Aging in Place

Definition of aging in place (CDC)

Ability to live in one’s home and community safely, independently, and comfortably regardless of age, income, or ability.

Definition of aging in place (National Aging in Place Council)

Living in a familiar environment and participating in family and community activities.

WHO perspective on aging in place

Requires age‑friendly environments across health, long‑term care, transport, housing, labor, social protection, information, and communication sectors.

Meaning of home for older adults

Home is a physical structure, cultural space, family space, emotional space, and a modified environment supporting independence.

Importance of aging in place

Older adult population is growing, many desire to remain at home, and OT practitioners play key roles in supporting this process.

Community living options

55+ communities, assisted living, cohousing, continuing care retirement communities, independent living, naturally occurring retirement communities, livable communities, villages.

Community mobility

Ability to navigate the community safely.

Employment/volunteer opportunities

Supports productive aging.

Exercise and recreation

Prevents falls and promotes health.

Stores and restaurants

Accessibility features and senior discounts.

Support services

Area Agencies on Aging provide personal care, chores, meals, money management, transportation, and respite.

ADA definition

Civil rights law prohibiting disability discrimination in public life.

ADA accessibility examples

Curb cuts, wider doorways, ramps, vertical lifts, modified bathrooms.

ADA transportation examples

Dial‑a‑ride, discounted cabs, door‑to‑door transport, assisted transportation.

OT roles

Direct care provider, consultant, case manager, home evaluator, certified aging‑in‑place specialist.

OT home modification role

Evaluate needs, recommend modifications, support safe and independent living.

Evaluation

Card‑sorting tool assessing 44 activities essential for aging in place.

SAFER‑HOME

Assesses environment and functional safety in the home.

Home Falls and Accidents Screening Tool

25‑item yes/no tool identifying fall risks; higher scores indicate greater risk.

Ethical principles (Justice)

Assist clients in accessing OT services, address barriers, refer to financial aid or pro bono services, advocate for policy changes that improve access.

Definition of home modifications

Environmental changes that improve safety, independence, and functional living.

Examples of home modifications

Ramps, vertical lifts, stair lifts, grab bars.

OT home modification process

Assess client needs, identify solutions, evaluate outcomes.

Physical home questions

Where do you spend the most or least time?

Social home questions

How often do people visit and what do you do together?

Personal home questions

What is most important about your home; do you feel free to move around?

Temporal home questions

How long have you lived in your home?

Occupational home questions

What do you enjoy doing; where and how do you complete personal activities?

Funding sources

Homeowner payment, reverse mortgage funds, nonprofit support, Veterans Administration.

Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities

Primary standard for accessibility design requirements.

Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards

Commercial standards for dimensions, clearances, and construction details.

Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines

Nonmandatory guidelines supporting Fair Housing Act implementation.

State and local codes

Regulate home modifications like ramps and grab bars.

Universal design definition

Design usable by all people without need for adaptation.

UD Principle 1

Equitable use.

UD Principle 2

Flexibility in use.

UD Principle 3

Simple and intuitive use.

UD Principle 4

Perceptible information.

UD Principle 5

Tolerance for error.

UD Principle 6

Low physical effort.

Team members for aging in place

Homeowner, family, builders, handymen, remodelers, designers, architects, contractors.

Key points of aging in place

Aging in place is important to older adults; OT plays a major role; understanding the meaning of home is essential.