the client's surroundings are safe. A trained caregiver can also maintain a clean and secure home environment.

Peace of mind:

Peace of mind is priceless! Whether you need someone to look after a loved one while you take care of yourself, go on vacation or when it comes to supporting a loved one transition to a different level of care as their needs change, having a reputable and reliable In-Home Care Provider appeases our mind that our loved one is well taken care of. It is important that we have confidence in choosing the right home care provider and ensuring they care for our loved one and treat them with dignity and respect.