During the third week in October we celebrate National Aging in Place week. This week is set aside each year to draw attention to and provide resources for the millions of Americans who are choosing to remain in the home of their choice throughout the course of their lives. The idea of Aging in Place is not a new one. It has only been in the last one hundred years of human history that the idea of having our seniors move away from the rest of us into their own secluded enclaves seemed like a good idea. Now we are increasingly returning to the idea that we are all better off if our seniors remain in their own homes nestled in our communities. That way we can all benefit from their collective wisdom while they remain in comfortable surroundings. I guess my grandmother was right when she said, “New and improved is worse!” However, when Aging in Place it is up to the client and their support team to provide the services that are required in a home setting. These services include modifying the home, bringing in care as needed to help with daily activities, managing finances, providing alternate means of transportation when driving is no longer an option, and avoiding isolation and loneliness. Helping seniors and their loved ones find trusted resources to provide these services is one of the main goals of the National Aging in Place Council. Our local chapter is the Western and Central Virginia Aging in Place Council.
Here in the Roanoke Valley, the Western and Central Virginia Aging in Place Council will be presenting the 5th annual Aging in Place Symposium. The event will be held on October 18th at Fostek Hall in the Jefferson Center from 5:00 to 7:30. If you or a loved one is interested in learning more about aging in place and the services and resources to help make it a reality, then this the event for you. It is also a good fit if you have been hearing about aging in place, aren’t sure what is entailed and want to learn more. In any case you will find out more about how you can find services and resources in housing, health and wellness, personal finance, transportation, and community and social interaction. These five areas represent the building blocks of successful aging in place. Among other resources, participants will receive a planning guide to help them assess their needs and build a plan to access resources in these five core areas.
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Nancy Brossoie, Senior Research Scientist at the Center for Gerontology at Virginia Tech. Dr Brossoie brings a wealth of knowledge about aging and care models from around the world. She will educate and entertain you as she opens your eyes to the possibilities and the challenges of living a full and complete life in the comfort of your own home throughout the course of your life. Also featured will be a panel discussion with subject matter experts in home modifications, legal issues, medical care, audiology, financial planning, occupational therapy, transportation challenges, and many other subjects related to aging in place. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to hear this many experts answer your questions at one time. Bring the questions you have that need answers. The symposium is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.
If you would like more information, please feel free to call me at 540-384-2064. If you would like to register you may do so by going to carilionclinic.org/calendar or by calling 800-422-8482.
in Aging in Place
published 10/10/18
