While the goal is to stay healthy and independent for as long as possible, most of us will still require some help as we age – even if it’s just with household chores, cooking, medication management or personal care. Instead of moving into an assisted living community, many seniors in Saratoga Springs are considering aging in place. In fact, nearly 80 percent of adults over age 50 would prefer to stay in their homes as they age, according to AARP.
To help seniors and their families navigate this personal, and often complex, decision to age in place, our Wesley Senior Solutions Specialists explore what aging in place means, and how to determine if it’s right for you.
What is Aging in Place?
For many seniors, staying in a familiar place and keeping the family home to pass down to their heirs, is a priority. Aging in place is a conscious decision to remain in your home as you grow older, instead of moving into an assisted living or long-term care facility.
While aging in place allows seniors to retain their independence in a comfortable and familiar setting, it isn’t simply a decision to stay put and do nothing. Aging in place requires careful evaluation, planning and preparation. For it to work best, you’ll want to arrange for home care services. Home health aides can assist with everything from light housekeeping, transportation and meal prep to nursing care, personal care and medication management.
You may also need to make modifications to your home, such as adding grab bars in the bathroom, no-skid floors, easy-turn faucets and door knobs, and a ramp at the front door.
Is Aging in Place Right for You?
For many seniors, the emotional value of a home exceeds its monetary value. If you feel strongly that your mental health, or that of a senior you care for, will be negatively impacted by moving, then aging in place may be the best solution.
Financial factors can also play a role in determining if aging in place is right for you. For instance, home care services may be more affordable than an assisted living community, especially if your current home is paid off and requires minimal modifications, maintenance and repairs.
On the other hand, there are instances when staying in the home simply isn’t realistic. While most homes can be adapted for aging adults, if the home is in need of major maintenance or modifications, remodeling may be too difficult or expensive. For example, a multi-story house with no bathroom on the first floor, or a long-steep driveway.
Physical and cognitive impairments can also affect the ability to age in place. Hearing or vision loss can make it unsafe to remain in the home alone. And Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia often require around-the-clock care as the disease progresses to ensure a person’s safety.
Learn More About Aging in Place in Saratoga Springs
When deciding what is best for you and your loved ones, it’s important to evaluate your situation honestly, and be realistic about your own circumstances.
If you are considering aging in place in Saratoga Springs, Schenectady or Warren County, we invite you to learn more about Wesley Senior Home Care Services. We offer temporary and long-term in-home nursing care, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as non-medical companion care for seniors.
Each of our senior home caregivers is carefully selected and thoroughly screened including a criminal background check, then bonded and insured for your protection. Most importantly, our caregivers exhibit the competency and qualities necessary to earn your trust – qualities like dependability, friendliness and a sense of caring.
To arrange for a professional in-home nursing assessment, contact us or call (518) 584-1200.