Remaining in place by choice is growing in popularity. Surveys by the American Association of Retired Persons found that more than 85 percent of Americans age 50 and older want to “stay in my own home and never move.” An aging society of baby boomers will have a very different sort of retirement. They’re more likely to work longer, start a second career, volunteer or go back to school. Baby boomers want to live well and healthy, live comfortably, and age in familiar surroundings. Here are the ten top reasons for planning for aging home healthcare during your golden years.
- Aging in place allows for maximum amount of freedom for the individual. Baby boomers are more likely to be found in the gym, spending time volunteering, or on the internet. Remaining at home allows you to engage in daily routine, as your health permits, in the least restrictive environment. It allows you to have the care that you want and the manner in which you receive it.
- Aging in place is safe. Baby boomers are changing the expectations of what they want as they age. They do not want to compromise health and safety. They are demanding that the changes to their home environment be appealing to the eye and useful. Returning home after a sickness or illness that required hospitalization will decrease or even eliminate the risk of infection when the care is provided in the home setting. Preparing the home ahead of time can prevent issues that may arise before they can become serious within the home. This can be done by having an evaluation done by a health care professional to identify problem areas in the home. One example in assessing the home environment includes preventing falls. Simple changes in the home environment and introduction of caregivers and home care professionals can address many issues. As an example, a patient that may have balance issues or weakness and dizziness may need help bathing and dressing.
- Aging in place promotes healing. Baby boomers want quality of life. Aging in place allows a more holistic approach to our care as our physical bodies or health declines. For an older adult, there is no place like home for successful aging. Living in the familiar surroundings, being around loved ones heals the mind and spirit, not just the body. Minimizing change also helps create less confusion in the older adult and can help extend their lives.
- Aging in place gives the aging adult some control. Baby boomers want choices and options and expect to be an active participant in their own care. Planning ahead and exploring all their options will help the aging adult the ability to choose the services that best suit their needs. Receiving care at home allows them to have more say and an individualized approach to their care.
- Aging in place can allow for the care to be personalized. As we age, at some point we may require assistance at home. Home care allows the care to be individualized to meet the specific needs of each person. It also allows one on one attention and interaction.
- Aging in place is comfortable. Baby boomers have made it loud and clear year after year they would prefer to stay in their home for successful aging. Familiarity and comfort of being in your own environment, surrounded by loved ones is a type of quality of life that baby boomers have come to expect . It is also the type of quality care that loved ones would want for their aging adult.
- Aging in place contributes to a healthier, safer and happier life. Baby boomers are more health conscious and concerned about the quality of life than previous generations. There is a growing industry of universal design (home modifications that can is appealing to the eye and useful to everyone) and technological advances to meet the needs of the baby boomers as they age at home. This movement will replace the institutional walls of a nursing home. Living out the rest of their days at home, in a safe environment contributes to a healthier, happier aging adult.
- Aging in place allows you to remain in your community. The entire community stands to gain from the aging adult that wants to remain in their home as they age. If their health allows, the aging adult can be a mentor in the community. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, forty-five percent of people over 65 volunteer annually. This equates into savings for the community and having positive role models for future generations. Aging adults are concerned about their community and show their support by buying locally and contributing financially to causes that are important to them.
- Advanced technology supports aging at home Baby boomers have been heard and advanced technologies are available. Advancements are being made daily to assure safety and well being as we age in place. For example, the Wii is being utilized by hospitals and rehab centers to promote strength, endurance and flexibility in patients. This is a program that can be utilized at home to keep the aging adult active and have fun doing something they like to do. Robot vacuums are now available to assist in keeping the house clean. There are sensors that can be placed in the home that measures the activity of the aging adult, so that even a long distance family member can see if there is a change in activity on a daily basis. These are just a few of many resources that support aging at home successfully.
- Aging in place reduces the fear of loss of independence A study commissioned by Clarity and The EAR Foundation, found that aging adults fear moving into a nursing home and losing their independence more than they fear death. This same study found that the Baby Boomer children of seniors also fear for their parents. in particular concern about their parents’ emotional and physical well being should they have to enter a nursing home
If you are planning for future long term needs now you are already ahead of the game. Anything that you can do now will save you money and decrease stress and anxiety for you and your family when difficult decisions have to be made. We could all be prepared better, but planning early allows you to be more thoughtful and knowledgeable. It allows you to explore all your options for when the time comes.
Diane Carbo RN- As a geriatric care manager, that has cared for her father and mother in law in their homes, she learned first hand how overwhelming, stressful, and time consuming caring for a loved one can be. Staying in their homes was very important to them. As a result, Diane started http://www.aginghomehealthcare.com to assist others age in familiar surroundings and avoid the emotional and frustrating task of maneuvering the medical delivery system
