What Does Aging in Place Really Mean?

Aging in place is a common phrase used to describe a person making a conscious decision to stay in the home of their choice, rather than in a retirement or assisted living community, for as long as they can with the comforts that they are familiar with and important to them. For many seniors, leaving the home in which they’ve lived their entire lives can feel like a disruption of their day-to-day life. Aging in place also refers to a person in their golden years when they can live in the residence of their preference and are still able to access the things they require and used to in their daily life.

Let’s have a closer look at five reasons the benefits and why seniors prefer Aging in place:

Maintaining a sense of Independence

First and foremost, remaining at home honors the wishes of the individual. Staying at home allows seniors to be more independent and most important of all, make their own decisions on a variety of topics, elderly adults have control over their routine, activities, and life decisions. By aging in place, seniors can maintain a greater degree of independence. Even with live-in or occasional in-home help, an elderly adult is still in charge of scheduling activities instead of a nursing home or assisted living situation, where you may have to comply with a group schedule.

When elderly adults are aging in place, they can live their lives as they see fit, and they enjoy a sense of dignity unavailable to many seniors.

Aging in place Strengthens Your Social Network

 Aging in place allows seniors to keep their current social network and expand upon it. For many seniors, the home comes with a rich social network of neighbors, friends, and family. Social life plays a large role in physical and mental health. Aging in place allows seniors to stay close to their loved ones.

Besides having regular access to existing social networks, religious/spiritual communities, clubs, or organizations, those who are in place maintain access to:

• Community events and activities
• Favorite restaurants and hang-out spots
• A wide range of exercise classes or group opportunities
• Day trips and outings of their choosing, driven and accompanied by compassionate and engaged caregivers.

Comfort Care at its Finest

There’s no place like home. This popular cliché captures how many seniors feel about the thought of leaving their homes. Their favorite chair, your mattress, the space they’re accustomed to, the smells, and just the familiarity of the space, all go towards the comfort of staying in their own home. Moving into a senior living community can be exceptionally limiting in what they allow residents to bring with them. This may upset seniors, especially those who do not want to leave their homes to begin with.

Professional In-Home Care

Supporting a loved one who is aging in place can be a challenge for busy families, especially if their loved one struggles to perform daily activities. A caregiver can help to step in and help with tasks like grocery shopping, house cleaning, and even walking a loved one’s dog.

Aging in place Can be More Affordable

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are often expensive, for seniors and their families. The cost can climb high in nursing facilities especially when seniors require specialized care. However, aging in place means seniors need to modify their homes to make them feel safer and livable. One thing to consider if you or a loved one are exploring the idea of aging in place is to build out their home to fit their needs.  In several cases, seniors also need to hire an in-home caregiver to assist with light housekeeping, routine errands, or activities of daily living.

Do you have a loved one who could benefit from aging in place? LifeWorx offers a range of home care services including, overnight and live-in care, to support you or a loved one. If you’re interested in our compassionate and dedicated home care services for you or a loved one, contact your nearest LifeWorx location today.