A recent University of Victoria study calls it "the grey tsunami" - the fact that people live longer. And, in theory, this means that the medical system is overtaxed by the aging population. However, this is not necessarily true, despite the fact that centenarians are no longer a phenomenon.

As people age, the decision to move or stay put is a dilemma many will face. More and more seniors choose to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. Many only need minimal assistance for tasks such as housecleaning, maintenance and garden work. If seniors are able to retain reasonably good health and can take care of themselves in their own homes rather than move to a care facility, they are, in the long run, far happier and save the medical health system money.

In order to attain this, however, more financial assistance is needed from the government. In British Columbia, the Ministry of Health offers some financial home support assistance to allow seniors to stay in their own homes; the amount has increased by 76 per cent in 10 years to approximately $711 million by the year 2011. Still, this only covers medical assistance, not support such as housecleaning.

In many cases, it has been proven that if support covered those other simpler needs it would save the medical health system money by keeping seniors out of hospital or long-term care. A common scenario is the frail senior who tries to do his or her own housework, trips and falls, and breaks a hip or worse. Ultimately, this lands them in hospital, where they become the responsibility of the health-care system, which costs everyone more money.

Living longer can also present problems for couples that are separated when one has to move to a long-term or extended care facility; it is painful for them both and can often result in the imminent death of one or the other. Even when in good health, a move can be traumatic. Being elderly, sick and separated from your loved one can add to the trauma.

Of course, there are many healthy seniors who prefer an assisted-living facility where meals are available, activities are plentiful and a social lifestyle is suitable to their specific personal needs. That's great for some personalities but others wish for a quieter, more limited lifestyle during their golden years, which many feel can only be found in the familiar surroundings of their own home.

Like many others with elderly parents, I experienced this dilemma in the year 2000 and, because of my experience with the "system" for the next six years, I became a strong advocate for "aging in place." In the process, I learned a great deal and began to understand how things could be greatly improved for those who make the decision to stay in their own home - preferably until life's end.

To begin with, it is essential to have a good home-care plan in place. In my parents' case, although my father was reasonably fit, he was unable to take care of my mother, whose needs were far greater; after some minor strokes, she needed round-the-clock care. They were both already in their early 90s by then, but they loved their home and separation, after 70 years of marriage, would have been heartless.

Many resources exist in the community, but first, it's essential that the home is senior-friendly. Eliminate slip mats; install grab bars in bathrooms; use the many available tools that can be rented from the Red Cross or purchased from health care stores; and a reclining chair, which lifts to facilitate standing up at the press of a button is helpful. Even such simple gadgets as a device for helping a senior put on their socks without having to bend down can be a lifesaver. And a lifeline-alert device button is definitely recommended for seniors who live alone.

In addition, the Public Health Agency of Canada is developing more age-friendly communities. Provinces such as British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland are involved in this "senior-friendly community" plan. Work is underway to install more street corner ramps and driveway ramps at sidewalks.

Another great service in Greater Victoria is the introduction of a geriatric physician who will make home visits on a monthly basis, with on-call appointments as needed. This is subject to a small fee, because it's not covered by the B.C. medical plan. There is also an increase in private home care agencies specializing in assisting seniors in their own homes.

In my parents' case, I firmly believe aging in place extended their time together by at least six years, and they were able to spend those years in familiar surroundings. Major re-adjustments to their house, an excellent home care plan, a doctor who made home visits and my own stringent overseeing of all their caregivers definitely contributed to its success.

The UVIC Policy Prescription for an Aging Population concluded its study by stating that although the so-called "grey tsunami" is supposedly threatening to swamp the health-care system, this is proving not to be the case. Seniors can spend their end years in their own homes without putting extra strain on the medical system.

Although the journey can indeed be painful and extremely hard for family members who become caregivers (usually a daughter) to their aging parents, the rewards continue to far outweigh the problems.

For more information and resources, read my story, Embrace the Journey, available through Senior Living Magazine's bookstore, www.seniorlivingmag.com/bookstore

AUGUST 2011 SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE VANCOUVER ISLAND