Senior care preferences have changed over the years. While seniors in the past may have expected to spend their golden years in nursing homes, older adults today know they have more choices. According to the AARP, approximately 90 percent of seniors prefer to age in place. With such a significant number of older adults opting to live at home, it’s worth exploring why more seniors are expressing this preference.
Downsides of Moving to a Group Residence
In the past, group residences were often advertised as being safer and less expensive options for seniors who were experiencing the effects of aging. While there’s care provided in most group living situations, it’s often aimed at helping seniors with the highest level of needs, which leads to people paying for services they don’t need or use. For instance, your senior loved one might not need around-the-clock care just yet. Moving to a group residence also requires seniors to make a huge adjustment during the time in life when they should be able to enjoy the rewards of all their years of hard work.
Benefits of Aging in Place
For a senior, the most obvious benefit of aging in place is being able to stay where he or she is comfortable. Your loved one has made a home over the years that has cherished memories attached to it. There are other benefits that come with staying at home, such as being closer to family and friends. Your loved one may also prefer his or her home’s proximity to a religious organization or medical clinic. Seniors who age in place tend to preserve their abilities for longer, since they have a reason to keep working to stay healthy.
A home caregiver can help your loved one age in place in safety and comfort. Homecare experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Common Concerns Associated with Living at Home Alone
There are some common worries families express when their loved ones insist on aging in place. You might worry about what could happen if your loved one gets hurt. Regular check-ins from you or a professional caregiver can reduce this risk. You might also worry your loved one could get lonely or bored. Once again, this is easily managed by putting together a plan that includes regular social visits with others. Cost is another concern, but in most cases, staying at home is less expensive than paying for a group facility. In fact, your loved one may even be eligible for assistance with daily activities if he or she has a known health condition.
For families living in Highland Park, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Ways to Help Independent Seniors
Considering the vast majority of seniors want to age in place, there really isn’t room to argue. Respecting your loved one’s wishes promotes a sense of dignity and lets him or her know you believe in his or her ability to stay independent. To help your loved one, start by sitting down together to identify areas where he or she needs assistance. Your loved one might prefer to have help with chores around the house so he or she can enjoy more free time. Once you have a plan in place, make sure to follow it. Then review it from time to time to make sure your loved one continues to do well while aging in place.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality senior home care. Highland Park families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of aging, reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Care Managers today at (214) 363-3400.