Aging in place: benefits of staying in your home
In life, most people know at least a few older people who act like they are young and remain as independent as possible until they pass away. These people often live in their own homes until they are physically unable to. This life experience is called aging in place and it is becoming an increasingly popular option for seniors.
Aging in place is the term used for staying in your own home and community as you grow older. Rather than going to a retirement home or living with family members and relying on them, a person who ages in place often takes pride in this independence. Although there can be some downsides to aging in place, this experience also has many benefits!
Now that you know a little bit more about aging in place, it is time to learn about some of the benefits of this. Here are the biggest aging in place benefits to look forward to if you decide to go with this option as you age.
Aging in place benefits
Increased independence
The number one aging in place benefit for seniors is increased independence. This means that you are in charge of your own life and make your own decisions. You can come and go as you please, eat what you want, and socialize with the people you choose.
This level of independence is important to many seniors because it allows them to feel like they are in control of their life and their future. It can also be a great way to stay mentally and physically healthy, as you are not relying on others for your every need.
Keeps a familiar and comfortable setting and ability to keep routines going
Familiarity with surroundings is another big aging in place benefit. When you stay in your own home, you are surrounded by familiar faces, things, and routines. This can be a great way to keep your mind sharp and your anxiety levels low.
Routines are also important for many seniors. If you have a morning routine that you have followed for years, it is important to be able to keep that going. This helps you stay in a comfortable and familiar setting as you age. Unfortunately, it may not be possible to keep these routines going in an assisted living facility.
Allows seniors to stay close to their loved ones
Another top entry on our list of aging in place benefits is the fact that it allows seniors to stay close to their loved ones. This is especially important if those loved ones are aging as well. When you live in the same house as your loved ones, you can help take care of them and spend time with them. This is often not possible when living in a retirement home or other type of assisted living facility.
Arranging visits and other activities are also a lot easier when you are aging in place. You do not have to adhere to specific visiting hours or other rules, you can do whichever activities you please in your home.
Helps seniors and their families save money
One aging in place benefit that is often overlooked is financial savings. When you age in place, you and your family members do not have to spend money on things like assisted living fees or nursing home costs. This can save families thousands of dollars over the course of a senior’s life.
Although aging in place may require some additional costs for things like in-home care, these costs are often lower than the cost of traditional assisted living.
Aging in place is a great option for seniors who want to maintain their independence and familiar surroundings. Although there are some downsides to aging in place, the benefits often outweigh those negatives. If you are considering aging in place, be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. Aging in place is not right for everyone, but it may be the perfect solution for you! Consider our EZLift Bed for your aging in place experience.
What are your thoughts on aging in place? Have you or a loved one considered this option? We would love to hear from you in the comments below!
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