A home is filled with memories and a comforting sense of familiarity. As people age, many feel strongly about being able to age at home rather than moving into an assisted living or adult community. According to AARP, 76% of adults aged 50 and older want to remain in their own homes as they age. Living independently can have many benefits. It is important to consider different aspects of aging at home so that you and your loved one are making the most informed and responsible decision. Many supports are available to help individuals age at home safely, so consider plans, concerns, modifications, costs, resources, and programs.
Things to Consider
There are personal and environmental factors to consider when making the decision to age at home or not. Personal factors that need to be considered include:
1. Do you or your loved one have a strong support system, including family or friends, that live nearby?Consider whether your loved one is living alone or even living with someone else who needs support. Aging in place is more successful when there is built in support by family and close friends living nearby and who are very involved in the life or lives of you or your loved ones.
2. How is the health of the person wishing to age at home?
Consider their health and any illnesses that may be ongoing, such as COPD, diabetes, or Parkinson’s. It is a good idea to talk with the doctor together about how these health complications may impact life in the future and what types of caregiver supports he or she anticipates being needed. Aging from home is easiest if there are no medical conditions that require extensive support, especially long-term.
3. Are there resources available to provide home care assistance if needed?
This question is about financial resources as well as physical resources. There are organizations that can help provide in-home care, making it easier for loved ones to remain in their homes.
Environmental factors also play a role in making the decision to age at home safely. Here are a few things to consider:
1. Is the home able to be safely navigated for daily living needs?
Having to go up and down stairs may not be the safest option. Is there a shower that is easily accessible? Some modifications can be made, such as a stairlift, walk in tub, handrails, ramps, and even updating lighting, adding anti-slip mats and more accessible shelving can make a home more safe to navigate. If the home can be modified to be able to provide safe and independent living then it may be a good option.
2. Is there a strong connection to the home and neighborhood?
Sentimentality plays a role. If the person is living in a home filled with happy memories and many friends then it is difficult to imagine not being in that place any longer. A strong sense of community says a lot for both environmental and personal reasons.
3. The home is in a location that is convenient for traveling to hospitals and medical providers.
Common Concerns
There are some common concerns for being able to age in place. The physical, emotional, and cognitive conditions will play critical roles in knowing whether this is the right choice or not.
Consider:
- Do possible caregivers live nearby and are they able to have the flexibility in their schedule(s) to provide the needed care?
- Are there other people who can step in and provide help when needed?
- Are you able to build a network of support to care for your loved one?
- Is overnight care able to be accommodated?
- Is the home able to provide space needed for medical supplies or modifications that may be needed? This may include anything from hospital beds to hallways that accommodate wheelchair access.
- Are you comfortable with in-home, paid caregivers and is there funding to support that if needed?
- Are there ways to remain involved and connected through community senior-centered programs and transportation so that loneliness does not become a debilitating issue?
If there are multiple concerns for you or your loved one, aging at home may not be the best option but maybe there is another one that will still bring happiness, even as a compromise.
Costs
Caregiving, medical needs, equipment, and unexpected costs can add up quickly. in -home care can cost more than assisted living, depending on individual needs. There are long-term care insurance policies that can cover in-home care as well as care in a retirement community or nursing home. Seniors can also use government programs to pay for this care, especially if home health care is needed. Services differ between states, but more information can be found through 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services Waivers.
Resources
Organizations around the United States have formed with the purpose of helping seniors age in place. Some resources include:
Local AAAs coordinate services for older adults, and many specifically help seniors who are aging at home. NAIPC has chapters in many major cities throughout the United States, and this organization helps connect seniors and their families to service providers that can assist with aging safely at home. The Center for Aging in Place assists communities with putting local resources in place that can help seniors continue living safely in their own homes.In Home Care from BrightStar
If home is where you or your loved one feels the most comfortable and it is where you desire to stay, then high-quality, compassionate care is needed for personal and medical needs. BrightStar Care is focused on providing care that allows you or your loved one to remain safe and independent in their familiar surroundings. In-home care includes professional services ranging from companionship to skilled nursing. BrightStar Home Care caregivers can sit with your family member , help with daily personal care routines and activities, and can provide medical services, such as wound care, home infusion therapy, and medication management.BrightStar services include in-home care for:
- Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
- Child Care
- Companion Care
- In-Home Therapies
- Personal Care
- Short-Term Transitional Care
The benefits of in-home care are countless. Explore the many benefits that can be achieved! BrightStar Care will provide exceptional care that can bring everyone peace of mind. Contact us online or by calling 561-921-0550. If you live in the Delray Beach, FL area, let us partner with you in the journey of quality in-home care.