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Consumer Services for Independent Living Highlighted
The National Aging In Place Council (NAIPC) has designated this week, Oct. 8-14, as National Aging In Place Week. The designation is part of a nationwide consumer awareness campaign to increase seniors' knowledge and access to home and community-based services that promote independent living.
Communities in Vermont, California, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Florida, Arizona, Utah, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Colorado, New York and the Washington, D.C. area are conducting seminars and providing resources so seniors can learn more about home safety and fitness, financial planning and budgeting, in-home healthcare and chore services, home accessibility issues, reverse mortgages, transportation and meal services.
In addition, NAIPC has organized luncheons for local businesses to meet, network and learn more from each other about the types of services that they provide to older home owners.
"An overwhelming majority of older Americans want to remain in their homes for as long as possible, but aren't aware of services that make prolonged independent living possible," said Peter Bell, executive director of NAIPC. “We scheduled National Aging In Place Week in October to encourage thinking about this topic as families start preparing for the holidays. As families gather, it's a perfect time to discuss livability issues for parents and other older relatives."
Since the inaugural National Aging In Place Week in 2003, NAIPC's outreach efforts have grown and expanded. During the initial year, educational events were held in six cities. Last year, aging in place events were held in 35 cities, and this year 50 cities are expected to participate.
NAIPC serves as an ongoing forum for professionals from the private, public and non-profit sectors and businesses to work together to promote aging in place.
Coalition members include remodelers, architects, interior designers, product designers, urban planners and professionals in financing, elder law, social services, healthcare and other disciplines.
Home owners benefit when these professionals establish interdisciplinary networks and become better acquainted with the spectrum of resources available.
NAIPC also encourages senior citizens, recent retirees and baby boomers to be proactive in planning for their future housing and care needs — and provides ideas and information to help them do so.
For more information, visit www.naipc.org.
 Save the Date for 2007 50+ Housing Symposium
Mark May 30-June 1, 2007 on your calendars to attend the 50+ Housing Symposium.
The seniors housing symposium is the premier educational and networking event for industry professionals who serve the burgeoning 50+ market.
Visit www.nahb.org/build4boomers for more information.
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