For older Americans, there's no place like home

The plan, or AiP2.0 as it is called, envisions a more effective use of resources and better coordination of service delivery mechanisms, and also the creation of business opportunities for the private sector. The AiP2.0 plan's steps are:

1. Homes prepared for Aging in Place through individual investment, subsidies and incentives
2. Investment in businesses that will connect market sectors to improved service delivery
3. Development of care management, social interaction, wellness and transportation systems
4. Care management designed to dispatch services when needed
5. Care delivery models to make better use of available, paid caregiver resources to meet the needs of individuals in the community.

Metlife Mature Market Institute Director Sandra Timmermann said, "Wherever older individuals live, whether in their own homes or in a care facility, the setting may be inefficient for many people, since a person's need for care fluctuates as medical conditions come and go, often resulting in the need to move back and forth between multiple care settings." She added that new development of care services, home design and technology would lessen stress for adults and caregivers, which would support a better quality of life.

In conjunction with the report, the Institute has created the "The MetLife Aging in Place Workbook: Your Home As a Care Setting," a step-by-step guide to help evaluate care needs, determine whether residential modification and/or assistive devices are needed, identify potential care resources and understand the associated costs. The workbook also provides a listing of organizations and government agencies that may serve as additional resources in the caregiving area.

Source: MetLife Mature Market Institute

"The MetLife Report on Aging in Place 2.0: Rethinking Solutions to the Home Care Challenge" can be downloaded from www.MatureMarketInstitute.com.