Aging in Place: America's Quiet Crisis
Ninety-five percent of older people in Kent County want to continue living in their own homes, in their own communities, for as long as possible. Based on current US Census Bureau numbers, that equates to a whopping 58,900 Kent County senior homeowners!
Of these, nearly 34%, or 20,026, older homeowners doubt they will be able to remain in their homes. The percentage is even higher for women, and persons struggling with poverty or health issues.
These are just a few of the results from the 2004 Kent County AdvantAge Initiative Survey-a survey of over 500 Kent County seniors sponsored by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan. The results clearly indicate a looming crisis in lost revenue and lost neighborhoods for communities across Kent County.
Aging in Place makes good sense for seniors and their entire community. "The advantage to neighborhoods and cities," said Bob Hengeveld, Home Repair Services Repair Team Program Manager, "is that the house is occupied and taken care of, and homeownership provides neighborhood stability and a steady tax base.
According to the US Census Bureau, over 62,000 non-institutionalized seniors live in Kent County. Nearly 5,000 live in homes that need modifications to make them safe for the aging residents.
Home Repair Services modifies homes through our Home Access Ramp Program, so seniors can live in them longer with a greater sense of confidence. Ramps enable older residents to get in and out safely. Hallway railings help them move from room to room without falling. And, modified bathrooms provide a safe place to shower.
The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that home modifications and repairs may prevent up to 50% of all home accidents among seniors, including falls.
"Home Repair Services is a vital piece of the community services that ensure that older people can remain in their homes," said Kate Luckert, Program Director of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and lead organizer of Creating Community for a Lifetime. "It's more than just the bricks and mortar. Home Repair Services also gives seniors the confidence that they can remain in their homes.
"The population of people over 65 will double in the next two decades," Luckert added, "so the ability to meet needs has to grow, as well."