The number of Americans over the age of 65 continues to grow. According to PRB, there are around 82 million seniors in the country. As we age, we need to figure out several things about our future, including where to grow old.
Once they retire, seniors can choose from two common options - living in assisted living communities or aging in place. Each option presents advantages and disadvantages, depending on the senior's unique situation. It can be overwhelming to figure out what solution is best for your needs, health, and lifestyle.
It's important to weigh the negatives and positives of each option before you make your decision. This article will discuss the pros and cons of moving into an assisted living community or continuing to live at home.
Assisted living communities are living arrangements that allow older adults to move into a community with their peers. In addition to living in an apartment-like unit, seniors can also take advantage of services given by trained care providers.
One of the benefits of being in retirement is that seniors shouldn't have to worry about going to work. Seniors shouldn't need to deal with mundane tasks as well.
Whether they need assistance with tasks or would appreciate a helping hand, living in an assisted living community gives seniors the support they deserve. Some of the activities they can get assistance with include:
One of the benefits of getting help with daily activities is it prevents seniors from injuring themselves. Staff members in these types of communities are trained to safely provide residents with the help they require.
The cost of living in a senior living community varies from community to community. The level of care the resident requires can also affect the final cost. While health insurance plans may offset the cost, they don't always completely help.
It's important to weigh the cost of moving into an assisted living community if it's something you consider. Thankfully, many communities offer flexible payment options for their residents. This includes offering military discounts.
Many seniors worry that they'll lose all sense of independence if they move into an assisted living community. What's great about these types of communities is they're designed to help seniors regain the independence they thought they lost.
Seniors won't have to rely on their neighbors and family members to help them live their lives. Residents can easily move throughout their senior living community to take classes or head to the dining room. These community buildings are designed to be easy for seniors to navigate.
Senior living communities are built to nurture socialization and forming friendships. However, some seniors may find it difficult to find time and space to be alone when they crave solitude. It can also be challenging to maintain your privacy when there are constantly people around.
There are several ways to combat the perceived lack of privacy, such as:
Aging in place refers to seniors living in your family home as you get older. Another term for this living option is in-home care. This concept allows seniors to live in their current environment instead of moving into a senior community.
One of the main benefits of aging in place instead of moving into a community is that you'll save money. Keep in mind that you may need to make some home modifications to meet your needs, such as:
While you may need to pay some upfront costs for these modifications, it won't be near as much as you would spend each month at a senior care community.
It can sometimes be dangerous for a senior to live on their own, especially if there isn't another person in the home. They may require assistance with daily living but could be resistant to accepting help.
For example, seniors may become more forgetful as they get older. This can cause some dangerous situations, such as forgetting to turn the stove off.
Another hazardous scenario may be the elderly individual continuing to drive when it's not safe for them to do so. They may not want to give up their license and accept help from others.
Many seniors may have spent years in their homes creating a comfortable oasis that's filled with memories. It's normal for them to feel attached to their spaces and everything they've experienced there. As a result, it can be difficult for seniors to accept change if they need to move out.
Aging in place allows seniors to stay in their comfortable surroundings. They won't have to uproot their lives to move somewhere else.
According to Consumer Affairs, around 28% of seniors live alone. At the same time, an elderly person's social circle continues to shrink as they age. Close relatives and friends passing away contribute to this fact.
Seniors may spend more and more time alone, especially as those around them are busy with their lives. This becomes more challenging if the senior can't drive anymore.
Determining whether you want to age at your home or explore assisted living communities is a decision you need to make with your loved ones. Moving into a senior living community is like living in the dorms when you're in college. You're surrounded by your friends and don't have to lift a finger when it comes to completing daily tasks.
At Prairie Hills Tipton, we put the happiness of our residents at the forefront of everything we do. Our modern apartment units and high-end amenities ensure you enjoy every day you spend with us. Reach out to our office to learn more about our senior living benefits and to schedule a tour.