Speak with your loved one about the social, mental, physical and financial benefits and challenges of aging in place and moving.
Aging in place means “Staying in your home as you get older” per the National Institutes on Health (NIH), National Institute on Aging.
Many modern definitions of aging in place refer to wherever the person consider home, not just a private residence. Therefore, making adjustments to stay in an assisted living apartment instead of going to a skilled nursing facility can also be considered aging in place.
Aging in place is a difficult decision to make and several pros and cons must be weighed. Note, it is important that this process is ongoing and that the decision on whether or not to age in place be revisited as needs and medical, physical and mental conditions change.
You should consult your doctor and other qualified medical professionals as needed to assist with decision making. See our disclaimer at the bottom of our home page as Aging Uniquely is not liable and this post is for informational purposes only as every person’s situation is unique!
Additionally, Certified Aging in Place Specialist may be able to help with modifications to stay in one’s home and Senior Advisors may be able to help with locating a retirement facility that is a good fit.
Below are considerations and possible solutions to concerns. Aging adults that cannot safely live at home with some modifications or assistance that is realistically and reliably available should consider an alternative living arrangement.
1. Safety
- Ensure the person can safely escape in case of emergency
- Practice exiting the home. Most drills for facilities are once a month so people remember the exit strategy. Have someone nearby to minimize risk of falls, but try to not physical assist as someone may not be available to assist in a real emergency.
- Run through various actual scenarios including if there were a fire in difference parts of the home, someone was sleeping and had to get up from bed and what someone would do after escaping.
- Fall Risk Level
- Has the person had recent falls or close calls?
- Is the person unsteady?
- Is the person dizzy, have visual disturbances or other underlying medical issues that make a fall more likely?
- Safety Monitoring Devices
- Is there a way to call for help in case of a fall or medical emergency?
- Is there alarms in the home in case of break-in or a fire?
- Medical Management
- Can the person independently monitor their own blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen level and blood sugar (diabetes)?
- Does the person know when to contact their doctor or call 911?
It is important to note that many of these concerns can be addressed through home modifications, use of technology and even rehabilitation. Speak with a Doctor, CAPs or Occupational Therapist to develop a unique plan to age in place.
Check back for more Aging Uniquely blogs about ways to stay safe at home. You can also refer to the Resources Page, Tips Page and Guidance Page.
2. Independence
- Activities of Daily Living: Ability to SAFELY and independently get to the toilet and on/off the toilet, get dressed, take a shower, complete grooming and hygiene tasks.
- Instrumental Activities of Daily Living: Ability to SAFELY and independently use a phone, prepare meals, take medications, manage finances, schedule appointments, clean, complete laundry, care for pets, check the mail, drive
See Aging Uniquely’s Tips page for more ideas to stay independent in ADls and IADLs.
- Home Maintenance: Ability to SAFELY and independently complete yard work, cleaning gutters, change filters, check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, inspect windows, etc.
3. Community
When speaking about community, it is beneficial to think of community as something beyond a physical place. Community can be though of as a social network, support system or a fellowship or connected group in addition to the physical place.
- Social networks: consider if your loved one has known supportive neighbors, friends, organizations in the community and if they will lose connection if moving
- Supports: consider transportation supports and community organizations
- Safety/crime: consider how safe they feel living alone
Learn more about Community and Why it’s Important for Older Adults.
4. Location
- Social aspects: long time resident of the community with several friends and organizational involvements, volunteer opportunities, people with similar interest, community center and community events
- Physical aspects: safety / crime levels, ability to drive to needed areas, public transportation or alternative transportation available, walkability and maintained sidewalks, accessible buildings and parks
- Proximity to medical facilities: How quickly they can get to the emergency room? How close are the doctor’s offices?
- Distance from support systems: How quickly a family member/friend can get there in an emergency? proximity can also increase the likelihood of visiting or delivering necessary items.
- Natural Disasters: How frequent or likely is it a disaster will occur? Can one safely evacuate and is there a shelter nearby? Does one have the mental capacity to problem solve during a disaster?
See more details about Choosing a Location for Retirement and Older Adulthood.
5. Cost
It is important to determine the costs of aging in place and moving to a retirement community or similar. This could also be comparing the cost of receiving a higher level of care like moving from an assisted living facility to a memory care unit. Here is an example:
- Aging in Place in a Private Residence
- Extra Costs: home modifications, durable medical equipment, hiring caregivers, continued home maintenance, home insurance, taxes, etc.
- Savings: Mortgage and/or other home maintenance/insurance/tax expenses may be lower than rent for traditional retirement living situations
- Traditional Retirement Living
- Extra Cost: higher rent, may still have to pay for additional medical equipment, extra care, etc. (this varies significantly between facilitates and level of care)
- Savings: Minimal maintenance cost, taxes built into rent, lawn, housekeeping and caregiving services may be built into all-inclusive package (varies)
Each situation will be unique and a cost analysis in addition to the above considerations for safety, independence, community and location must be included. Considering non-traditional options may also be a beneficial compromise. Stay tuned for future blogs for creative solutions!
Up Next: Traditional Retirement Living Options and Alternative and Creative Living Options
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Aging Uniquely Health and Legal Disclaimer:
By continuing with this site, you are agreeing that you acknowledge and understand this disclaimer in full and will not hold Aging Uniquely, parent companies or content creators liable for the information or use of information on this site because everyone ages uniquely and has unique needs. The content on Aging Uniquely sites is for general information purposes only and Aging Uniquely does not provide medical or health advice. It is not a substitute for medical or health professional advice and you should never ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking emergency care because of something you read on the Aging Uniquely website or social media platforms. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 911 or seek emergency services. Aging Uniquely is not responsible for what may happen if you use their information in place of medical or professional advice. You are responsible for your own health and safety or how you apply this advice to adults/older adults you support. I highly recommend you consult the proper qualified medical or health profession before implementing any information from Aging Uniquely or other health related websites.