Many seniors place a premium on staying in place as they age and value living on their own. However, if they fall ill it can throw a wrench in their plans for independent living and could necessitate a move to a nursing home. But a new development from Australia is making its way to the United States that could make home safety for seniors a bit easier, The New York Times reports.
Relief comes in the form of so-called MEDCottages, pre-built living areas that can be placed on the property belonging to a senior's adult children, so they will be close by if the older adult should ever sound the medical alert. However, the homes allow seniors to maintain their independence and continue living on their own.
The 12-by-24-foot structures include a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom and are outfitted with a number of gadgets to make sure those living there are safe and healthy, according to the Times. For instance, it has a runway that lights up when stepped on, so late-night visits to the bathroom are not quite as treacherous. Additionally, it can monitor everything from blood pressure to glucose levels in residents who need it.
"It's got special rubber floors, so even if you fall, you’ll be safe," Dr. David Page, whose wife, Socorrito Baez-Page, became the first person in the U.S. to purchase one of the units, told the Times.
While there are some barriers keeping MEDCottages from being commonplace, including zoning issues, the innovative structures could become increasingly important in the coming years as the number of older adults continues to rise.
Along with the growing size of the senior population, a 2010 study from AARP revealed just how much of a premium older adults place on staying in their home as they get older. Specifically, 88 percent of respondents said they somewhat or strongly agree with wanting to stay in their current residence as long as possible.
Not only will MEDCottages allows older adults to maintain an independent lifestyle as they get older, but they will also make the situation a bit easier for senior caregivers, something which impacts a large swath of the population. According to the National Family Caregivers Association, more than 65 million people in the United States provide care for an ill, disabled or elderly family member.