As our loved ones age, they require extra help around the house or personal care, and they sometimes need to move in with family members or to an assisted living facility. But the majority prefers to age gracefully in more familiar surroundings—Their home.
According to an AARP survey, nearly 80 percent of older adults want to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Even when they begin to experience physical or cognitive decline, many resist or object to a move away from home.
Aging in place isn’t just about convenience. Staying in a familiar dwelling—like a home—can help seniors preserve their overall happiness, health, comfort, and quality of life. Aging in place is more than just a matter of convenience. Staying in a familiar environment, such as one’s home, can help seniors maintain their happiness, health, comfort, and quality of life.
Seniors can achieve their aging-in-place desires through professional home care that provides the personalized assistance they need to remain safely and comfortably in the residence they’ve enjoyed for years.
Professional home care can help seniors achieve their goal of aging in place by providing the personalized assistance they need to stay safely and comfortably in their homes for years to come.
Why Seniors Prefer Aging in Place
Seniors frequently prefer to age in their own homes for a variety of reasons, including comfort, familiarity, autonomy, and emotional well-being. Aging in place allows them to remain in their cherished and beloved home.
Let’s look at some of the reasons why remaining at home is so important to seniors:
- Independence
The ability to make choices throughout the day significantly impacts how you feel about yourself. When you are no longer managing the decisions in your life, you might feel like less of an individual. Seniors living in their homes have better control over their daily routines, actions, and security. They experience a level of autonomy and independence that is impossible in a nursing home or assisted living facility, where they would have less control over their activities and would have to adhere to set schedules by the facility, food choices, bathing schedules, and daily events.
- Familiar setting and routines
A senior’s home is the most important place in their life, offering a sense of awareness, comfort, and security. For many seniors, the emotional value of a house is far more essential than its monetary value. They cherish having their own space — a space that doesn’t simply function as a home but feels like one. Although some seniors quickly adapt to assisted living facilities, many never truly feel “at home.” - Healthier environment
Some families believe assisted living facilities are a safer and healthier option than their senior loved one’s home. However, the toll of moving can affect a senior’s overall state of mind. Homesick seniors are at higher risk of stress and depression, which can accelerate physical and cognitive decline. Aging in place tends to improve the physical and mental well-being of seniors. - Cost-savings
- Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are often very expensive for seniors and their families. According to the National Center for Assisted Living, the annual median cost of an assisted living community is $54,000. These costs can climb even higher in nursing facilities, which average nearly $95,000 per year for a semi-private room and approximately $108,000 for a private room.
Home care costs are typically lower than a nursing home or assisted living facility. If your senior needs to modify their home to make it safer or more livable, they may qualify for Medicare waivers or assistance through local programs. Seniors may also need to hire a professional caregiver to assist with light housekeeping, routine errands, or activities of daily living.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, evidence suggests seniors who choose to age in place can save thousands of dollars per month in care costs.
We Can Help Your Loved One Age in Place
Physical and cognitive decline can make day-to-day life more challenging for your senior, who may need professional assistance with everyday tasks such as dressing, grooming, bathing, meal planning, and toileting.
Devoted Care Services offers personalized care solutions designed to enhance the comfort and well-being of your loved one. With assistance provided by Devoted Care Services, your loved one will have the one-on-one support they need by their side to age in place comfortably.
Schedule a free home care consultation with your local Devoted Care Services to help you understand your senior care options and make the best choice.