Is Aging in Place in Assisted Living Realistic?

I wrote my Masters of Science in Gerontology thesis on the topic of aging in place in assisted living. While it is a noble premise, aging in place is one of those concepts that is easier said than done.

Assisted living generally is offered as a social model of care, in that, medical services are available only in the docotor's office or hospital. As aging in place occurs and the need for more care arises, residents find themselves without the medical support they require. Families who expected their loved ones to be taken care of find themselves burdened with frequent trips to the doctor's office or hospital.

Solutions to the aging in place dilemna are not black and white. Given the realities of the aging process, that health conditions will change, ususally deteriorate over time, flexible solutions are required.

Responses to a questionnaire regarding helpful solutions to aging in place in assisted living list support from family members, flexible staffing levels, expertise of staff members and the physical environment of the facility as most helpful in coping with aging in place.

The reality of aging is that a time will come when a move to a more appropriate level of care will be recommended. Because transitions are one of the most traumatic parts of providing care, the moe lead time given before a transition is warranted the better.