Aging in Place: Pros and Cons
If you've started to explore senior living and retirement options (either for yourself or someone else), chances are you've stumbled across the phrase aging in place at least a couple of times. While it's not complicated, the term can be a little confusing for people who aren't familiar with it.
What Is Aging in Place?
Aging in place refers to an individual's decision to remain in their chosen home for as long as they are able as they grow older. Each person has different reasons for wanting to age in place; however, a few of the most common ones are sentimental attachment to their home, a desire for independence, or financial reasons.
It's important to remember that deciding to age in place doesn't mean eschewing all forms of help or assistance. Plenty of people who age in place utilize home care aides or programs like PACE, which provides holistic at-home care that enables many seniors to live more independently than they would otherwise.
As with any major life choice, the decision to age in place (or not) will come with tradeoffs. And while aging in place is a perfectly viable option for many seniors, it's still good to be aware of the drawbacks and benefits of aging in place.
Benefits of Aging in Place:
Community & Social Connection. Aging in place makes it easier for seniors to maintain relationships with friends and family in their community, and this social connection is a crucial part of well-being for seniors.
Financial Savings. While everyone's financial situation will be different, aging in place tends to be less expensive than the cost of a nursing home or senior living facility.
Better Quality of Life. Aging in place allows seniors to retain their independence and remain in a familiar setting, and research also shows that aging in place may have benefits for individuals' physical health. Together, all of these factors point toward a higher quality of life.
Drawbacks of Aging in Place:
Safety. Without proper precautions, seniors living at home may be vulnerable to a variety of dangers—particularly if they live alone. Two of the biggest ones are falls and crime or fraud. Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults; falling while at home alone can be dangerous (or even deadly). Unfortunately, senior adults are also prime targets for crimes such as theft and fraud.
Mobility & Maintenance. Not all homes are suitable for aging in place. Homes that need lots of repairs or upkeep may be difficult for seniors to keep up with. Further, many homes pose mobility challenges for seniors, and may need some (potentially costly) updates in order to make them safe.
If you're interested in learning more about successful aging in place for seniors, we can help! PACE of Southwest Michigan's innovative philosophy focuses on providing care to seniors in their own homes and communities, thereby allowing them to maintain their comfort, independence, and dignity. PACE takes a holistic, all-inclusive approach to care that combines interdisciplinary healthcare, social support, spiritual care, and more. If you or someone you know is struggling to have their care needs met, check your eligibility or contact us to explore your options.