Aging in place is a term used to describe seniors who continue to live in their homes and communities as they age. While many families once believed nursing homes were the only option for their senior loved ones, more and more are turning to aging in place as an alternative. According to the AARP, 87 percent of seniors would prefer to age in their own homes. Aging in place has numerous benefits for your loved one, and it can keep him or her independent, active, and healthy in the senior years.
Maintain Relationships with Family Members & Friends
Everyone has memories of holidays and special events spent at their grandparents’ home. Assisted living facilities often don’t facilitate the same warmth and caring environment that home does, which can make it difficult for family members to visit. Aging in place allows your loved one to maintain family relationships and traditions that are a part of his or her life. Additionally, your loved one most likely has friendships with neighbors and others in the community. Staying at home can help your loved one maintain these friendships, which is particularly important if he or she lives alone, as many seniors are at risk of loneliness and depression.
When opting to age in place, seniors can greatly benefit from the assistance of a professional caregiver. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Lincoln home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
Retain Independence
One of the most difficult parts of growing older is the sense of loss of independence. Health conditions prevent many seniors from driving, working, or volunteering. This gradual loss of independence can cause depression and mood swings. Having to move to an assisted living facility could make your loved one feel like he or she has lost all independence. Seniors who age in place can continue to experience strong feelings of dignity by retaining control of their lives in their own home. If your loved one requires assistance, he or she can still age in place with the help of an in-home caregiver.
Seniors who live independently might need assistance with just a few tasks on a daily basis. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Lincoln, CA seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
Decrease Financial Costs
Many seniors live on fixed incomes, which means saving money is extremely important. Assisted living facilities and nursing homes are costly. The average assisted living facility in the United States costs between $85,000 and $97,000 per year, which could place a significant financial burden on your loved one or your family. Aging in place often offers substantial financial savings for seniors.
Promote Cognitive Health
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, moving him or her to an assisted living facility may seem like the only safe option. However, allowing your loved one to age in place could boost his or her health by preventing the agitation and confusion that often accompanies moving. Your loved one will be in a familiar place with his or her own belongings, which may alleviate the anxiety associated with cognitive decline.
Families may be concerned about allowing their senior loved one to age to in place without additional help. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide home care. Lincoln families can turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. Call us at (916) 226-3737 to learn about our comprehensive in-home care plans.