Aging in place is a less expensive and better way to provide health outcomes for seniors than nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, according to U.S. researchers.
"Adults want to remain healthy and independent during their senior years, but traditional long-term care often diminishes seniors' independence and quality of life," said Marilyn Rantz, professor in the Sinclair School of Nursing. "Aging in Place enables most older adults to remain in the same environment and receive supportive health services as needed. With this type of care, most people wouldn't need to relocate to nursing homes."
Aging in Place (AIP) is a model that includes continuous care management, a combination of personalized health services with nursing care coordination. Typically, residents receive care services as they are needed and where they want them - in the privacy of their apartments.
The study conducted a four-year analysis and found the total care costs for residents were thousands less than traditional care options.
AIP residents also had improved mental and physical health outcomes.
The goal is to restore people to their best possible health so they can remain independent, Rantz said. Once they are healthy, the additional care services are removed in order to minimize costs. AIP can be implemented by health care facilities and made available to seniors throughout the country.
