Growing older in the Methow The evolution of eldercare and aging in place BY S A N D R A S T R I EBY
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he senior population of the United States has been growing fast, increasing in both numbers and percentage of the population over the last century. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that people age 65 and over made up somewhat less than 5% of the country’s population in 1920; by 2020, the proportion had grown to almost 17%. Washington seniors also account for about 17% of the state’s
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population. The local picture looks much different, with 29% of people living in the area served by the Methow Valley and Pateros school districts meriting senior status. That’s on a par with Japan, the country with the world’s largest percentage of older residents. Aging brings special challenges to health and well-being, and meeting seniors’ needs has always been part of our social fabric. Traditionally, families cared for their elders. The 20th century saw rapid changes in the social structure that had supported extended families. As the American population became more urbanized and growing numbers of women joined the work force, homebased elder care was increasingly replaced with retirement communities and nursing homes. In recent decades, many seniors
have opted to stay in their own homes, and the concept of aging in place has gained strong support among elders and policy-makers. For those who are able to live independently, it’s often the preferred option, but it doesn’t meet everyone’s needs. THE VALLEY’S FIRST CHOICE Aging in place is a popular choice for many reasons. Elders who age in place stay in their own homes rather than moving to retirement or groupcare settings, enjoying the comforts of places they know and love while skipping the hassles of moving. Community connections remain intact, and staying put is generally less costly than other options. In 2020, Jamie’s Place — the Methow Valley’s sole long-term care facility, located in Winthrop — began the process of evaluating the
valley’s current and future senior care needs. Ultimately, Jamie’s Place partnered with other local organizations to form the Senior Assessment for Housing and Support (SASH) steering committee. The committee collected and evaluated data, including information gathered by the Methow Housing Trust through a community survey, and in 2021 published a report summarizing its findings and recommendations for meeting Methow Valley elders’ needs. The SASH committee found that “80% of elders want to live out their life in their own home” and “Aging at home is the least costly strategy for individuals and society.” TAKING ACTION In 2022, the SASH partner organizations and Okanogan Palliative