Message From the Founder

There is reason to be optimistic about aging in America. Our country is embarking on what could be called a "great undoing." An unintended consequence of the industrial revolution and the medical model was treating aging as a problem rather than a natural stage of life. An unfortunate result was housing older adults in nursing homes. This is being critically reassessed. Perhaps most compelling is that the needs of the individual and the needs of society are aligned: people want to spend their autumn and winter years at home surrounded by family and friends; and, paying for aging-in-place solutions is cheaper than funding nursing home residency, translating to a lower taxpayer bill. Consider, the average monthly cost for a private room in a nursing home in Philadelphia is nearly $13,000, while the cost for assisted living averages $5,000 to $6,000, according to Genworth, an organization that supports older adults. Occupational therapy, adaptive equipment, home modification and a home health aid once or twice a week can cost less while making life work at home. 

One trend in the past century hasn't changed. More and more women are pursuing careers outside the home. The benefit to society is immeasurable. The contributions of women, be it in the home or the executive suite, command respect. Meanwhile, caregiving responsibilities still fall heavily on women in America (lest we disregard them, many men shoulder these responsibilities as well, though not as great a share in aggregate). As more and more women started working outside the home, it became increasingly difficult to avoid nursing home placement for our aging parents. This leaves society with three options. One, expect women to give up their careers and enormous contributions to society in order to care for mom and dad full time. Two, toss out the "undoing" and push our parents into nursing homes. Or three, provide supports for aging in place that venerate older adults, prevent nursing home placements, and create solutions that enable those in the sandwich generation to reach their career and life goals while ensuring their parents' livelihood. I started this company to collaboratively generate these solutions, to make my contribution to society by joining the trend toward the "undoing," to support the older adults in our communities and their families. My hope is that every Integrative Aging In Place intervention translates to one more moment families share enjoying life instead of agonizing over difficult health, housing and life choices.  

Integrative Aging In Place marks the continuation of a career mission that started with work at a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly in Philadelphia, serving older adults in the community to prevent or delay nursing home placements. Launching this company to help older adults in Greater Philadelphia age in place is fulfilling a dream. I'm living my best life. I want the same for you. 

We want to hear from you. We want to serve. We hope this finds you well.

Warmest Regards,

Christopher Burba, OTR/L, CAPS

President & Founder

Aging In Place Advisor