Aging brings many challenges including impaired mobility, limited eye sight, diminished memory, and other physical restrictions. As seniors begin having difficulties with basic activities of daily living, many families consider residential care programs for their loved ones. While this may be appropriate in some instances, many seniors prefer to remain in their home as long as possible. Aging in place, with added homecare services for seniors, allows them to feel safe, confident, and in control of their lives.
Benefits of Aging in Place
Aging in place is a lifestyle that allows the senior adult to live in the residence of their choice for most, if not all, of their life. The focus is on quality of life and having the resources available to live safely and comfortably in the home. Aging in place offers seniors:
- A comfortable, known environment. They know their home, their neighbors and their community. Family members can stop by to visit whenever they choose. Social connections remain intact because they can go to church, visit with friends, and participate in other important activities.
- A sense of independence. Even with homecare services for seniors, aging in place allows seniors to retain their independence and self-confidence. The ability to follow their routines in their own homes helps them feel in control.
- Safety and security. Most people feel safest in their homes, and seniors are no different. With this security, they are able to relax and enjoy their lives.
- Familiarity. This benefit is extremely important since the aging process often leads to memory challenges. By aging in their homes, seniors are surrounded by the familiar and better able to address moments of forgetfulness.
- Flexibility. As people age, their needs will change. There are a variety of homecare services for seniors that can be adjusted to support the person as they go through these changes while keeping them in a known, safe environment.
Cost Savings of Aging in Place with Homecare Services for Seniors
A 2013 HUD report identified significant cost savings to seniors choosing to age in place versus those in residential care facilities. The findings included:
• The average monthly cost (2004 to 2007) of in-home care was $928 vs. $5,243 for nursing home care.
• The average monthly of out-of-pocket costs (2009) for activities of daily living care was $554 in-home services vs. $1,065 for institutional services.
• Aging in place yielded greater savings for the Medicaid and Medicare programs than institutional care.
Another finding of the report is that aging in place offers considerable health and emotional benefits over institutional care. These significant financial and health benefits to aging in place make it a viable option for many seniors.
Homecare Services for Seniors
Home health agency services can help your loved one age in place. They can be easily modified in type and intensity with the senior’s changing needs. The services can also be adjusted to your loved one’s preferences (gender of the service provider, time of day the service is provided, frequency, etc.) – a flexibility not usually available in an institutional setting. Important aging in place services are:
• Companion Care. This is the most basic level of homecare services for seniors and is perfect for otherwise healthy individuals who are at risk of isolation. Companionship services can reduce depression and encourage socialization by spending time, running errands, and doing other activities with your loved one. Companions offer a stabilizing arm while walking and can perform light household tasks including meal preparation. They also report to you if they notice any changes in behavior or unusual incidents.
• Personal Care Attendant & Home Health Aide. When your loved one begins having difficulty with personal care tasks, this level of service provides hands-on care within the home. Care includes assistance with all bathing, dressing, and grooming needs. The aide or assistant can also assist with prescribed ROM exercises and ambulatory devices as well as other needed services.
• Homemaking Services. Experienced home health agencies often make referrals to homemaking companies with the goal of helping your loved one maintain the cleanliness of the home when they are unable to do so. Services can include mopping, vacuuming, laundry, dusting, ironing, and other tasks as requested by you or your loved one. The service will also notify you of any significant maintenance problems; so, you can address them before extensive damage occurs.
• Skilled Nursing Care. When your loved one requires medical support, an RN or LVN can provide all of the services of a CNA/HHA plus any nursing service as prescribed by a physician. This can include tube feeding, IV therapy, wound care, medication management, and other services under the medical plan.
Aging in place, with the support of these homecare services for seniors, allows your loved one to remain in their home while receiving the care they need. If you are looking for aging in place services for yourself or a loved one, contact us to learn more.