Baby boomers are leading the growing trend toward aging in place, which enables seniors to live in their own homes rather than moving into nursing homes or assisted living facilities. According to AARP, 90 percent of older adults would prefer to live in their own homes as they age. The main drive behind this trend is the fact that many older adults have spent years or decades in their homes and have deep attachments to memories of family, children, and their communities.
The idea of moving to an unfamiliar place can be a major emotional hurdle. There are also advantages to aging in place, including a sense of control and independence many seniors fight to hold on to. Research has also found that feeling connected to life and their surroundings can boost mental wellbeing and general health among seniors.
Greater Freedom for Seniors
When seniors age in place, they can stick to their own schedules and do what they want as much as possible. They can get up and go outside if they’re physically able, turn the TV up as loud as they want, cook meals of their choice, have favorite snacks, dance around, read, play with their pets, work on crafts, or do projects around the house.
When they move outside of their homes, older adults usually have to get accustomed to someone else’s schedule, which can be frustrating and possibly even lead to cognitive decline. The more freedom your loved one has, the less likely he or she is to give up on living.
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional at-home care seniors can trust and rely on.
The Challenges of Aging in Place
While most seniors want to stay in their homes, many aging adults face significant challenges in doing so, including homes that have become difficult to navigate with age, daily tasks that have become challenging to manage without assistance, and the potential for injury.
One of the greatest risks of aging in place is falling. Falls remain the most common cause of injuries among seniors, although this risk can be reduced by taking steps to reduce hazards and clutter in the home. Many seniors who stay in their homes also benefit from medical alert systems that provide security and assistance if necessary.
The trend toward aging in place has also increased the popularity of professional home care services. Home care is now the fastest-growing area of senior care, and it allows seniors to remain independent in their homes and benefit from companionship as well as help with cleaning, cooking, bathing, dressing, and other tasks.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading Fort Lauderdale home care service agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
Other Important Considerations about Aging in Place
Seniors and family members should also consider other important areas that affect aging in place, including:
- Transportation – Many communities offer transportation for seniors as well as meal delivery services. In-home care agencies can also provide transportation to medical appointments, errands, and personal events.
- State payments – Many states now pay family members and other caregivers to care for seniors at home.
- Telemedicine – Advances in technology allow seniors to receive services from nurses or doctors from home. One possible solution to make aging in place safer includes remote monitoring, which allows a doctor to track a senior’s weight, blood pressure, and vitals remotely.
Hiring a home caregiver can be the ideal option if your loved one wants to age in place. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Assisting Hands Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today.
