As we age, adults ages 65 and older often decide to live at home, which is also known as ‘aging in place’. Many older adults opt age in place because they have cherished memories in their home that provides them with comfort, alongside having a supportive network, a functional home, and an independent lifestyle. However, other individuals aren’t as fortunate and must consider additional at-home elder care services or move into an assisted living community.
While we understand this isn’t an easy decision to make, our experienced and compassionate caregivers at Coastal Home Care are happy to help you or your loved one determine if aging in place is the right decision for you.
Below, we discuss aging in place, living in an assisted living, and reasons why at-home elder care might be best for you or your loved one.
What Does Aging in Place Mean?
As previously mentioned, aging in place may be for those who enjoy their independence, prefer to make their own decisions, and have the physical and mental capability to live comfortably day-to-day. These individuals, or their support networks, are also expected to provide their own care on a daily basis.
When deciding whether aging in place is right for you or your loved one, there are three situational aspects to consider: the individual, current residency, and supportive network. Here are a few questions to ask in regards to each aspect:
- The Individual: is the individual aging in place capable of caring for themselves physically and mentally? Do they have a network of individuals that can support them while they age in place?
- Current residency: can the individual easily navigate throughout their current space?
- Supportive Network: is the elder’s support system easily accessible? Can these individuals provide the level of physical and emotional support the elder needs?
Is Assisted Living Right For You?
For those who want to be independent but can no longer support themselves with the proper level of physical, emotional, and cognitive care they need, moving into an assisted living may be their best option. These individuals are often unable to rely on themselves or their supportive network of family and friends for daily assistance.
Residing in a senior assisted living community is often accompanied with negative connotations related to safety, lack of staff, and insufficient funding. While this might not be the reality at every assisted living facility, one can’t help but keep the possibility of poor nursing home conditions at the forefront of their minds.
If you are considering living in an assisted living community or your loved one is beginning to require additional assistance at home, we recommend doing as much research as possible prior to selecting your preferred assisted living facility.
Why Choose At-Home Elder Care?
At-home elder care may be a great fit for individuals who are more comfortable at home but require additional support with their daily routine. Support may consist of everyday activities, such as grooming, transportation, medication management, meal preparation and much more. Learn more about what you can expect from an in-home caregiver for further information.
Providing Compassionate Elder Care Services in Caroline County, MD
Our in-home elder care services support aging adults throughout the Caroline County, MD area. We create personalized Plans of Care for each individual we serve to ensure we provide the exact level of care they need to live a comfortable and enjoyable life. Reach out to our elder care team at (410) 572-5606 to schedule a consultation!