About 10,000 Americans will turn 65 years old this week alone, and as the population ages, the need for senior care increases. For many of these older Americans, home is where the heart is, and that is where they want to stay – a trend that is saving both money and dignity.
Pat Swindler always wanted the best for his wife. When back surgery and deep vein thrombosis contained her to a wheelchair, the only place they wanted to be was at home. He found Kathy Simoneaux a certified aging in place specialist. Simoneaux, like other designers, design the spaces to be comfortable and accessible.
Peninsula Home Care has community health workers who go to homes of the elderly so that they can stay at home and feel comfortable. Mildred Wilson of Salisbury, Md., says that her community health worker, Shawntell Mitchell, is also like a friend who can be there in a matter of minutes if she needs her. Shawntell even made a call to get Mildred a ramp so that she can get out of the house and take a ride around the neighborhood with her scooter.
