The benefits of aging in place have been advertised in several studies. Examples of this are the comfort of home and social engagement in the community. Fortunately, experienced in-home caregivers can optimize the advantages of remaining in your home during old age.
Dreammaker Bath & Kitchen of Southern Rhode Island, a premier home remodeler near me, talk about the top reasons aging in place is beneficial to older adults.
1. It Encourages Greater Independence
If the individual wishes to retire at home, aging in place honors that, allowing them to have a greater sense of independence and control over their personal lives. Day-to-day tasks that can become challenging as people age — such as driving, meal preparation, and personal care — can be supported by care professionals. In-home care can also provide peace of mind for family members.
2. Adults Remain Socially Engaged in Their Communities
According to a research study, older adults living in nursing facilities experience severe loneliness and feelings of isolation. This is often a direct opposite for those who age in their own homes and communities. When adults age in place, they maintain their existing social networks and religious/spiritual communities. They have access to different forms of social stimulation that can improve their happiness and well-being.
3. It Is More Affordable Than Living in Assisted Living Facilities
Aging in place is exponentially less expensive than living in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Even the cost of full-time home care is sometimes less than half of the total cost of a semi-private room in a residential facility. There are many creative options to fund accessible remodeling and other age-in-place goals, including settling unused assets and family contributions.
4. It Helps Slow Down the Progression of Memory Loss
The process of uprooting an elderly person from their own home and introducing them to a new environment can mean stripping them of foundational long-term memory stimuli. This can lead to heightened levels of stress and confusion. Aging in place allows for familiar social engagements and human-to-human interactions.
5. It Promotes Greater Comfort
While assisted living facilities allow a few pieces of valuable items, nursing homes limit what their residents can bring with them. For some adults, especially those who do not want to leave their homes in the first place, this experience can be quite traumatic. They are far more likely to feel comfortable and safe when surrounded by familiar sights and sounds, their pets, and photos and furniture of their choosing.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Southern Rhode Island specializes in accessibility remodeling solutions to help older adults improve their quality of life at home. Call us at (401) 399-3917 or complete our online form to request a home, bathroom, or kitchen quote. We work with homeowners in Block Island, Hopkinton, Wyoming, Greene, Newport, and the surrounding communities.
