Aging in place means staying in the comfort of your own home in old age. Despite many people, including seniors, lacking a plan for their senior living situation, more people would rather stay home and get assistance. It is a preference, but new data shows that the outcomes for seniors are drastically better than at nursing homes. There are, however, factors to consider before committing to in-home care.
A better sense of community is among the top-cited reasons seniors want to stay home. According to a study done in 2010, two-thirds (67%) of respondents strongly agreed with the statement, "what I'd really like to do is remain in my local community for as long as possible."
Staying home while engaged with a caregiver, family members, and the community they live in has shown to reduce the cognitive decline of seniors by 70 percent 2. Overly institutionalized surroundings, isolation, and lack of social connections threaten a senior's mental wellbeing. As we age, the best way to prevent cases of mental illness such as Alzheimer's is regular exercise3 and to stay in an environment of familiarity and support.
By the time seniors need to consider their living plans, they have already gotten to their routines and rituals. A sudden change from true independence to needing help can be drastic, even for something like fixing meals. On the other hand, nursing homes can result in a loss of freedom and autonomy for most older people. By making it easy to age in place, seniors can keep their schedule, choose their food, and gain a personalized home care experience.
Even with spaciousness comes more problems with mobility, maintenance, and chores. As seniors grow older, it becomes physically harder to do what was once routine. Activities such as climbing stairs and parts of the house can go unused or underused. Seniors are advised the downsize their homes post-retirement to help buffer against these common problems 4.
Without direct access to healthcare professionals like nursing homes, any sudden mental or physical changes can require a more significant difference in care needs—instances of having a stroke, a fall, or an acute illness.5 Family members will need to be aware of this, and when they are unavailable, the need can become more serious. Consider having a contingency plan in place if your health declines.
A considerable barrier to entry for seniors aging in place is the increase in costs. Modifications could be necessary for the person to comfortably stay home, such as ramps and railings or even doorknobs. New technology is also under development for seniors to prevent falls and monitor their mobility function. Beyond adding brighter lights, home remodeling can skyrocket to thousands of dollars based on the elder's needs 6. Local and state jurisdictions are looking to address this in public housing by having accessibility built into the foundation.
Planning for a senior assisted living doesn't have to be complicated. Prioritize any illnesses or ailments you currently have.7 Maybe you are struggling with breathing or have diabetes, or any preexisting condition. Talk with your doctor about common concerns with any illness you may have as you get older.
For extra privacy, the cost of a nursing home increases. Often, seniors only require a fraction of the hours of care they need at a nursing home. The average price of in-home care compared to a nursing home is nearly half 8.
Even with the significantly cheaper cost of in-home care, it can still be out of reach for many seniors, especially seniors of color. African-American and Latino seniors frequently reported an inability to plan for or afford to age in place due to financial insecurities 9. Communities and family members should utilize every available resource, including particular residential areas and housing modifications. However, even with government-aided programs like Section 202, they can't meet the growing demand for assisted living. In-home care services can bridge the gap needed to bring seniors comfort and security.
Choosing a senior plan will depend on both the benefits and disadvantages of aging in place and nursing homes. However, we believe the quality of living should be a top priority.
Seniors agree that independence, comfort, and a sense of community are at the center of why they choose to age in place.
Please use the resources cited below to explore these topics in more depth.