4 Benefits of Aging in Place
When seniors require extra personal care, they sometimes need to move in with family members or to an assisted living facility. But many prefer to age gracefully in a more familiar place—home.
According to an AARP survey, nearly 80 percent of older adults want to remain in their own 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 home—can help seniors preserve their overall 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.
Why Seniors Prefer Aging in Place
Seniors often prefer to age in place for various reasons, including comfort, familiarity, autonomy, and emotional well-being. Aging in place allows them to stay in their beloved and cherished home.
Here’s a closer look at four reasons why remaining at home is so important to seniors:
- Independence
When seniors are in their own homes, they have a heightened sense of control over their daily routines, actions, and life decisions. They experience a level of autonomy and independence not possible in a nursing home or assisted living facility, where they will lack full control over their activities and must adhere to set mealtimes, food choices, bathing schedules, and daily events.
- Familiar setting and routines
The phrase “home is where the heart is” might be a cliché, but its sentiment remains as true as ever. 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 a space that is truly their own — a space that doesn’t simply function as a home but actually 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 too 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.
Visiting Angels Can Help Your Senior 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.
Visiting Angels offers personalized care solutions designed to enhance the comfort and well-being of your loved one. With assistance provided by Visiting Angels, your senior 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 Visiting Angels agency to help you understand your senior care options to make the best possible choice.
