Aging In Place Vs. Assisted Living – Understanding Your Options
November 26, 2022
Some people find it hard to choose between moving into assisted living and aging in place (or staying at home). Although many factors could lead you one way or another, over 90% of older adults want to stay where they live regardless of whether their income changes or their health status is good or bad.
In this post, we’ll compare the two options and the advantages and disadvantages of aging in place versus moving to an assisted living facility.
What Is Aging in Place? And Why Do So Many People Prefer It?
Aging-in-place refers to adults staying at home while they age instead of moving or relocating to any institutional setting.
According to the “Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” aging in place means living comfortably, safely, and independently in one’s home, regardless of income, ability, or age.
Many people in the US and worldwide consider staying at home than going to assisted living. This is because aging at home promotes self-esteem, a positive standard of living, and life satisfaction – all essentials you need to stay happy, well, and healthy into seniority.
Advantages And Disadvantages
So, which is right for you: assisted living or aging in place? First, let’s take a look at the pros and cons.
Aging In Place
Pros
- Aging in place costs relatively less than assisted living
- Reduces isolation by staying in a neighborhood
- Maintain your quality of life and mobility
- Established routines
- Convenience and comfort
- Reduced stress, anxiety, and other psychological problems
Cons
- Home maintenance can be increasingly costly
- Difficulty in meeting nutrient intakes
- Costly extensive care
- Health risks
Assisted Living
Pros
- No home maintenance
- More opportunities to get social
- It helps older people maintain a sense of independence
- Access to health professionals
- Reduced injury or accident risk
Cons
- Excessive cost
- May restrict seniors’ privacy
- Often provides older people with inadequate health or medical care
- Some seniors find it hard to adjust
What Type of Home Modifications Should Be Considered For Aging In Place?
Senior-friendly home modifications increase safety and allow older people to age independently and gracefully within their homes.
Listed below are the four key aging-in-place home upgrades to help you live and age safely and comfortably in your home:
- Install Ramps: Not only do they help improve mobility, but they also reduce the risks of accidents during inside and outside home trips
- Install Stairlifts: In old age, stair climbing can become challenging and a source of pain and worry. Stairlifts can help seniors with reduced mobility. It’s a perfect home modification to help you age gracefully and respectably, especially if you plan to age in a two-story home.
- Enhance Lighting: Upgrading lighting is a cost-effective and easy way to prevent falls at night and guarantee safety. For instance, installing automatic nightlights or touch lamps increases visibility during the night, reducing accident or injury risks
- Use Smart Home Tech: Aging at home is about maintaining safety and independence. Make sure to place smart home techs like medical alerts, smoke detectors, smart hubs, lighting, locks, doorbells, cameras, and more
Check out this resource for more information on home modifications for seniors aging in place.
Cost Comparison
In most cases, aging in place is more comfortable and less expensive than relocating to an assisted living facility. For example, assisted living may cost around $4500 per month ($54000 per year), making it very costly for an average American.
However, the cost of aging in place will vary greatly based on your health, mobility and resources at your disposal. Will you be living with someone that can help you? Do you have good mobility?
The modifications you may need to make in your home may be more costly upfront but less expensive in the long run.
Successfully Age in Place
If you’ve decided to install a ramp or stairlift, let us help. At Harmar, we have several options to fit any budget and most home designs. So, contact us today for help locating a dealer.
