Benefits of Aging in Place with Professional Help

The Benefits of Aging in Place With Help From Professionals

When many people think about aging, they picture years spent in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. While there’s nothing wrong with these options, growing older doesn’t have to mean giving up the comfort and familiarity of your own home. More older adults are discovering that aging in place, or remaining in their own homes while receiving professional care, offers an excellent alternative to assisted living. Here are six reasons why long-term care at home is a top approach to aging in place.

1. Increased Older Adults Independence

Staying in your own home preserves autonomy in ways that an assisted living community simply cannot match. Older adults who choose home care get to wake up in their own bedroom, prepare meals in their familiar kitchen, and maintain their tried-and-true daily routines. Instead of forcing older adults to adapt to a new schedule, in-home caregivers work within their established lifestyle. This means keeping preferred bedtimes, mealtimes, and hobbies. A reasonable level of older adults independence goes a long way to better overall mental health.

2. Better Connections to the Community

Feelings of isolation are common among older adults, but they don’t have to be. Skilled caregivers aren’t just there for medication reminders and meal preparation—oftentimes, they provide companionship and meaningful social interaction. Beyond the new relationships older adults form with their caregivers, aging in place also allows older adults to maintain their existing community relationships. Neighbors and friends can continue to stop by, and older adults can still go to their preferred local shops and places of worship.

3. Reduced Risk of Infections and Hospital-Acquired Illness

Many older adults find themselves in the hospital from time to time. Occasional visits certainly aren’t a bad thing, and it’s better safe than sorry when deciding if a trip to the hospital is warranted. However, inpatient care can sometimes lead to an increased risk of infection and illness.

Aging in place presents a workable solution since an older adult’s home environment is controlled and familiar to their immune system. What’s more, professional caregivers follow strict hygiene protocols to keep everything clean and sanitary. When older adults spend most of their time in spaces without dozens of other patients, their risk of contracting a contagious illness is notably lower.

4. Encouraging Physical and Mental Activity

Getting enough exercise is easier said than done, especially for older adults with mobility issues. Nevertheless, physical activity is still an integral part of older adult well-being. Thankfully, staying active becomes a bit easier when older adults stay in familiar surroundings with professional support. Caregivers might be trained in physical therapy techniques and can help their clients with active household tasks like gardening, tidying up, and even neighborhood walks.

In addition to physical activity, mental stimulation is key for older adults. Aging in place means older adults can still access their favorite books, puzzles, and craft supplies. Caregivers often get in on the fun and participate in hobbies alongside their clients!

5. Personalized Care Tailored to Unique Needs

One of the most important home care benefits is the potential for personalization. Everyone is different, and older adults require a customized approach to care based on their health conditions, preferences, and lifestyle. When you choose home care for a loved one, their care plans can adapt as their needs change without having to adjust to a new environment. A solid personal care plan might include any combination of the following:

• Medication Reminders—Remembering to take several medications at different times throughout the day would be hard for anyone, but especially older adults. Home care professionals can provide medication reminders as needed.
• Meal Preparation—Does your loved one struggle to cook their favorite foods the way they used to? Caregivers can help with most aspects of meal planning, preparation, and feeding.
• Light Housekeeping—We often take our ability to tidy up around the house for granted. If your loved one needs some assistance with things like dusting, laundry, and vacuuming, a professional caregiver can provide support.
• Condition-Specific Support—If your loved one is dealing with a specific health condition like dementia or diabetes, home care services can make special accommodations to help them live safely and comfortably.

6. Cost-Effectiveness for Families

Last but not least, cost-effectiveness is a major advantage of aging in place. While professional in-home care does come with some costs, the long-term financial benefits often make it the more economical choice. Assisted living facilities average several thousand dollars a month, and nursing home costs can climb even higher. Home care costs are often lower, especially for old adults who don’t need a high level of care. This care option also allows older adults to preserve home equity, avoid facility entrance fees, and reduce emergency medical costs.

Here to Help Older Adults’s Age in Place

Aging in place has a whole slew of benefits for both older adults and their families. Not only does it allow for increased older adult independence, but it can lessen the financial burden over time. If you think this type of care could be a match for your loved one, don’t hesitate to get in touch with SmithLife Homecare. We proudly provide comprehensive home care services to older adults in Maryland and Washington, DC.

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