5 Benefits Of Aging In Place

Written By Joshua Zhu

Aging in place is when adults age in their homes and community with the necessary support and modifications. In addition to being a preference for many older adults, aging in place has also been shown to have many physical and mental health benefits. Here are five of the reasons why aging in place is so beneficial.

More Cost-Effective

Aging in place is generally more cost-effective than in assisted living facilities. Depending on your location, seniors residing in assisted living facilities have a monthly average cost ranging from $3,500 to $10,500 a month. Factors such as the amenities offered, level of care needed, size of the room, and location can affect these costs.

For seniors that need assistance around the home, part-time caregivers and home health aides can still be the more cost-effective option. The price ranges from the state, but on average, ranges from $15-$24 per hour. The national average cost for a home healthcare worker is $3,813 for 44 hours of work. Many programs help seniors modify their homes to allow them to age in place, including the Older Adult Home Modification Program through the US Department of Housing and Development.

Favorable Health Outcomes

Studies have found that nursing home residents have worse health outcomes than seniors who choose to age in place — even if seniors are in similar health. Aging in place improves seniors’ quality of life, enhancing physical health. There is also a lower risk for bacterial and viral infections when aging at home, reducing the chance of contracting a severe illness. Seniors that age in place have lower levels of depression, Alzheimer's decline, and bacterial infections. Introducing someone to a new environment removes them from their long-term stimuli, leading to confusion and stress. Homesick seniors are at higher risk of stress and depression, which accelerate physical and cognitive decline.

Maintaining Independence and Empowerment

Aging in place allows seniors to maintain their independence and control over their lives. Even with assistance from family, friends, or caregivers in the home, adults have more autonomy over their daily routines, schedule, and activities than in a senior living facility. There are also products like the Soulo Nail Trimmer that make it easier for seniors to do their personal care routine independently. This freedom and autonomy can boost self-esteem and overall well-being.

Personalized Care

Aging in place allows seniors to receive personalized care and support that is tailored to specific needs. Healthcare professionals and caregivers can develop a care plan that meets their unique needs and preferences. For example, some adults may need help with moving around their homes or completing daily tasks. Others may desire companionship, help cleaning the house, transportation to appointments, or meal prep and bathing assistance. Some may only need assistance a few hours a day, while others may want care full-time. An in-home caregiver can help with specific needs and levels of ability.

The Community Benefits!

Aging at home allows adults to maintain their existing social network, religious or spiritual communities, organizations, and clubs. Older adults also tend to devote more hours to volunteer activities than middle-aged and younger adults, which positively affects the communities in which they live. Being familiar with the area and the people around them provides a sense of comfort and security and can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Aging in place allows seniors to maintain their independence, stay connected to their communities, and receive personalized care and support. While not suitable for everyone, it's worth considering as an option for those who wish to stay in their own homes and maintain their sense of autonomy. Here at Soulo, we’re naturally drawn to aging in place because of our mission — to empower aging adults to take control over their personal care.

References

  1. Boland, L., Légaré, F., Perez, M. M., Menear, M., Garvelink, M. M., McIsaac, D. I., Painchaud Guérard, G., Emond, J., Brière, N., & Stacey, D. (2017). Impact of home care versus alternative locations of care on elder health outcomes: an overview of systematic reviews. BMC geriatrics, 17(1), 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-016-0395-y

  2. Bartley, M. M., Quigg, S. M., Chandra, A., & Takahashi, P. Y. (2018). Health Outcomes From Assisted Living Facilities: A Cohort Study of a Primary Care Practice. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 19(3), B26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2017.12.079

  3. Montoya, A., & Mody, L. (2011). Common infections in nursing homes: a review of current issues and challenges. Aging health, 7(6), 889–899. https://doi.org/10.2217/AHE.11.80

  4. Infectious Diseases in the Nursing Home Setting: Challenges and Opportunities for Clinical Investigation

  5. Juthani-Mehta, M., & Quagliarello, V. J. (2010). Infectious diseases in the nursing home setting: challenges and opportunities for clinical investigation. Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 51(8), 931–936. https://doi.org/10.1086/656411

Joshua Zhu
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