A recent survey by AARP states that 88% of older adults over the age of 65 years and living in the United States desire to remain living in their homes as long as it is physically possible to do so. Diversified Nurse Consultants believes the benefits of aging in place provide a more attractive alternative to living in a senior care facility for many older adults and their loved ones. Aging in place provides the benefits of improvements in independence, mental wellbeing, access to family members, lower expenses, and comfort.
Aging in place has also been shown to have health and emotional benefits over institutional care. Being able to safely continue living in the comfort of one’s own home provides a level of emotional security that is not available using other methods. The familiar environment and being surrounded by a support system of neighbors and friends helps to reduce stress and preserve even memory faculties from cognitive decline. Having a good and stable routine helps to ground and retain memory. According to a study conducted in 2014 by Bryan Hames, an epidemiologist at the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center in Chicago, the rate of cognitive decline is 70% less for seniors to remain close to their friend groups.
Access to family and friends also helps to increase mental positivity around aging. A 2015 survey by the National Council on Aging states, “Family can be a key element to a comfortable and positive retirement. 57% of seniors attributed having access to a loving family helps them remain positive as they age.”
There is even evidence that suggests programs that support aging in place that have the potential to lower the cost of providing for seniors who age in place as compared to traditional means as well. The cost of living in a nursing home, according to the Network for Studies on Pensions, Aging, and Retirement, totals an estimation of around $77,000-$88,000 averaged annually. Compared to a retirement home, the option of aging in place can provide a much cheaper lifestyle, even if there are some renovations that need to be made to the living quarters as they age.
The benefits of aging in place prove a striking comparison against conventional methods. These benefits help to ease the experience of aging and help to make life more convenient and enjoyable. It can certainly be assumed that this method will remain an alternative that continues to gain traction in the coming years as more individuals choose to remain in the comfort of their own homes as they age in place.
DNC has championed the “Aging-In-Place” philosophy since its inception in 2011. As partners with Aging Life Care Association, we are trained, experienced aging life care professionals. Our purpose is to navigate, coordinate & institute high-quality & cost-effective solutions. We are confidently able to put together a strategy for people who are wanting to age in place. Contact us today to start your journey of aging-in-place.