Aging in place has become a popular trend as more and more seniors are choosing to stay in their homes for as long as possible. There are many benefits to aging in place, including convenience, independence, and comfort. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 9 benefits of aging in place at home!
Aging in place is a concept that refers to the ability of older adults to remain independent and safe in their own homes as they age. This can be accomplished by creating a home environment that is safe, accessible, and comfortable for an aging adult.
Key Takeaways
- It’s a common misconception that aging in place is about being stuck in your home, but that’s not the case. Aging in place is simply the idea that you can live independently at home for as long as possible.
- There are many different ways to age in place and to make your home more accessible and safe, including physical modifications and technological aids.
- The first step toward aging in place is ensuring that your current home can accommodate your changing needs as you age. You’ll want to check out the following areas: accessibility, safety concerns, features, and storage space.
Why Seniors Prefer Aging in Place
Aging in place is an option that many seniors prefer. It allows them to remain in their own home, rather than having to move into a different environment. This can be beneficial for several reasons:
1. Better access to healthcare and doctor visits – If you’re in the hospital or if doctors need to come to your home, it is much easier when you are aging in place.
2. Less stress on family members – If you and your family are close by, they can help you with daily tasks and keep an eye on you when they’re not busy with work or school.
3. More independence – Many seniors want to age in place because they don’t want anyone else taking care of them when they can still do things for themselves (for example: cook meal preparation).
What Are the Benefits of Aging in Place?
1. Allows Seniors to Keep Their Independence
Living at home is a great way for seniors to maintain their independence, and it can often be less expensive than living in an assisted living facility or nursing home. When you’re older, moving into a new place is not always easy—especially if you have physical limitations or mobility issues. Aging in place allows you to stay in your home and continue enjoying the comforts of your own space.
2. Allow Seniors to Remain Socially Engaged in Their Communities
One of the biggest benefits of aging in place is that it allows seniors to remain socially engaged in their communities. Seniors who live at home are able to maintain relationships with friends and family, which can help ensure that they avoid feelings of isolation and loneliness.
3. It Is Significantly More Affordable
Aging in place is a great choice for those who want to stay in their homes as they age. It’s significantly more affordable than moving into an assisted living facility or nursing home.
If you’re looking to transition into a new phase of life, it’s important to consider all of your options. For some people, aging in place is the exact thing they need.
4. It Slows the Progression of Memory Loss
With the right home modifications, aging in place can help slow the progression of memory loss. One study found that those who were able to stay in their homes compared to those who moved out showed less decline in short-term memory and other cognitive functions over time.
5. Comfort Care at Its Finest
As you age, it’s important to stay comfortable and safe. No one wants to feel like they’re under house arrest or being treated like a child. But there are ways that you can still have your independence while also getting the help you need.
For example, many seniors find it difficult to get in and out of bed when they wake up in the morning or at night. If this is an issue for you or someone you love, consider investing in a lift chair or other assistive device that makes it easier to get up and down from the bed. The right equipment can make all the difference!
6. Safest and Healthiest Choice
If your age is in place, you can stay in your own home, surrounded by your personal things and familiar spaces. You’ll be able to keep up with the neighborhood’s social life and maintain relationships with friends and family members.
You’ll also have access to healthcare professionals who are familiar with your medical history, which means they’ll be able to diagnose any changes or irregularities more quickly.
7. Empower seniors to have more options
Aging in place is all about giving seniors the freedom to live in their own homes and make their own choices, even as they age. And one of the most important things that this freedom brings is empowerment. When your parents are aging in place, they get to live with autonomy and self-determination. They get to choose how they want to live and how they want to spend their time—and that is truly an incredible gift!
8. Maintains Familiarity, Comfort, and Convenience
As we age, our bodies change, and our sense of independence changes with us. Aging in place allows you to stay in your home as it adapts to your changing needs. This can be a great benefit for seniors who have lived in the same neighborhood their whole life or have spent decades raising their family in one house.
9. Lets Seniors Be Close to Their Loved Ones
One of the best things about aging in place is that it allows seniors to remain close to their loved ones. Often, seniors who are living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities are forced to move far away from friends and family. This can be extremely stressful for them, as well as for their loved ones. When a senior remains in the same house as their family members, they get to keep in touch and spend more time with them. This is especially true if they have children who live nearby.
Planning ahead to age in place
The thought of not being able to live in your home as you age can be terrifying. But the truth is, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, planning ahead will make a huge difference when it comes to aging in place. Think about this: if you had a plan for how you were going to move around your house and accomplish everyday tasks when you’re older, would things feel nearly as daunting? Probably not.
So how do we get started? Here are some ideas for planning ahead to age in place:
- Create an inventory of your home’s features and layout so that you have a clear picture of where everything is located. This will help you stay organized as time goes on and make it easier for someone else (like professional caregivers) to help out with day-to-day tasks like cooking or cleaning up after meals.
- Make sure all doors are wide enough for mobility devices like walkers or wheelchairs so that they don’t feel trapped inside their own homes! Also, consider making the front door accessible by having wider steps leading up to it so that people who use wheelchairs don’t have trouble getting inside without assistance from others around them!
- Hiring a home health aide to help with daily tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and laundry. If you are on Medicaid or Medicare, this service may be covered by other health insurance.
- Make sure your home is safe for you if you’re getting older or if you have physical limitations. You can hire an architect or interior designer to help with this task. A professional will know what features are necessary for an elderly adults home, such as wider doorways and ramps instead of stairs. They can also advise on choosing the right furniture and appliances that are easy to use and maintain.
- Ensuring that all of your utilities are working properly so there aren’t any surprises when it comes time for them to be replaced or repaired!
What support can I get to age in place?
Planning ahead to age in place can be a really great way to ensure that you’re able to stay in your home and community as long as possible.
If you’re interested in aging in place, it’s important to consider what resources are available to support your goals. You can start by talking with your local senior center or community center—they may have information on local home health care providers who can assist with basic tasks, or even offer programs that provide companionship or transportation services.
It’s also good to talk with your doctor about any physical or mental limitations that might come up as you age. They may be able to refer you to specialists who can help manage pain or symptoms of dementia, for example.
The process of aging in place can be complicated. There are many steps involved and a lot of different actors. Part of the process is making sure that you have the right technological modifications in place so that you can age in your own home with ease. This includes things like:
- A ramp for wheelchair access
- A home alarm system for extra security
- A smart thermostat that can be controlled remotely via an app
- A smart lock for easy entry/exit (and peace of mind)
- Flexible shower heads that you can use from the tub or shower chair
- A smart doorbell system that lets you see who’s at the door even when you’re not in the living room
- A security system that can be controlled remotely via smartphone or tablet
- Install motion sensors on lights so that they turn on automatically when you enter a private room or just a room; add nightlights so that it’s easier for you to get around without tripping over furniture in the dark.
According to the opens in a new windowU.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), seniors must be able to afford to remain in their homes or choose from affordable residential options in their communities to age in place. Wealthier households may have sufficient personal care savings and assets to self-finance aging in place. The department’s report indicates that many seniors want to stay in their homes as they age, but often lack the resources to do so. The report recommends that local governments and policymakers consider ways to make it easier for seniors to age in place by expanding housing options and providing financial assistance.
Concerns about aging in place
Aging in place has become a popular choice for many people as they age, and it’s important to plan ahead.
Being prepared is key to aging in place, but there are challenges that come with this lifestyle. The biggest concern is financial. If you’re not financially secure, it can be hard to afford the care you’ll need as you get older. But if you plan ahead and start saving now, you’ll be able to afford a higher quality of life in the future.
Another big challenge is emotional. Many people worry about becoming isolated or alone as they age, but planning ahead can help with this too! If you rely on others for your daily needs, try getting out of the house more often so you don’t feel like an elderly person who needs constant care from others. And if there are things that make you feel lonely or isolated at home (for example: if there’s no one else around), try getting involved with groups or activities that interest or excite you so that time doesn’t seem so slow or boring!
Resources to help you age in place
opens in a new windowThe National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a respected national leader and trusted association that provides community living programs and services to help people aged 60+. This is the perfect place to investigate senior programs dedicated to helping you age healthily and securely.
The AARP is a nonprofit organization with the goal of bettering the lives of those 50 years or older. Some topics covered on its website include healthy living, Senior discounts, and news geared toward seniors. AARP’s affiliated charity, the AARP Foundation, provides support to low-income seniors in areas of food security, housing stability, income assistance, and social engagement. Solutions are created through volunteers and partnering organizations to help those who may be struggling as they age.
Benefits Of Aging In Place At Home FAQs
What are the benefits of seniors in society?
Seniors are the backbone of our society. They make up a large proportion of the population and have a huge impact on our economy. As we age in place, we can help to keep our community strong and healthy by continuing to contribute to local businesses and nonprofit organizations. We also provide a valuable role model for younger generations. In health and human services, for example, seniors are often the most experienced and knowledgeable members of the workforce. We can share our expertise with younger colleagues, mentor new employees, and volunteer our time to support the mission of important organizations. By staying active and engaged in our community, we can help to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Why is it important to take care of your parents?
It’s important to take care of your parents because they are your family. It is important to be there for them and love them no matter what. It is also important because they have done so much for you and it would be a shame if they needed help but could not receive it. You should always make sure that you are doing everything in your power to help your parents and make sure that they are taken care of
Do elderly people live longer at home?
As people get older, they may not be able to perform everyday tasks such as cooking or driving. If a person cannot take care of him- or herself, he/she may need to move into a nursing home for extra help in these areas.
opens in a new windowNew research shows that people who live at home (“live in place,”) or at an independent living facility may be more likely to enjoy long and healthy lives without being transferred to a nursing home.
Conclusion
Aging in place is a term used for the trend of people staying in their homes as they age. This can be done by making modifications to in-home care or living in a community designed for aging in place. There are many benefits to aging in place, including increased independence, socialization, and safety. If you are considering aging in place for yourself or a loved one, call me today to schedule a free consultation. I would love to help you make your home safe and comfortable for years to come.
