Is Aging in Place a Good Fit for My Loved One?

According to AARP, 90% of American seniors would like to live in their home as long as possible. However, you may be starting to wonder: “is aging in place a good fit for my loved one?” We’ve compiled a few benefits and drawbacks to consider when determining the best course of action for your loved one.

Benefits of Aging in Place

Maintain Independence & Comfort

One of the biggest benefits of aging in place is the comfort and independence that comes from living in your own home. This allows your loved one to maintain their own routine while receiving help from a home health aide when needed.

Ability to Stay Close to Friends & Family

Since seniors who are aging in place are able to maintain their current living environment, they are able to maintain connections to their community. Studies have shown that these connections have direct implications on their long term mental and physical health.

Significant Cost-Savings

Not all seniors need the same level of support. It may be that your loved one is able to complete most tasks on their own, but need a little support for routine errands or some aspects of daily life. With home care, you can customize the amount of support from a home health aide to match the needs of your unique situation, leading to significant cost savings compared to a live-in senior care facility.

Drawbacks of Aging in Place

Senior May Need Full-Time Support

A senior with a lot of health conditions may need access to 24/7 support. While you can customize your home care plan and increase the amount of time a home health aide is there for support, this may not be enough help for someone who would benefit from moving into a senior living facility.

Home May Require Renovations

Depending on the home environment, you may need to invest in some renovations to eliminate potential hazards for an aging senior. For example, a senior with limited mobility would have a tough time living in a home with a lot of stairs. There are solutions that can make a home more comfortable, but they may be expensive or time-consuming to install.

Final Word

Ultimately, the decision on whether or not aging in place is a good fit for your loved one is a very personal decision that depends heavily on their unique circumstances. In most cases, adding a home health aide into your loved one’s routine can be a huge help in maintaining a happy, healthy lifestyle. If you need guidance about how home care can work for your situation, give us a call at 610-365-4099.

Over the next few months we will continue to explore Aging in Place and our tips for how to make this next step in your loved one’s life as comfortable and pleasant as possible. In March we will be covering the topic “Creating a Caregiver Plan.” Check back for updates!