Dr. Eboni Green
February 6, 2023
Most older adults prefer to age in place so they can stay close to the familiar people, places, and things that make up their current communities. Many have friends or family who live close by and don’t want to be separated from them. Some have beloved pets that won’t be allowed to come with them to a nursing home. They fear that staying in a senior care facility means leaving behind important relationships that mean so much to them.
It’s not uncommon for older adults to worry that moving into assisted living means losing control of their own day-to-day activities. By staying in a familiar place, they can maintain their independence and the freedom to choose how they spend each day.
That freedom includes making decisions about what and when to eat, what recreational activities to pursue, and how to decorate their home. Your loved one may fear being subjected to strict rules that exclude some of their favorite possessions, activities, foods, and routines.
Finally, aging in place can offer significant savings when compared to assisted living. While older individuals can receive care in assisted living or nursing homes, many can better maintain their health and independence at a lower cost with home care or home health care. Families should research options and the differences between nursing homes and home care to determine what is best for their aging parent.
Sadly, we learned during the pandemic that “congregate living” situations, like nursing and group homes, were grossly underprepared and at tremendous risk of spreading infection. The staggering losses of nursing home residents during the early months of the COVID-19 emergency convinced many aging adults that moving to an assisted living facility, or a nursing home could be dangerous to their health.
For many older adults, aging in place is the preferred option. Knowing these three main reasons older citizens prefer to age in place can help adult children better understand their parents’ decisions and guide their search for in-home help. With the right support, aging adults can remain safe and happy in their own homes for years to come.
For more information on how to ensure your loved one is receiving the care they need, reach out to your local senior center or services provider. They can help guide you through the process and provide valuable resources for creating a safe and supportive environment for aging in place.
