I’m 64 years old and have spent the last 26 years in my current home, where my two children grew up. The swing set in the backyard, a project I took on without any blueprints, still stands as a testament to those joyful days, though I've had to remove parts of it as the wood deteriorated over time. Even though my daughters have grown up and moved out, they still make it a point to visit us on weekends and during special family gatherings. My wife and I are fortunate to spend a few days each week caring for our grandchild, and in the evenings, we share the responsibilities of cooking and cleaning up. Over the years, I’ve taken on various home improvement projects, including installing hardwood floors, repainting the walls, and renovating the bathrooms, always ensuring to oversee the contractors for the tasks I couldn’t handle myself. To stay active, I enjoy jogging during the week, usually covering three to five miles, although a knee injury has kept me from my routine for the last few months. After dinner, I like to take leisurely walks around the neighborhood, often enjoying a cigar while I reflect on my day and think about what lies ahead, which I find to be a calming experience.
The thought of potentially losing the ability to live in my own home as I grow older is deeply disturbing. This sentiment resonates with many seniors who are nearing retirement. A recent survey conducted by AARP in 2024 highlights that a significant majority of individuals aged 50 and above—about 75%—express a desire to remain in their current residences as they age, while 73% prefer to stay within their familiar communities. This desire for stability and familiarity is crucial for many as they navigate the challenges of aging. In addition, aging in place can be very beneficial for seniors, both physically and emotionally. Here are some key points:
Independence: Seniors living in their own homes enjoy greater control over their daily lives, routines, and choices. This independence is often diminished in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, where residents must follow predetermined schedules for meals, activities, and personal care.
Familiar setting and routines: A senior's home holds immense significance in their life, providing a sense of familiarity, comfort, and safety. For older adults, waking up in their own space, looking out at the well-known scenery, and following their established daily routines brings great peace of mind. Although some seniors adapt quickly to assisted living environments, many struggle to truly feel "at home" in those settings.
Healthier environment: Many families think that assisted living facilities provide a safer and healthier environment compared to a senior's own home. Yet, the process of relocating can significantly impact a senior's mental health. Seniors who feel homesick may experience increased stress and depression, which can accelerate both physical and cognitive decline. Staying in their own homes often enhances the physical and emotional well-being of older adults.
However, the choice of age in place is complex and varies greatly from person to person, influenced by health conditions, living conditions, and the support systems they have in place. A Forbes report highlights the significant health challenges that older adults encounter, showing that many are living with chronic conditions. Specifically, 78% of individuals over 55 suffer from ailments like arthritis, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or diabetes, with this percentage increasing to 85% for those over 65. Furthermore, the report notes that at least half of adults aged 65 and older will likely need some level of care in their later years, emphasizing the necessity of having caregivers available for those who prefer to age in place comfortably.
Furthermore, our home that was safe when we were young may not be as safe as we get older. Some elderly people may live in residences that have one or more flights of stairs, limited restroom access, tight hallways, and a variety of other mobility concerns. According to a May 2020 Census Bureau survey, less than 10% of houses in the United States are "aging-ready," which means they have a step-free entryway, a first-floor bathroom and bedroom, and at least one bathroom accessibility device, such as a grab bar or shower bench. As a result, it is critical for seniors approaching retirement age to review their houses' safety levels and solve crucial issues as soon as feasible. Starting early may also allow elderly folks to set aside finances for home improvements.
SimpliTend believes that older adults should have the opportunity to remain in their homes as long as their health and safety are not at risk, eliminating the need for a nursing facility. Furthermore, SimpliTend also highlights the significance of open communication between seniors and their families. This strategy not only provides seniors with a supportive network of loved ones as they age in place but also encourages family caregivers to actively participate in decisions regarding the care and safety of their elderly relatives.
SimpliTend offers a mobile solution designed to help seniors maintain their safety and independence at home while also supporting family caregivers in providing remote care for their aging loved ones. The platform is flexible and can be customized to address the unique care requirements of seniors. It features two connected mobile apps—one designed for seniors and the other for caregivers—enabling family members to provide remote assistance to their loved ones. Key features are outlined below.
Personalized Care Plan: The SimpliTend smartphone app assists seniors and their caregivers to develop a comprehensive personalized care plan. The plan includes essential elements such as health information, daily needs, dietary requirements, primary physician contact information, hospital information, medication management, social activities, and medical appointments. This information is saved in the senior app and can be accessed and updated remotely by the family caregiver.
This feature enables seniors to follow a structured routine while they are at home alone. Family caregivers are also notified and can assist the seniors remotely.
Safety: Senior safety is a top priority for SimpliTend mobile apps and essential for supporting aging in place. To accomplish this, we've incorporated key features such as spam call blocking, unwanted app blocking, location tracking, geofencing, a customizable SOS button, and easy one-touch navigation to home.
Caregiver support: The SimpliTend mobile apps are built for family caregivers juggling personal commitments alongside their caregiving duties. Our goal has been to create a comprehensive solution that enables family members to support their loved ones remotely while offering valuable resources to assist caregivers in delivering effective care. Key features include:
a. When family caregivers require a break, they can temporarily share the elder care plan with another family member or friend. This is beneficial as it enables the respite care provider to adhere to the established care plan, reducing the chances of mistakes and the necessity for the primary caregiver to reiterate the details. Please see our video on how to set up the “temporary caregiver” feature.
b. SimpliTend offers daily reading materials tailored for caregivers. Our resources encompass a variety of subjects, including self-care tips for caregivers and insightful articles on health issues affecting the elderly, such as dementia and Parkinson's disease. Each day, caregivers can explore a new topic highlighted on the information screen of the caregiver dashboard, encouraging interaction with the content. For those interested in exploring further, a "view more" option is available to access an expanded range of topics.
We invite you to check out our website for the full range of SimpliTend features and capabilities. We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback, so feel free to drop us an email at contact.us@SimpliTend.com.