As our loved ones or even as we ourselves get older and start to plan for retirement, one major point of consideration is, “Should I age in place at home? Or should I consider a senior care home?” Senior living centers do have a lot to offer, but can be more than we can comfortably afford. And living at home is convenient and comfortable, but will it provide the level of care our families need? It’s a lot to weigh, so Live Star Home Care Home Care has collected some pros and cons of aging in place to help you make your decision.

The Pros

Quality Care Can Be Expensive

When we begin to think about how we will live into retirement age, or as we support our loved ones through that journey, we may often consider independent or assisted living. These homes are nothing like the senior facilities of the past. Jam-packed with exciting activities and appealing amenities and not to mention the round-the-clock expert care, they pose an attractive solution for living easy during our golden years.

These care facilities, as great as they may be however can be incredibly costly. With entrance fees and high monthly rents to provide all of the great amenities, they are simply not an option for many seniors, particularly those on fixed incomes. And insurance often won’t help cover those expenses. When you age at home, however, there are services to support the health and well-being of older adults that provide all of the same great care but at a lower expense.

You Can Enjoy the Comfort of Home

As we get older, the comforts of routine and the familiar surroundings of home become more important to us. We are able to wake up in the same bed as we always have, we can tend to our beloved gardens, and cook the meals we love in the kitchen we know our way around. Though there are times when our loved ones need more intensive care where it is absolutely best for them to move to a facility, many adults can remain at home where they are able to ride in the rivulets of their routines. This means less strain and stress brought on by a new environment.

In fact, in some cases, removing someone from their home can affect short-term memory loss. Since Alzheimer’s and Dementia affect short-term memory more so than long-term, an unfamiliar environment can bring on confusion and accelerate memory loss. Plus, being surrounded by familiar faces of family and friends and being able to participate in important family functions reduce feelings of isolation.

Furthermore, if isolation is a concern for yourself or your loved ones, there are still at-home options to help provide seniors with the socialization and stimulation they need to maintain their mental, physical, and emotional health.

aging at home

You Can Maintain Your Independence

It goes without saying that when you choose to age at home, you are the king or queen of your own castle. You are free to do what you please and come and go as you wish. If our loved ones are still physically able to maintain their independence then continuing to age at home can help promote this active lifestyle and confidence.

Many seniors are also afraid of feeling like they are a burden on their family. Being able to do more for themselves at home can help prevent the detrimental feelings of guilt. Living at home also allows you to keep your furry friends close. Many senior living centers do not allow pets, and it can be incredibly heartbreaking to part with them. Not to mention, having an animal companion nearby can be great company and emotionally supportive.

The Cons

Missing Out on Amenities and Activities

Putting greens. Salons. Movie theaters. Michelin-starred chefs. You’ve got to admit, they do sound great! And, not only are they enjoyable for enjoyment’s sake, they are designed to support healthy senior living and improve overall wellness. So, if they work with your budget, who wouldn’t want to take advantage of them! Plus, when you live at home, even if you have family or hired help assisting with upkeep tasks like lawn care, you still have to manage that work. Frankly, there’s no easier way to take care of housework than having none at all.

Increased Risk of Accidents

One major con of aging at home is the increased likelihood of accidents. Senior care facilities are designed to prevent bumps and spills, and staff can be there almost instantly in case an accident does occur. Since older adults who experience cognitive and physical decline are at an increased risk not only off accidents like falls, but of the exacerbated consequences like strokes, it’s more important than ever to provide as safe of a living environment as possible. When it comes to caring for family at home, there is usually additional work to be done to provide this. Whether that’s making upgrades to the home itself (new showers or front door ramps) or bringing in support (safety alert monitors or day nurses), there’s also additional expenses to consider.

after a fall

Reduced Access to Care

Though adult day care programs and at-home nurses (live-in or visiting) can provide excellent care and support for seniors, they of course can’t always provide the same breadth and depth of care that a senior living facility will be able to. Individual attention from a nurse is a wonderful pro of aging in place that senior living can’t offer, but these facilities bring to the table a whole staff of doctors, nurses, fitness instructors, dentists, dieticians, activities directors and so much more all there to help care for your loved one.

The facilities themselves are also designed for senior living so they often have on-site medical capabilities and the apartments or rooms are already maximized for comfort and safety.

The Care You Need for Aging in Place

AARP reports that 90% of aging Americans plan to do so at home. If this path is right for your family, rest assured there are resources and support to help you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle at home. Live Star Home Care Home Care provides a variety of services from companion care to specialized Alzheimer’s care. If you’re interested in learning more about how we help families like yours and their loved ones age comfortably in place, schedule an in-home consultation today.

 

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We want to be an active partner in your care. We don’t “take over,” because you’re the CEO of your care.

 

Features

Here are some features of our Greater Denver Home care

  • 24/7 access to care
  • Customized care plans
  • Caregiver introductions
  • Nutritional planning
  • Respite support
  • Companionship
  • Mobility assistance
  • Errands and Shopping
  • Fall Prevention