Let me say it out loud: "Aging is not a medical event!" Normal aging does not require hospitalization. It is a natural process, a part of life. In fact, most people live their entire life at home.

But what happens when an older adult gets sick? Usually, they continue to stay at home. And they recuperate with much less risk of infection and a higher level of satisfaction than is possible in a hospital.

The limits to aging in place have more to do with safety, nutrition and security than medical events. Is the house or apartment a safe place that is designed to minimize the possibility of falling? Is there proper provision for nutrition so that regular healthy shopping and eating are a part of the aging lifestyle? Is there a risk for fire or for crime to occur? And is the older adult still driving when it is past the time when they can accomplish it safely?

Then there is the question of social life. Is the older adult alone too much of the time? Is this leading to despair and possibly even depression and thoughts of death?

The answer to these questions or limits doesn't have to do with buildings or building material. It doesn't have to do with a physician or a nurse. Rather, it has to do with human care and kindness.

For years family members have helped their elders as they got older. In some cultures elders have even been given a special place of honor so they are included as important components of the society. But that is not how it is in contemporary America. It is important that we come to terms with the difference.

In America we rely on caregivers to provide support for aging adults. They are either family members or paid caregivers who provide the safety, security, nutrition, transportation and socialization that seniors need to live a normal live.

These caregivers offer kindness and companionship, help in preventing falls, do driving, cleaning and cooking—and generally make it possible for seniors to continue to live alone in their own homes despite factors of age and frailty. With all this, it is safe and sensible for seniors to continue to age in their own home without thought or need for institutionalized medical care.

- Kathy Johnson is the Ceo and co-founder of Palo Alto, CA, based Home Care Assistance, which specializes in 24/7 live-in care and customized programs for hourly, daily and weekly care in locations throughout the United States and Canada. You can read more about Kathy and her company at HomeCareAssistance.com.

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posted at 12:51:51 PM