The feeling of being self-sufficient becomes ingrained over time. We become more responsible as we get older. Once we reach adulthood, we begin to take our independence for granted as it loses its novelty.
In their later years, when our parents can no longer care for themselves, they are thrust into a difficult and emotionally draining situation. It is perfectly fine for them to find themselves in a position where they are no longer as self-sufficient as they once were because of either physical or mental changes.
The options available to seniors in need of care include nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and in-home care. Even though either can provide your loved one with the assistance and medical care they need, which is best for them? Your family and you should carefully consider this decision. The decision-making process might become less stressful if you have some basic facts.
Many seniors feel as if they have left behind their entire lives, including their sense of independence and pride, when they leave home. AARP reports that 87 percent of seniors prefer to age in place at home rather than in a nursing home.
How can elders age in place?
Growing old in your own home, surrounded by friends and family, is called “aging in place”.
It is possible for seniors to maintain as much freedom, independence, and lifestyle as possible by continuing to live in their own homes, regardless of their age, income, or ability level.
What are the reasons for aging in place?
The desire to be in charge of one’s own life is universal. You can measure your parents’ sense of control and overall well-being by their ability to live independently. Our ability to control many aspects of our lives decreases with age. As we get older, we realize that we have physical and mental limitations that we were not aware of when we were younger. It is crucial for seniors to maintain a sense of self-sufficiency. When other areas of their lives change, they often feel that this is the only thing they can control.
A sense of self-worth and accomplishment is gained by aging in place and maintaining independence. Everyone who wishes to live a fulfilling and happy life needs these. Self-worth is extremely important, and we should always support our loved ones’ independence. If they need help managing their own care, aging in place requires a little more than letting them stay in their home.
One of the best ways to keep your loved one healthy and happy is to keep them involved in their own care. In a world where our parents are adamant about their independence and refuse to accept any assistance, it’s easy to forget this. Usually, this causes us to worry more about them, which makes them more resistant to aid.
When a parent has memory loss or is fearful of change, discussing care options can be difficult. They may never have considered leaving their house. Aging in place has pros and cons.
Emotional, social, and health benefits of aging in place
Considering the home your parents have created for themselves, it’s likely they already feel comfortable there. They are likely to know their neighbors and feel like they belong to the community. In a recent AARP survey, senior citizens who desire to age in place cited proximity to family and friends as the main reason they wanted to stay in their community, followed by proximity to public services, safety, and a beautiful setting.
Community involvement has far broader implications than simply keeping us happy. Participating in volunteer work and civic involvement isn’t just fun; it’s also been shown to lower depression symptoms, improve physical function, muscle strength, and self-rated health. Some evidence suggests that they can even help you live a healthier and longer life.
It’s also worth noting that volunteering and being involved in their community can give them a sense of purpose and accomplishment – two things that we struggle to feel as we get older. A skilled home caregiver can provide your loved one with companionship and transportation to stay active and meet new people in their local community.
Health care services at home allow seniors to remain at home.
An in-home caretaker can handle almost any issue. It is possible to have someone come over once a day to help administer an injection or provide companion care, or a live-in caregiver can keep track of all your parent’s needs, including medication reminders, meal preparation, bathing, and toileting.
The best decision for your family can only be made by you and your family members. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities may seem like a good choice for some people. Most elders, however, find that aging at home is beneficial to their health and well-being. To ensure that a loved one’s needs and preferences are honored when making care choices, it is critical to begin the conversation as soon as possible. Whenever you have questions regarding the benefits of home health care, we’re happy to assist you.