Aging in Place: a Comfortable Retirement
By Ewa Frydel, Owner
To retire with comfort means to remain in a home and community with familiar settings, rather than moving into a retirement community or assisted living facility.
It’s a tempting idea and why many seniors are choosing this way of living out the rest of their lives.
Your senior parent may choose aging in place so they may feel more comfortable, maintain independence, and live a fulfilling life.
Benefits of Aging in Place
Familiarity. We’ve mentioned this before, but having a familiar setting is crucial for your senior’s cognitive functioning. To have a severe change in people, home, activities, and social circle means your senior is at risk for depression and cognitive decline due to poor mental health.
However, seeing the same space every day, the same neighbors, and waking up in the same bedroom greatly supports positive mental health. It also brings about a better mood, which supports emotional health, and physical health because your senior will feel more engaged with daily activities.
Familiarity offers seniors a sense of security, too.
Independence. When your senior lives at home they have more control over their lives. In an assisted living environment, many activities are predetermined by specialized staff members.
Your senior loved one will also have their privacy still, whereas living elsewhere, privacy becomes less and less.
When your senior makes their own decisions and sets their own schedule, they can become very empowered.
Save Money. Aging in place is the most cost-effective choice for seniors. Although home modifications and an in-home caregiver might be needed, overall, your senior and family can save the most money.
Your aging parent can have more of a choice in grocery budgeting, worthwhile hobbies of their choice, energy conservancy, transportation, and how often a caregiver is needed.
Comfort Care. With familiarity, there is comfort. When your elderly family member ages in place they have all of the comforts that come with controlling their lives, seeing the same faces, and sleeping in their own bed.
They have the space to keep their precious belongings without having to say goodbye to many if any, memories.
They also have the freedom to create and redecorate their home space while they have more time during retirement. This alone can greatly support a healthier cognitive function.
Aging in place is a preferred choice for many seniors.
It may not be for everyone, but it’s still a popular way to live out their lives. It can be meaningful and positive.
You may need to put in extra effort to help your aging parent to remain at home comfortably, like home modifications and visiting more often to ensure their well-being, but in time you will learn it’s a truly more comfortable way to retire.
For more tips on seniors aging in place, contact us.
We’re here to help!
Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about home care being a comfortable retirement and should not be construed as medical advice.
