Many people want the same things as they grow older: to remain in their own homes, maintain independence for as long as possible, and turn to family and friends for help when needed. Staying in your own home as you get older is called “aging in place.” A survey conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) reports that 77% of adults ages 50 and up would prefer to age in place if given the choice. Aging in place isn’t just about staying at home. It’s about creating a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment. Living at home requires careful consideration and planning, and with the right support, home can be the best place to age.

Aging in Place Resources

In general, people can successfully age in place when they have resources that provide access to adequate healthcare, personal care services, transportation, and social and physical activities.

Maintain Regular Healthcare: Encourage routine check-ups to monitor overall health and manage any chronic conditions, such as diabetes.

Conduct a Home Safety Assessment: This includes checking for loose rugs, installing handrails on staircases, securing cords, and ensuring proper lighting is available throughout the home.

Personal Care Services: Trained caregivers can assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, grooming, meal prep, running errands, light housekeeping, and more.

Companionship Services: Caregivers provide companionship by engaging in meaningful conversations, participating in hobbies, playing games, and helping with email and social media.

Benefits of Aging in Place

Remaining at home isn’t feasible for everyone. For those who can manage it, the benefits of aging in place are significant. Recent research shows there are many benefits to aging in place, such as:

• The desire to maintain a sense of freedom and control is one of the most common motivations for aging in place for many seniors.
• Often, the choice to age in place or not might come down to finances. According to a cost of care survey in 2021, performed by Genworth Financial, the average cost of assisted living facilities was $54,000 per year. For nursing homes, this number is often much, much higher.
• Isolation can be dangerous for seniors. Maintaining relationships is important.
• For many individuals, they have a strong emotional connection to their home and belongings. For some, the idea of leaving home, where they raised their families, or lived with a partner is unthinkable.

How Much Will It Cost to Age in Place?
One important question to consider is: “How am I going to pay for help when I need it?” Home-based services can be expensive, but they cost less than moving into a residential facility such as an assisted living facility or nursing home. People often rely on a variety of payment sources, including:

• Personal funds, such as savings or pension accounts
• Medicare pays 100% for intermittent, medical, short term home health care if you are homebound.
• Medicaid
• Private financing includes long-term care insurance, certain life insurance policies, annuities, and trusts.

Takeaway

For seniors, aging in place offers numerous benefits, such as independence and staying connected to their community. However, there are also challenges involved, such as the need for home modifications and potential isolation. With proper planning, aging in place can provide a fulfilling lifestyle for seniors who want to maintain their independence while receiving the care they need.

References

1. Binette J. Where we live, where we age: trends in home and community preferences. AARP Research. (https://https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/livable-communities/housing/2021-home-community-preferences/). Last accessed 12/11/2023).
2. Ratnayake M, Lukas S, Brathwaite S, Neave J, Henry H. Aging in Place: Are We Prepared?. Delaware Journal of Public Health. 2022 Aug;8(3):28.
3. Genworth. Cost of Long Term Care by State | 2018 Cost of Care Report | Genworth [Internet]. Genworth.com. 2018. Available from:  Available from: https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care.html