As the Baby Boom generation ages, the p
opulation of American seniors will double in size over the next 25 or so years. And like countless seniors before them, these now elderly individuals will need to make decisions about their long-term care, especially if age, sickness, or disability makes it difficult, or even impossible, for them to care for themselves.
Many studies reveal that a majority of seniors would prefer to stay in their homes as long as they are able, but this is not always possible. However, when faced with having to move into an assisted living facility or a nursing home, the costs can be prohibitive for many families.
According to a recent report by Genworth Financial, the median price for a private room in a nursing home is now $91,250 a year. And although long-term care insurance policies are available to help cover costs, Medicare, the federal government’s health insurance program for citizens over 65, does not cover extended stays in long-term care facilities.
When it becomes preferable to keep an aging senior at home, either because of desire or financial constraints, it may also be necessary to make modifications in the home environment in the interests of safety and the peace of mind of that senior’s loved ones.
Some common home alterations include the widening of doorways, and the installation of ramps, grab bars in the bathroom and/or shower, bed rails, and some type of stairlift in homes that contain more than one story. And in many cases, the costs for these home improvements are a lot less than what a family might have to spend for long-term care in an institution.
The term, “Aging in Place” is now a popular way of describing the shift away from expensive institutionalized care and toward the more affordable choice of staying at home for as long as practicable. As this trend continues, more home care companies will come into existence offering services such as housekeeping, meal preparation, bathing, and transportation to medical appointments, among other tasks.
In addition, companies that provide home modification products and services will also proliferate in order to meet the growing need of seniors who decide to “age in place.” At Pacific Mobility, we excel at helping our customers make practical and cost-effective decisions about how they can make their homes safer and more accessible for aging seniors. Give us a call or stop by our showroom for a first-hand experience.
President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.
24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)
