Aging in place refers to a person living in their own home as long as possible. While many think aging seniors should move in with family or to an assisted living facility, many seniors are quite capable of maintaining independence and taking care of themselves. Family members often wonder if aging in place is a good option for their loved ones, or if there is a better alternative.
Factors to Consider – Aging in Place
- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): When a senior ages in place, their capabilities regarding activities of daily living (ADLs) need assessment. Seniors should be able to navigate their home safely, drive on their own (or be able to arrange rides), socialize and engage with others, maintain their health, cook and take medications, and clean their home. If the individual is still able to perform these tasks independently, aging in place is a viable choice.
- Independence: Most seniors who wish to age in place insist on maintaining their independence. The seniors like being where they are comfortable, where they know where everything is, and where memories reside. Being able to complete tasks around the home increases confidence and can keep the senior active. However, the desire for independence on its own is not enough reason to age in place; seniors must be able to complete ADLs without assistance.
- Home Sweet Home: Many seniors simply cannot fathom leaving the home they lived their lives in. They may have purchased the home with their spouse, raised their children there, created many memories there. One of the biggest objections to moving on to an assisted living facility is leaving all that is familiar. Leaving their home of decades can seem unfathomable to a senior citizen, and aging in place seems a much more comforting option. While this is a perfectly reasonable thought process, the senior may not have the physical or mental ability to support this emotional decision. Loved ones may want to retain a home-health caregiver to provide needed daily support, or consider looking into assisted living facilities as an option.
When Aging in Place Won’t Work
It is important to not treat aging loved ones as children, and to honor their wishes. We want to believe that they know what is best for them. But there are situations when you begin to notice a decline in their ability to operate independently on a day to day basis. Sometimes, an outsider has to be the one to point out the reality of their decline. There are many reasons why aging in place may not be the right choice for some seniors.
Safety Concerns: Safety must always be a top priority. If your loved one’s ability to complete daily activities has declined, or they are beginning to trip, fall or lose balance it should not be ignored. If they forget to turn off the stove, leave doors unlocked, or otherwise put themselves in danger – you may wish to reconsider aging in place.
Loneliness: As your loved ones grows older, they often feel less confidence when leaving their home. Mobility challenges and decreased self-confidence can cause anxiety, insecurity and isolation. When an individual loses their ability to travel, run errands or drive on their own, they can lose a sense of social belonging. If a senior feels isolated, it can negatively affect not only mental health, but physical health. In the age of COVID-19, isolation and loneliness is even more of a concern for older individuals.
Cost of Care: If your loved one increasingly needs a caregiver for ADLS, for medication distribution, or to make sure they are safe, that cost of care may become prohibitive. If allowing aging in place means increasing costs and expenses, you may wish to consider assisted living, which offers flat rate, all inclusive programs.
Why Assisted Living May Be Great Option
While staying in a familiar place can be both beneficial and sentimental, isolation is never a good option. Moving into an assisted living facility can provide crucial socialization opportunities, alleviating safety ,security and isolation concerns.
If you are speaking with your loved one about aging in place versus assisted living, call A Banyan Residence for more information. We would like to show you how our professional and caring facilities may be the best option for peace in mind all involved.
