For seniors, the benefits of aging at home are undeniable. The comfort and independence home provides can be one of the greatest assets to an aging senior’s health. But aging in place can be difficult if a senior’s needs are not being met, leaving families questioning the safety and happiness of their loved one and provoking stress and added anxiety. Fortunately, there are many ways to support seniors aging at home and ensure they remain happy and independent for as long as possible.
To help ensure that a senior’s needs are being met, think about the kinds of support and the level of care a senior might need. Since everyone’s circumstances are different, it’s important to discuss health factors and living accommodations before making any final decisions about aging in place. For seniors who choose to age in place, the underutilized support offered by in-home care services can be the best option for seniors seeking comfort and happiness at home.
The Value of Aging In Place
The emotional value of having your own home is a significant motivating factor for many older adults. It also has a substantial impact on an elderly adult’s quality of life. When seniors age in place, they feel motivated and are happier within their familiar surroundings— Adding continuity and feelings of safety when going about their daily schedules and routines. However, as we continue to age, daily life can become full of frustration and anger as once more straightforward tasks are harder to accomplish. But if a senior aging in place enlists the help of another family member or in-home health caregiver, they can receive help and support while still maintaining more of their independence.
Seniors who age at home also benefit from less overall exposure to illness. Unlike an elderly person’s home, senior living communities tend to spread illness more rapidly. This is because of the increased number of people in proximity to each other. If illness strikes, seniors aging in place can choose their level of cautiousness when going out into the community while also having the benefit of knowing their in-home care specialist will be there for them if needed.
Why Seniors and Family Caregivers Choose In-Home Care Options
Plain and simple, in-home care can be customized to fit many non-health-related needs. Not to mention, in-home care offers a variety of benefits for different kinds of people— Whether for healthy aging, managing a chronic illness, recovering from surgery, or living with a disability.
Home caregivers can provide elderly adults with help and support with many personal and caregiving needs including:
- Help with nutritious meals
- Local transportation/errands
- Medication reminders
- 24-Hour care
- Cognitive and social stimulation
- Assistance with activities for daily living
In-home care provides a wide range of services and is customized depending on a senior’s wants and needs. Remember that it’s always important to hire an in-home caregiver that can provide the necessary type of care before making any concrete decisions.
A Healthy and Safe Environment
It’s not uncommon for a senior’s home to need modifications to provide a safe and manageable living environment. With the help of an in-home care specialist, seniors benefit from comfort and customization to create a safe, healthy environment.
Depending on a senior’s level of care, lifestyle, and personal or health needs, creating a safe living environment at home can be reasonably inexpensive. Traditional measures taken to develop an age-friendly home may include:
- Use of non-slip flooring
- Installation of a curbless shower
- Replacing narrow doorways to at least 36’’
- Better outdoor lighting
The available options for senior home care modifications and equipment are generally easy to come by and are often readily available.
According to AARP, about one-third of homeowners expected their homes to need significant modifications to accommodate aging needs. Around 24% of adults aged 50 or older said they planned to relocate rather than change their existing homes. But the choice to add additions to a home, plan big home improvement projects, or downsize to a new home to fit your needs is a highly personal one. Whatever options a senior or family caregiver chooses, remember that safety is always a priority to age safely at home.
Respite For All
Families caring for aging loved ones often struggle to balance work, family responsibilities, and caregiving duties. Adult Day Care programs are an excellent opportunity to provide respite for family caregivers and a fun, engaging, safe place for seniors to spend some time during the day. Adult Day Care facilities are great places for seniors who require assistance with activities of daily living during the daytime hours. While at respite, seniors are provided meals and offered numerous recreational activities, returning home in the afternoon or evening. In addition, many adult day centers specialize in providing care for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other types of Dementia. While a loved one is away on respite, family caregivers can get some rest of their own by running errands, performing some self-care, or attending a caregiver support group.
An Affordable and Content Quality of Life
No matter how a loved one ages in place, the cost of living at home is significantly lower than that of other senior living arrangements. After all, if you are living comfortably, safely, and healthy at home, moving to a facility is an unnecessary burden. If you’re not sure about your financial options for in-home care costs, some funding options available from companies similar to Aspen Senior Care for caregiver services are:
Long-term care insurance – If you have a long-term care insurance policy, it will often pay for the care provided by Aspen Senior Care. Since each policy is unique, please talk with your insurance company to verify coverage. Aspen Senior Care has a Long-Term Care specialist in the office and can help you file your claims.
VA Pension Benefit – Veterans who qualify can get a monthly pension to help pay for our services in some states.
Private Pay – Companies like Aspen Senior Care accept personal and business checks as well as cash, debit and credit cards.
To learn more about in-home care services and other common questions, visit Aspen Senior Care’s FAQ page.
In-home care is an invaluable asset to seniors wishing to age in place. For more information on the value of home care for seniors and other helpful resources on healthy aging, see these resources below:
— Aspen Senior Care Contributor
Caring Super Star of 2022
Daily Herald Best of Utah Valley, 2022
Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year