Over 75% of Americans above the age of 50 say they would prefer to remain in their current homes as they age. The concept of aging in place is important, and it’s easy to understand why so many older adults would choose to do this in the comfort of their homes.
Our homes are the places that bring us comfort and happiness, where we’ve spent the majority of our lives. However, for some, aging in place in their current homes may pose potential risks and hazards.
At Peaceful Pines Senior Living, we believe everyone deserves to maintain their independence for as long as possible. Our assisted living facilities provide residents the helping hand to live autonomously and make the most out of every day.
If you’re wondering if aging in place at home is the best option for yourself or someone you love, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Home Maintenance
As people age, it can be challenging to keep up with the responsibilities of maintaining a household. Even the most routine maintenance tasks can become hard to manage over time and present obstacles and dangers to an individual’s safety.
For example, you have to cut the grass, tend to the garden, clean the gutters, and ensure everything looks neat and orderly. As we get older, it can be challenging to continue these tasks. For example, cleaning the gutters means climbing a ladder, which can lead to a loss of balance and falls. Older adults also face a greater risk of dehydration, making outdoor home maintenance even more dangerous during the hot summer months.
Isolation and Loneliness
A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that nearly one-fourth of adults over the age of 65 are considered to be socially isolated. Not only does this make isolation a significant epidemic for seniors, but it can also lead to other mental health issues. In addition, social isolation has been linked with almost a 50% increased risk of dementia.
Unfortunately, older adults are at a greater risk of becoming socially isolated than other age demographics due to specific factors that are more likely to affect them, such as:
- Living alone
- The loss of family and friends
- Living at a distance from relatives
- Age-related health changes, like vision and hearing loss
- Chronic illness
Humans are social creatures by nature, and maintaining high-quality relationships helps us to live longer, meaningful lives. If a person already lives alone, aging in place at home can further limit their opportunities to connect and engage with others.
Health Concerns
A person can expect to experience many age-related changes over time. While many of these changes are natural, they can create cause for concern for those aging in place in their current homes.
For example, changes to vision can make it difficult to navigate their homes without proper lighting. Mobility decline is also a common age-related change, which can create challenges relating to safely moving around their home, climbing stairs, and going about regular daily tasks.
How Assisted Living Facilities Can Help
Before you decide to age in place at home, it’s important to consider all areas of wellness, current health conditions, and plan for the future. You also want to consider the size of the house, maintenance and household tasks and the impact they have, as well as the expenses associated with the house.
If aging in place at home doesn’t seem like the right choice for you or someone you love due to safety or health concerns, it might be time to start considering assisted living. Assisted living communities offer residents maintenance-free and wellness opportunities while receiving a helping hand in the areas they need. The goal of these communities is not to limit independence but to help foster it through support and engagement.
At Peaceful Pines, we’re proud to create an environment of purposeful, active, and vibrant opportunities for our assisted living residents. For those needing help with daily tasks, our South Dakota assisted living communities provide peace of mind for residents and families, knowing that discreet support is always nearby.
We always invite individuals and their families to tour and compare other senior living communities to Peaceful Pines. Click here to schedule your visit today!
