Growing older presents many challenges and changes for both the individual aging and their surrounding family and friends. And one change that a vast majority of seniors want to avoid is moving out of their homes. In fact, according to an AARP study, 90% of older adults want to remain living in their homes for as long as possible — also known as aging in place.
This can be difficult to do on their own due to various health concerns or difficulty moving around their house without assistance. But the familiarity and independence that living in their home brings an increased quality of life. Here we will explore some of the many benefits to seniors who age in place.
Aging In Place Costs Less
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities tend to be very expensive and difficult for seniors and their families to afford. According to Genworth, the median cost for a semi-private room in a nursing home was $7,513 per month in 2019 — over $90,000 per year. The median cost for assisted living facilities in 2019 was $4,051 per month.
Aging in place allows seniors to stay in their home where they are already prepared for the monthly expenses. There is also the possibility that the home is completely paid off, eliminating an expense.
As for the services, with the right homecare agency, you are able to choose the specific services that you need and fill in the gaps. This keeps costs down as unnecessary services are not paid for, which could be associated with costs in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, aging in place has the potential to save seniors thousands of dollars per month compared to other options. If you’re having a difficult time coming up with the money to pay for homecare services, take a look at our latest blog on 4 unique ways to pay for homecare services.
Maintain Independence
One of the main concerns for moving out of the house and into a nursing home or assisted living facility is the feeling of losing independence. Seniors can feel as if they are losing control of their lives if are not able to take care of themselves in their own home.
While total independence may not be possible due to age-related physical and cognitive decline, certain aspects of independence can still be maintained. Seniors are able to stick to their familiar routine rather than having to follow the rules of a new environment, such as eating when they want.
Aging in place allows seniors to keep a sense of normalcy in their lives, staying in familiar surroundings. They have a place that is truly their own rather than living in a nursing home or assisted living facility. This brings an emotional connection and value to the home that helps maintain their self-sufficiency and freedom.
Proximity to Loved Ones and Community
Aging in place allows seniors to stay close with their family, friends, and community that they’ve become tight with. They have the freedom to have people over at any time and keep ties with the many friendships they’ve built over the years.
When seniors move to an unfamiliar place, some have a hard time making new friends. Keeping a social circle has cognitive benefits. One study found that seniors had a 70% reduction in cognitive decline when compared with individuals with low social activity.
Aging in place is a great option to ensure that you or a loved one maintain independence and a familiar life, all while costing less than most other options.
Bluebird helps make healthy, independent living in the home possible. If you or a loved one is looking to age in place, contact us to see how we can help.