Aging-in-place is a lifestyle choice where seniors and older adults choose to remain in their homes rather than move to an assisted living facility or retirement community. It has many benefits but also presents many challenges that vary depending on individual circumstances. The aging-in-place movement has been gaining increasing popularity as the trend of aging populations continues to grow. In this article, we will look at the benefits of aging-in-place as well as the challenges it poses.
The Benefits Of Aging-In-Place
Aging-in-place affords many seniors and elderly residents many benefits and the opportunity to age with dignity and security. A study conducted by AARP found that 9 out of 10 older Americans wanted to live in their homes as long as possible and avoid moving into a long-term care facility. Coupled with many negative stories that have come out of nursing and retirement homes as of late, it’s easy to see why seniors would avoid them.
Seniors and eldery adults are able to maintain independence or at least a higher level of independence by aging-in-place in comparison to assisted living facilities and other alternatives. A study conducted in New Zealand across different senior communities found that most seniors want a life of independence rather than relying on residential care. At some point, age-related physical and cognitive issues can make daily life difficult and seniors will require assistance from others to accomplish these tasks. However, in a senior living facility, much of this independence is completely removed. Aspects such as routine, life decisions and activities are up to the facilitators rather than the individual. Many residents in long-term care facilities are dependent on nursing staff who, as we referenced in a previous post, are spread thinly across too many residents to give the quality of care and attention that are required. Aging-in-place, elderly adults can maintain a greater degree of independence and enjoy a sense of dignity that is not always available to those in long-term care.
For many seniors and elderly adults, remaining in their homes around their familiar settings and routines is hugely beneficial and vastly superior to moving into long-term care facilities. There are often a lot of emotional attachments to their homes and there aren't the same caveats at long-term care facilities such as space, visiting hours and routines. Due to the emotional attachments, there is a lot of stress that is tied to leaving their home and moving to a facility. Seniors are at a higher risk of depression which can then affect their physical and cognitive abilities and often contribute to decline in their abilities.
As we touched on in our article, Relegating Seniors to Ontario’s Long Term Care Facilities Is An Unsurprising Death Sentence, many long-term care facilities are not safe and healthy environments for their residents. Due to poor regulation and inadequate funding, there is a higher risk of illness and infection and many facilities are not properly maintained. Many seniors and residents may not receive the proper quality of care that they need due to understaffing, poor staff training and poor procedures.
Aging-in-place can have many financial benefits. Merrill Lynch conducted a retirement study in 2015 which found that more than 70% of homeowners over the age of 65 have fully paid off their mortgage which left them, on average, more than $200,000 in home equity which can make aging-in-place less intimidating. Though aging-in-place may require financial investment particularly if renovations are required, these costs are typically lower especially in the long-term when compared to care facilities. There are many things to consider when comparing costs, such as in-home assisted care which can vary depending on needs. AARP research found that the average monthly care costs were $3,994 for a typical 44 hours of care per week. Many assisted living centers and long-term care facilities can be very expensive, particularly if the resident requires specialised care. An analysis conducted by longtermcare.gov found that a private room in a nursing home averages $7,000 per month, a semi-private room averages $6,000 per month and for an assisted living facility, prices are averaged to $3,000 per month.
What If I Can’t Stay At Home?
There’s another alternative to long-term care facilities which allows seniors and elderly adults to age with dignity and maintain independence. Aging-in-community is another movement similar to aging-in-place. It allows seniors and residents to live in their own homes within the community but offers many services and facilities tailored to senior care to them. Cohousing models and community-based living facilities are gaining popularity to allow seniors to balance their desire for independence with their need for support.
Communities that offer a supportive lifestyle while still allowing residents to remain independent vary in their design. They offer various support services based on the needs of the individual and allow community and social interaction which enhances quality of life for all residents. We will talk more about these communities in a future article - stay tuned!
The option of downsizing is often considered for many senior residents as the maintenance of their home may become too much or renovation is not possible. But with housing prices on the rise, it may not be feasible to do so. Again, community living and co-ownership options are always advocated by GoCo.
How Can GoCo Help?
GoCo advocates and supports intentional communities. GoCo assists many seniors and multigenerational groups to co-own their own homes and facilitate a lifestyle where seniors and elderly residents can age-in-place with comfort and dignity. Whether you need to connect with likeminded folk or you’re looking for a property that fits your unique needs, GoCo is here to help. Our team has helped numerous groups of varying ages be able to make this lifestyle their reality. Find out more on our website.
In Conclusion
As the population ages, the question of senior living and how to maintain a quality of life through aging often comes up. It is important to remember that there are options for seniors and elderly adults and long-term care facilities are not the only choice. GoCo believes in aging with dignity and advocates for the lifestyle of aging-in-place which allows for flexible and highly beneficial aspects of life.