In your senior years?: Weigh the pros and cons of staying at home
It’s a dilemma millions of families face each day: What is the best option for relatives as they reach their senior years?
For many families, the cost of assisted living facilities may be prohibitive. According to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2021, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Indiana is approximately $4,283. For those living in the Indianapolis area, the range is about $3,200 to nearly $7,900 a month. The average is about $5,000 a month.
The option of staying at home, also referred to as "aging in place," can be the most appealing for many seniors. In addition to being more affordable, this option gives senior citizens the added benefit of living in a familiar environment that is filled with memories.
But many families may have concerns about the safety of our aging relatives. Managing medication, navigating chores such as taking out the trash, and keeping appointments with doctors and other healthcare professionals can become increasingly difficult because of limited mobility.
When trying to make a decision that will give everyone more peace of mind, consider these pros and cons to help you make informed decisions about the best living arrangements for your loved one’s golden years.
Pros of senior citizens staying at home
Familiarity and comfort. For many seniors, their homes hold a lifetime of memories and sentimental value. Aging in place allows them to stay in a familiar environment surrounded by cherished possessions, which can provide a sense of comfort and emotional well-being.
Independence. Staying at home enables seniors to maintain a level of independence they might not have in assisted living facilities. They can continue to manage their daily routines and activities according to their preferences and schedules.
Community ties. Seniors who remain in their homes often have well-established ties to their neighborhoods and communities. These connections can foster social interactions, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide emotional support from friends, neighbors, and local organizations.
Cost-effectiveness. In many cases, aging in place can be more cost-effective than moving to an assisted living facility. By staying at home, seniors can avoid monthly fees associated with care facilities and reallocate resources to other essential needs.
Personalized care. With aging in place, seniors can customize their care according to their unique needs and preferences. Family members or hired caregivers can provide one-on-one attention. Medic Home Care, for example, offers monthly care plans that can be personalized to each individual’s needs.
Cons of senior citizens staying at home
Safety concerns. One of the main concerns families encounter about seniors aging in place is the potential safety risks associated with living alone. Homes may not be adequately equipped to accommodate seniors with mobility issues or other health conditions, which can increase the possibioities of accidents or falls.
Limited socialization. While staying at home offers the comfort of familiarity, seniors may not have as many opportunities to socialize. If seniors aren’t staying connected with others, their emotional well-being can suffer.
Lack of immediate care. In the case of a medical emergency, living at home may have more risks than residing in assisted living facilities where staff members are available to assist the individual.
Home maintenance responsibilities. As senior citizens age, managing household chores and maintenance can become morechallenging. This burden may either fall on the elderly individual, leading to potential strain, or on their family members, who might have other responsibilities.
Lack of access to activities. Assisted living facilities often provide a range of amenities and recreational activities that can enhance seniors' quality of life. Aging in place might limit access to such facilities.
A new option in senior home care
Our team at Medic Home Care understands the agonizing decision families must make in determining whether it’s safe for their loved ones to stay at home during their later years. Weighing your options can be a complex process, one that depends on various factors, including the individual's health, social support system, financial situation, and personal preferences. They also face the challenge of respecting their loved one’s wishes.
We help fill the gap by addressing many of the concerns families have about the safety, health, and overall well-being and happiness of their aging relatives.
With our cost-effective senior home care monthly plan, a senior citizen can rely on a Medic Home Care health professional to visit them twice weekly. During those visits, the Medic Home Care team member can check the refrigerator and pantry to make sure the home is well stocked, clear confusion related to medication adherence, check smoke detectors, take out the trash on collection days, and accompany the individual to their tele-health appointments.
Since our team members are trained health professionals, they also can check the individual’s vitals, including blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen saturation levels. At the physician’s request during the telehealth visit, they can perform real-time EKGs and point-of-care blood work — all in the individual’s home.
Contact us to learn more at (317) 998-6428!