Is aging in place right for your loved one?

Many people are choosing to grow older in the comfort of their own homes – also known as aging in place – rather than moving into senior living facilities. According to a survey by AARP, 76% of Americans over the age of 50 would like to live in their current home and community as they grow older. If your loved one wants to stay in their home as they age, here are some benefits and factors to consider.

The benefits of aging in place

There are numerous benefits to aging in place:

• Remaining in their community can give older adults a sense of support and engagement. This is important because research shows that social isolation and loneliness can contribute to worse health outcomes.  
• It allows them to remain in a familiar setting with their own possessions. 
• The cost of in-home care can sometimes be lower than the cost of a skilled nursing facility or senior living facility, though this isn’t always the case. If your loved one is interested in aging in place, it can be helpful to explore which options best fit their budget and needs. 
  

Is aging in place right for your loved one?

As your loved one grows older, it’s important to discuss if aging in place is right for them. Here are some factors to consider:

• Have they made a plan for aging in place? Proactive planning can help make aging in place more successful. Keep in mind that they or their support network will be responsible for providing the services that may be available in a senior living facility. 
• Do they need to make aging in place home modifications? For example, is their bedroom on the first floor, do they have stairs and do they need to install grab bars in the bathroom? Will their home need major modifications to accommodate changes that come with aging?  
• Do they have someone who can help with daily care if their needs change? While having family members and friends nearby can certainly be helpful, it can also be beneficial to have a caregiver come to their home for a few hours a day to help with meals, medication management, transportation and housekeeping. 
• Do they have access to companionship, like neighbors or nearby family members and friends? Over the years, the data shows that older adults face a loneliness epidemic, which was worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hiring a companionship caregiver can provide socialization that supports their mental and physical well-being. 
• What does their primary care provider say? Your loved one’s healthcare provider can help assess if remaining in their home is a safe and viable option for them. 
• Do they have access to transportation? If they can no longer drive, do they have access to reliable transportation, such as a friend, neighbor or professional caregiver? 
  

Aging in place home care 

Technology has made accessing in-home caregiving support easier than ever. If you’re looking for dignified, compassionate, daily in-home care for yourself or a loved one, CareLinx can connect you with the right caregiver to meet your needs.

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