Why do Seniors Want to Age in Place?

An overwhelming majority of older adults have a desire to age in place for the numerous psychological and physical benefits that attract them to this option. But living at home safely requires that seniors seek out and obtain community support from relatives, friends, and home care agencies.

What is aging in place?

Aging in place is defined as living at home during the later years of life. The senior’s home may be one in which they’d lived for many years as an adult. Or, the home may be where the older person reared children and formed deep roots in the community.

Some seniors downsize and move into a smaller home as they age. Condos, mobile homes, and apartments are easier and more cost-effective for the elderly to manage in comparison to single-family homes. Plus, in smaller living spaces, many dangers are averted.

Other older adults age in place by moving in with their adult children or other relatives. The elderly might opt to share housing with friends of the same age. Both these situations offer independence and significant social benefits to ensure they remain supported.

Why do seniors want to age in place?

1. Independence

Older adults are aware of the many benefits of remaining at home for as long as possible. Preserving their autonomy is among the biggest draws. The home environment is a familiar place where they can continue to have some control over their lives.

Aging people who are already familiar with their community know where to buy groceries, pick up medications, or enjoy camaraderie at the local senior center. Independently satisfying their basic needs offers comfort and increases confidence, both of which improve their quality of life.

2. Connection with the Community

Living at home gives the elderly an opportunity to maintain connections with their beloved community. Morning greetings from neighbors and the companionship of nearby friends are priceless to seniors who are vulnerable to social isolation, loneliness, and the accompanying depression.

Having access to a satisfying social network and perceiving safety within their neighborhood are directly related to decreased feelings of loneliness. People with a higher risk of loneliness have a correspondingly higher risk of developing dementia than those who are socially fulfilled.

3. Lower Costs

Seniors living on a fixed income understand the value of a dollar. Remaining at home lowers monthly living expenses. Sharing a home with another senior halves housing costs. Nearly a quarter of adults over age 65 own their own homes, alleviating them from the financial woes of paying a mortgage.

As the costs of receiving care in an assisted living community continue to soar, older adults view aging in place as a financially sensible alternative. Receiving care at home from a professional caregiver is cost-effective in comparison to entering a long-term care facility.

4. Better Health

Enhanced health is another benefit for seniors who age in place. Older adults who live at home avoid the millions of infections that occur every year inside long-term care facilities. By aging in place, seniors protect themselves from infections that could negatively impact their health and shorten their lifespans.

Seniors who rely on an in-home support system, such as family or professional caregivers, experience greater health. Caring individuals monitor the elderly care recipient for signs of illness and bring health concerns to the immediate attention of the healthcare teams.

5. Improved Safety

Successfully aging in place requires that older adults modify their home. Seniors should make modifications early on to ensure they set aside enough project funds. Step-free entryways, remote-controlled thermostats, and virtual assistant devices ensure the home is ready for aging in place.

Fall risks increase as people age, making it critical to make the home safe for seniors. Installing grab bars, ramps, and rails along staircases and having a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor are a few of the many home modifications that improve safety.

6. Access to the Community

Safety is also paramount outside the home. Seniors may be afraid of tripping on the sidewalk when walking outdoors. Their concerns are alleviated by caregivers who accompany them on walks, thereby providing them with the support and confidence to enjoy the neighborhood.

Immobile seniors and those who no longer drive worry that aging in place may leave them homebound. Transportation services provided by home care agencies remedy this problem. Professional caregivers drive seniors to local destinations, giving them continued access to community amenities.

Community-level support, such as from nearby family members and local home care agencies, and today’s technologies help seniors realize their dreams of aging in place. Many of the challenges of aging in place, from transportation concerns to loneliness, are alleviated by dedicated caregivers.

The benefits of aging in place are appealing, making it no surprise that 90 percent of seniors try to make it a reality. The elderly and their families can bring their vision to life by utilizing the reliable in-home care services from Assisting Hands Home Care.

Our professional caregivers support seniors in everyday tasks that allow them to stay independent at home. We provide assistance with personal hygiene tasks, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and medication reminders. Caregivers drive seniors to areas in the community, like doctors’ offices.

Loneliness and social isolation are prevented, since our caregivers are pleasant companions. We take our elderly care recipients on outings, converse with them and play games to keep them socially engaged and active. We also provide rides to the local senior center for afternoons of bingo with peers.

Assisting Hands Home Care professionals are licensed, bonded, and insured to give seniors and their families maximum peace of mind. Caregivers are trained in CPR and first aid and know how to respond in the event of an emergency. Supervision is provided to seniors with dementia.

When you are looking for support to help an elderly loved one age in place, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our comprehensive, non-medical care services promote the dignity and health of seniors in Frisco, TX | Plano, TX | Allen, TX | Little Elm, TX | Prosper, TX and the surrounding areas. Call us at  (214) 609-1340 to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation today and start quality senior home care.