Aging in place is the technical term for seniors remaining in their homes as they get older instead of seeking other living arrangements. The number of seniors who are choosing to remain in their homes is increasing every year. And according to polls more than 80% of seniors want to stay in their existing homes as they get older.
Of course, there are challenges that seniors face when they choose to stay in their houses. Those family homes may not be set up for the needs of seniors. And seniors who are living alone need to make sure that they don’t become isolated. Home care is a great way for seniors to get the help they need to remain in their own homes. With home care that is customized to their needs seniors can often live at home for many years safely and comfortably.
If you’re not sure if aging in place is the right fit for your senior parent consider these benefits that seniors get from aging in place:
The Familiarity of Home
Seniors often have deep emotional connections to their homes, where they may have spent decades creating memories and building a sense of belonging. Aging in place allows them to stay in a familiar environment, surrounded by cherished memories that can’t be duplicated anywhere else. Living in a familiar environment where they have many happy memories and associations is great for a senior’s mental health.
Independence
Seniors who live in their own homes get to keep their sense of independence. Even if seniors need a little extra support from home care or from family members they feel like they are still in charge of their lives. That has a huge impact on a senior’s mental and physical health. It’s easy to understand why your senior parent wouldn’t want to give that up.
Community
Your senior parent has strong connections to their neighbors and their neighborhood. They have probably shopped at the corner store, seen the same neighbors walking their dogs, and participated in community events for a long time. Seniors need those community connections as they get older and they can only get them in the neighborhoods.
Personalized Care
Remaining at home allows seniors to receive personalized care that caters to their specific needs. Whether through in-home caregivers, home health services, or adaptive modifications to the living space, seniors can receive the support required for their unique health conditions while maintaining a high level of comfort.
Emotional Well-Being
The emotional benefits of aging in place cannot be overstated. Home is often a place of security and emotional well-being. Being surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, and smells can have a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress and promoting a sense of peace and contentment.
Adaptability
A senior’s home can be modified to meet any of their medical needs now or in the future. With minor modifications seniors should be able to enjoy being in their homes even if in the future they need a walker or a wheelchair or need modifications made for safety. There’s peace of mind in knowing that they won’t have to move if their health changes.
Family Legacy
As seniors get older they think more about what they’re creating for the future and what they will leave behind. Being able to host family events, holidays, and get togethers in the family home so that they can share memories and family history with their children and grandchildren is important.
