Top 6 Benefits of Aging in Place for Senior Citizens Who Want to Maintain Their Independence

A high number of senior citizens prefer aging in place. In fact, an AARP survey found that about 90% of seniors wanted to live at home for as long as possible. However, physical limitations can make families wonder whether aging in place is a viable option for the senior members of their family. Evidence of their aging, including shakiness and frailty, often worry their family members. But by building home accessibility solutions for seniors, you can help extend their stay at home. 

Read on to learn the top 6 benefits that aging in place brings as well as home accessibility solutions that can help your loved ones retain their independence. 

Top 6 Reasons Why Senior Citizens Choose to Age in Place

1. Living at home lets them maintain independence

For many elderly people, living at home allows them to maintain a sense of independence. While they might eventually need assistance completing everyday tasks such as housekeeping or grocery shopping, living at home allows them to have some control over their routine. 

This kind of independence is not possible for elderly folks who live in senior living facilities. At these facilities, the nursing staff holds a greater control over their everyday routines. Eventually, residents become more dependent on the nursing staff, which is often forced to split their focus among numerous residents. 

2. Aging in place can help slow the advancement of memory loss

Memory loss is a frightening but prevalent condition among elderly people. Unfortunately, moving into a new environment can end up advancing its progress. Remaining surrounded by familiar objects and rooms can help jog your loved one’s memory. Even familiar scents can help with memory recall. Aging in place allows your elderly family members to remain surrounded by these comforting objects. 

3. They feel safer at home with Accessibility Solutions in Place

A house can offer comfort, warmth, and security to its owner. Many seniors feel a close connection to their homes because of the memories they have experienced in them. For these people, the emotional value of their house is far more important than its financial value. 

Adapting to a senior living facility can be difficult. Some residents never really feel at home in these facilities no longer how long they have stayed there. Aging in place allows seniors to live comfortably in a familiar and safe environment. At an assisted living facility, many residents are also forced to deal with a roommate. This reduction in privacy can decrease their comfort and feelings of safety.

4. You can save a significant amount of money by staying at home and using accessibility solutions

A private room inside a residential facility can cost up to $75,000 a year. A shared room costs significantly less at an average of $10,000-$20,000 a year. However, many people prefer having their own private space rather than sharing it. These fees can continue to increase if your loved one requires additional care and assistance. 

That being said, aging in place does come with its own costs. Many seniors have to modify their homes with accessibility solutions to help them maintain a sense of independence. Others may also have to hire an in-home caretaker to help them with errands and household chores. 

5. Aging in place allows you to maintain a steady social network

Moving away from friends and family members can make it difficult for elderly folks to stay in contact with them. Aging in place allows your loved one to maintain their current social network and even host their own social events whenever they want. They will also have the freedom to join numerous communities offering senior groups and activities. Joining these groups is a fun and easy way to expand their social circle. Thanks to senior citizen discounts that most cafes and restaurants offer, they can also dine out with their new friend group whenever they wish to. 

6. It allows them to enjoy better mental and physical health

Sometimes, the emotional toll of leaving this familiar home environment can lead to stress and depression. This can accelerate a physical and mental decline in your loved ones. If they live with a roommate, they will have to contend with a reduction in privacy they once enjoyed at home. Living in a residential center also puts your loved one at a higher risk of infection. In fact, one to three million serious infections occur in elderly living facilities every year. 

Aging in place offers a variety of benefits to your loved one. But sometimes, staying at home requires some new additions to the household. Let’s help your loved one feel at home again. Get in touch with Three Birds Accessibility Solutions today to get started with your accessible remodel in Butler County.