A Guide to Aging in Place
Whether you are a young couple starting your family or a senior in your golden years, you think of home as a comforting and familiar place where you can be close to family, beloved pets and your favorite things. Naturally, you'd prefer to stay in your own home for as long as possible as you age, but certain medical conditions and disabilities can make living alone difficult for some. Even if you're in good health, you may have trouble moving around your home, taking care of chores and doing other things you once used to.
Fortunately, seniors have access to many services and supports that can help them stay in the home they love. In this guide, you'll discover the benefits and challenges of aging in place, supports and tips for aging in place safely and whether staying in your home is the best option for you.
Aging in place means staying in your own home as you get older instead of moving to assisted living, a nursing home or other type of long-term care facility. It's an appealing choice for seniors who want to maintain their current lifestyle and level of independence. Some seniors can age in place alone, while others may need some support, such as a visiting aide or live-in caregiver.
Benefits of Aging in Place
Lowered costs for care: According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, seniors nationwide pay an average of $4,500 per month for assisted living, and a semi-private nursing home room averages $7,908. If you're a homeowner and have paid off your mortgage, the cost savings of staying at home can be significant.
Easy access to trusted support: Seniors who live with family or have friends and relatives nearby can tap into a familiar network of support.
Preserving your lifestyle: Moving into a long-term care facility can mean big changes in the way you live. Staying at home allows you to maintain your routine, which many older adults find comforting.
Fostering empowerment and independence: Being able to handle tasks at home can contribute to feelings of self-worth and value for seniors.
Challenges of Aging in Place
Home modifications: According to the National Poll On Healthy Aging, only one in seven older adults said they'd given careful consideration to modifications they may need to stay at home. You may need to install modifications such as wheelchair ramps, widened doorways and stair lifts, which can be expensive. There are some programs that can install modifications for free or at a low cost — but waiting lists are long, and organizations typically cap the number of households they serve in a year.
Hiring a caregiver: If you require some help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, making meals or getting dressed, you might need to pay for a home caregiver. This is usually more expensive than assisted living, costing seniors an estimated average of $4,957 per month.
Health conditions: If you have any chronic illnesses, disabilities or serious injuries, living at home may be difficult or even unsafe. Home health care is available, but it will cost you an average of $5,148 per month.
Home maintenance responsibilities: If you're a homeowner, you're responsible for maintenance such as repairs, yard work and regular upkeep. It can be difficult to do these things as you age, so you could need to pay someone else for services.
The full guide to Aging in Place can be found at the link above, or at https://www.seniorhomes.com/aging-in-place/ - a great resources for seniors concerning a variety of topics.
