Who's who in the aging-in-place community? How to build a personalized team to support your aging-in-place goals.
One of my favorite things about owning my own practice is all the networking I get to do with other professionals in the aging space. It is fun to see how many people are working with older adults. The best part is that we all work better together, and the customer benefits the most from working together. It feels good when a client tells me about a problem they are having, and I can say, " I know a person who can help you with that." Aging is a team sport, for sure.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines aging in place as: “The ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” Most older adults want to stay in their own homes as they age; however, aging in place is not a passive activity. Successful aging in place requires planning and being prepared for age-related changes. I have been working with older adults for 16 years now, and I think there are two things you can do now to promote aging in place.
Prepare your home. Simple changes like adding grab bars and railings and removing trip hazards go a long way. Making small environmental changes before you "need" them can help prevent a fall and make things easier for everyone in your home. Check out the National Institute on Aging document for a home safety checklist.
2. Start building an aging-in-place team. Having a team of professionals you trust is so important as you navigate this complicated space. You can start building this team by finding one or two professionals that you trust and who can connect you to other resources as needed. Aging is truly a team sport with more players than you might realize. Check out the list below for professionals and resources to have on your team.
"An effective teamwork is now globally recognized as an essential tool for constructing a more effective and patient-centred health care delivery system" Babiker, A et al., 2014
Tip #1 - National and State Organizations
National and State organizations can be a great place to start if you are struggling with an issue and don't know where to start. Here are a few of my favorite places to gather information. Most of these organizations have FREE newsletters and social media pages. I follow all of these organizations on Facebook. It is excellent to keep up with the information they post and the resources they provide.
Tip #2 -Local Organizations
State and national organizations have several great resources, but several smaller community-based organizations have great programs and resources. It is a great idea to connect with your local Area Agency on Aging to see what resources are available in your area. I have noticed a trend for neighborhoods and faith-based organizations to create resources and opportunities for those aging in place in the community. Lindenwood Area Senior Ministry is a great example. Check out their website and search for resources in your community. Many local organizations can assist with home modifications, transportation services, volunteer services, and educational programs. Memory Care Home Solutions is another local organization that helps those struggling with memory concerns and their families. If you are struggling with an age-related concern, there is likely an organization or resource to help! Check out this resource guide from STL-Village. It has a great directory of resources!
Tip #3 - Elder Law
There are many reasons to connect with an elder law attorney or company. Elder law attorneys specialize in all things aging:
1. estate planning
2. advanced directives
3. planning and formalizing your wishes
4. asset protection
5. planning for long-term care
6. navigating the Medicaid process
7. planning or managing incapacity
Elder law attorneys usually offer short, free consultations. Meeting with an attorney to develop a relationship and see if they have any helpful ideas is a great idea. Aging can be expensive, and elder law attorneys can help you protect your hard-earned assets as you age.
"The primary focus of Elder Law is to cater to the diverse legal needs of senior citizens and their families." - Mid America Elder Law
Tip #4 - Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy
Maybe I am biased, but most therapists have a unique understanding of the aging process, and their goal is to help people maintain the highest level of independence, and they have connections with a variety of resources. For people with conditions like arthritis, back pain, Parkinsons, and other chronic conditions, the therapy team can be a great place to start if you are having problems with age-related issues. Since aging is an ever-changing and progressive process, it can be common to connect with a therapist on and off as new issues arise. I have clients who will call me with concerns, and I will see them for a while. After we have worked out some solutions, they might not need me to come back until a new problem comes up. It is common to get to know your therapist well, making them a significant part of your team!
Occupational Therapy: "Occupational therapy enables people of all ages to participate in daily living. Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants focus on the things you want and need to do in your daily life." - AOTA. Several age-related conditions can make daily tasks like meal prep or showering difficult. An occupational therapist can help you find strategies to make your day-to-day activities easier and safer.
Speech Therapy: "Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults." - ASHA. Several conditions, like Parkinsons and a stroke, can impact how people speak and swallow. A speech therapist is an excellent resource if you or a loved one are struggling with voice projection, communication, memory, or swallowing.
Physical Therapy: "Physical therapists examine, diagnose, and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to people at the end of life. Physical therapists work with patients who have injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions that need treatment. They help patients avoid surgery and prescription drugs, maximize mobility, manage pain and chronic conditions, prevent future problems, and improve physical function and fitness." - APTA. Many age-related things like back pain, knee replacements, or poor balance can keep you from doing what you enjoy. Physical therapy can help you manage pain and improve your strength and balance.
Tip #5 - Realator or Home Maintenance Service
A realtor, you might ask! Did you know that realtors can get a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® certification that provides specialized training on the needs of older adults in the home buying/selling process? If you decide to sell your home, a realtor with special training can help. A realtor with a background in occupational therapy or older adults can also be a big help when you are looking to downsize or buy a new home by helping you assess the new home's aging-in-place features and accessibility. Empowered Homes is a real estate business that was founded by an occupational therapist in St. Louis. She has some great resources and information on downsizing!
Home maintenance can be a real pain! Did you know that some companies provide quarterly home maintenance services to keep your home running well and reduce the risk of emergencies or other home problems due to maintenance? They can take care of regular home maintenance tasks such as:
Check and Maintain Electrical Systems
HVAC Spring and Fall Clean and Checks
Humidifiers and Air Filtration
Check Emergency Shut-Off Valves
Clean Dryer Vents
Water Purification Systems
Check and Maintain Toilets
Maintain Faucets and Showers
Annual Deck Safety Inspection
Annual Exterior Inspection Report
Maintain Appliances
Change smoke detector batteries
Change lights
Delegating these routine tasks to a professional can save time and energy! Up Keep Home Warranty + Maintenance is one example of a company that provides routine maintenance in the St. Louis area. Having a connection/relationship with a home maintenance professional that you trust can be a big help if something eventually goes wrong in your home.
Tip #6 - Care Managers
Managing all of the moving parts with aging in place can be difficult. Care managers are trained professionals who help you manage all the different parts of your care. Geriatric care managers make caring for a loved one easier by serving as advocates or counselors. They can take the pressure off family members who often have other responsibilities. They are a great resource and have a great understanding of aging and resources in the area. They can provide a variety of tasks, including helping find caregivers, communicating with your team and family, coordinating medical appointments, and advocating for your needs. These services are not usually covered by insurance and are an out-of-pocket expense. If you are helping care for a loved one from out of state, a care manager can be a lifeline by ensuring your loved one is getting the care they need and keeping the line of communication to you open.
The Aging Life Care Association is a great website for finding a geriatric care manager in your area.
Many care managers started out in nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy or social work, often with a focus on geriatrics, and decided to switch careers to meet clients’ needs for broader care services, says Julie Wagner, CEO of the Aging Life Care Association
In closing
This is just a short list of people who could help you work towards your goals for aging in place. There are several other professionals out there, such as:
Daily money managers - can help you pay your bills and manage daily expenses
Professional organizers - can help with de-cluttering and downsizing
Financial services - can help with planning for long-term care
Moving services - can help with packing and moving
Medicare brokers - can help you choose the right insurance/Medicare plan for you! Medicare can be complicated - it is a great idea to meet with someone who knows the ins and outs.
Cleaning services - weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly cleaning services can be a huge help!
Caregiver services - caregivers can help with light housekeeping, taking you to the grocery store, making meals, and helping you with daily tasks.
Sometimes, it is hard to find resources you don't know exist. This is why it is so important to have a team of professionals you trust to guide you. If you are struggling with anything, mention it to your team. There might be a resource out there to help.
Check out this Guide 4 Senior Living for more information.
Thanks for reading!
Jenny Williams, OTR/L, OTD
Babiker, A., El Husseini, M., Al Nemri, A., Al Frayh, A., Al Juryyan, N., Faki, M. O., Assiri, A., Al Saadi, M., Shaikh, F., & Al Zamil, F. (2014). Health care professional development: Working as a team to improve patient care. Sudanese journal of paediatrics, 14(2), 9–16.
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