Aging in place has become an increasingly popular form of senior care. But what does this mean? Aging in place refers to a senior citizen staying where they are to receive care, rather than having to move to a new location to get the help that they receive.
As with any type of senior care, there are both pros and cons to aging in place. While we believe that the pros far outweigh the cons (there’s a reason why we provide in-home care, after all!), we also understand that each situation is different and not everyone has the same needs and goals when it comes to senior care.
Below, let’s explore some of the benefits and drawbacks of aging in place and receiving senior care within the home.
Benefits
Better Memory Care. When someone is suffering from dementia, aging in place in a familiar location has been shown to help minimize some of the cognitive decline that can rapidly occur upon the introduction to a new facility. Many seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia see a quick decline in their health when they move into an unfamiliar place. Sometimes this can be reversed, sometimes it can’t. Aging in the place where someone has spent a good deal of their life can help to avoid this complication altogether.
Lower Costs. Depending on the circumstances, staying in the home typically leads to fewer care expenses. Nursing homes, which have long been the go to type of care for a lot of people, are very expensive. In-home care is much more affordable.
Closer to Family. When someone receives senior care where they currently reside, there’s no need to move away from family. They are able to stay where they are, close to family and friends.
Drawbacks
Insufficient Care. For some seniors, a higher level of care is needed than what can easily be provided for in the home. This number of people has been reduced with the introduction of home health care, which is similar to in-home care, but administered by a nurse or another medical professional. However, this isn’t always readily available in all communities.
Unhappy Memories. As mentioned above, when it comes to memory care, someone with dementia tends to do better when they are in a place that they are familiar with. However, sometimes the places that we are most familiar with are not places that bring joy or pleasant memories. Unfortunately, a lot of people have suffered abuse or heartbreak. Removing yourself from a situation can be a positive when it comes to mental health. Aging in the home can have the unexpected effect of doing more harm than good in some cases.
Physical Limitations. A disability can make aging in place tough. For example, someone that cannot walk on their own might have difficulty if their home isn’t wheelchair accessible. Sometimes, some simple home modifications can fix this. Other times, aging in place isn’t a viable option.
Hopefully, this blog has highlighted how aging in place might fit your family. Please feel free to reach out with questions!
Leave a Reply