Nearly 90% of older adults in America age 50 or more seniors want to age in place. Various factors drive this trend, but chief among them is the desire to avoid the uncertainty and challenges of moving into an assisted living facility or nursing home.
But what does it take to age in place? Here’s what you need to know:
What is Aging in Place?
The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes aging in place as the ability to live safely, independently, and comfortably in one’s own home and community, regardless of age, income, or ability level.
Most seniors prefer aging in place and respecting their choice of aging in place, and it is vital to support their preferences.
The ability to age in place contributes to a higher level of satisfaction, a better quality of life, and a stronger sense of self-worth, which are instrumental in remaining healthy, happy, and active as we age.
According to the World Health Organization, communities that offer more opportunities for senior citizens to remain active in civic and social life will improve their overall well-being and quality of life.
Benefits of Aging in Place
The benefits of aging in place include the following:
Staying Independent
A senior’s daily life can become increasingly challenging as they age due to physical and cognitive declines. Senior citizens eventually need others’ help to accomplish everyday tasks, and they can no longer do several things on their own.
However, with family, friends, and professional caregivers’ help, seniors can still maintain aspects of self-sufficiency. A crucial element of aging in place is controlling their routine, activities, and life decisions.
In an assisted living facility, seniors cannot enjoy this kind of independence, and they have little or no control over their lives and routines. The nursing staff, in many instances, is burdened with caring for more than one resident at a time, which makes them split their time and attention between them.
By aging in place, seniors can maintain a higher level of independence.
Continuity in Routines and Procedures
Many seniors view a home’s emotional value as more important than its monetary value. An area that fosters a sense of belonging is vital to elderly adults – a space that doesn’t just act as a home but feels like one.
While some seniors adapt quickly to assisted living and nursing homes, many never genuinely feel at home there.
In contrast, aging in place allows older adults to remain in familiar and cherished spaces. Seniors’ quality of life depends on this crucial and underrated factor.
A Safer & Healthier Setting
Nursing homes and assisted seniors often select living facilities because they believe they are safer and healthier than living at home. While it is true in some cases, it is not always the case. The health outcomes of nursing home residents are worse than those of seniors who age in place, despite similar health.
Several factors explain this. For instance, leaving home has a profound psychological impact, and stress and depression are more likely to develop in homebound seniors, both of which contribute to physical and mental decline. Secondly, infections are more likely to occur.
The benefits of aging in place include improving seniors’ quality of life, which boosts their physical health. Additionally, it helps them stay healthy by preventing them from contracting illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses found in senior living homes.
Aging in Place Can Save You Cost
The cost of nursing homes and assisted living facilities can be on the high side – with a bed space in a shared room typically costing almost $20,000 yearly and $75,000 for a private room. In facilities that require more special care, that price could be more.
Even though aging in place requires spending some money to modify your home to meet your needs, it costs significantly less than living in a nursing home or assisted living facility.
In other words, the cost of aging in place is far more modest compared to the alternatives available.
When to Start Planning?
From your earliest working years, you should establish financial and economic plans to live as comfortably as possible in your later years.
Despite the term referring to retirees, it should concern everyone from the start of one’s career.
It is, therefore, necessary to begin planning for retirement as early as possible and update, revise, and adjust plans as necessary as requirements change.
What Do You Need to Age in Place?
After you have decided to age in place, here are four things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and healthy environment:
1. Perform a home safety check
Start by ensuring your home is safe and easy for you to get around. That means eliminating tripping hazards, installing grab bars in the bathroom, providing you have sufficient light in the rooms, building a safe staircase, and ensuring the surfaces are slip-proof.
Also, you need to have the right equipment, including a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and medical alert system.
2. Make your health a priority
A vital component of a healthy life is maintaining suitable physical, mental, and emotional health. It will help you live at home for as long as possible.
If your doctor approves, start exercising regularly. Don’t forget that enjoying a healthy lifestyle as you age is as important as drinking lots of water and eating right.
3. Make a plan for transportation
You can get to your destination in several ways, including driving yourself, only one of many options. Check into what public transportation options are available to you, ask your friends and family if they can help with rides, and learn about local taxi companies or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
4. Insure your long-term care needs
Growing old brings new health concerns, and if you decide to age at home, you will inevitably need long-term care.
Medicare does not cover long-term home care, so you may want to consider alternatives like long-term care insurance.
As the need for at-home caregivers arises, this type of insurance will help cover costs that may not be paid by health insurance or Medicare.
What are Some Challenges of Aging in Place?
Aging in place has its perks, but it also has several challenges. Among the most significant problems are:
- Social isolation
- The cost of housing
- The cost of long-term care
Is Aging in Place the Right Option for You?
Just out of curiosity, are you or a loved one contemplating the idea of aging in place? Yes/No?
Contact Ascent Care Partners today to learn more about the benefits and challenges of aging in place and how we can help you and your loved ones plan for a future in the comfort of your own home.
