Seniors today have several living options, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing communities. These options offer social opportunities, low-maintenance living, and professional care as needs change. However, aging in place is another strong option. It’s ideal for fully independent seniors but also works for those who require a little extra help from loved ones or hired aides. Here are a few perks of aging in place to consider before deciding which senior living option is right for you.
More convenient than moving
Sorting through a lifetime of belongings before a move can be stressful and emotionally draining. Tensions can arise when downsizing and deciding between what a senior wants to keep and what their loved ones think needs to go. Moving also requires a lot of time, money, and resources. Aging in place helps you avoid all that. You can keep cherished items, skip the hassle of moving, and reduce stress, an important factor for maintaining health in later years.
Potentially more affordable than senior living
The median monthly cost of assisted living is $5,900, with more intensive care facilities costing even more. For some seniors, remaining at home is more affordable. Even if you require some help, it can cost less to hire a home health aide for a few hours than it does to move.
However, the affordability of staying at home and hiring home care depends on how much care and support you require. Aging in place works best if you need minimal assistance or have support from family and friends. If you require extensive daily care and other services like grocery delivery or lawn care, remaining at home may cost just as much or more than other senior living options. It’s important to assess your needs and evaluate whether aging in place will actually be more affordable.
Preserved independence with aging in place
Although senior living facilities contribute to independence by taking tasks out of the hands of the senior and freeing up time for doing things they enjoy, moving to a senior living facility can mean giving up some degree of independence. Even in independent living, meals and activities follow a set schedule, and in assisted living and nursing homes, control is even more limited.
Aging in place lets you keep control over your daily life, from deciding what flowers to plant in the yard to choosing meals and bath times. Many seniors value the continued sense of autonomy they experience when aging in place.
Increased emotional comfort with aging in place
Living in a new environment can be stressful and anxiety-inducing. In contrast, remaining at home offers the emotional comfort of being surrounded by familiar belongings and cherished memories, which can be a boost to mental and emotional health.
This can be especially helpful for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Living in a familiar environment reduces mental strain, making it easier for seniors with memory challenges to navigate their surroundings. Being surrounded by familiar belongings in a familiar space also has the potential to trigger memories and slow the progression of memory-related disease.
Stronger bonds with loved ones while aging in place
Aging in place can strengthen connections with loved ones. Keeping your home can foster a sense of connection with family members who may have many cherished memories there. It can remain a gathering place for holidays and celebrations and become an important part of your family life for future generations.
Also, while some seniors may be hesitant to accepting help, it often brings families closer together. Loved ones have a reason to visit and provide care, which can promote stronger bonds. Whether it’s bringing over dinner, mowing the lawn, or running errands together, staying at home creates opportunities for meaningful time together.
Is aging in place right for you?
Aging in place offers many benefits, from maintaining independence and emotional comfort to avoiding stress and strengthening family bonds. Still, deciding where you want to age is very personal. While senior living communities can be a great fit for some, staying at home allows many older adults to remain in familiar surroundings, make their own choices, and preserve routines and relationships. By carefully assessing your care needs, financial situation, and support system, you can decide whether aging in place is the right choice for you or your loved one.
