When elderly relatives need support and care to live their day-to-day lives, it is natural that family members want to do what is best. This can be a hard decision and a stressful time – often, the burden of care falls onto family members who are unlikely to have the skills or the extra capacity in their lives to be able to do this. Looking into care options is necessary as the extra hard work can lead to burnout and even resentment or ill feelings towards the relative needing care, simply due to the stress of caring for them. In this article, we will examine some of the benefits of a loved one aging in place to give you more information when reviewing the different types of care available.
What is Aging in Place?
The phrase aging in place encompasses enabling older adults to stay in their homes for as long as possible rather than moving to an assisted living facility or a care home. Obviously, to make this a reality, your elderly relative will likely need a lot of care or support. Removing trip hazards, putting in support rails, and labeling cupboards or medication will all help as your relative ages. However, with the population aging, more and more support systems are in place to allow older adults to live in their homes safely for a lot longer.
It is easier to find home carer in either live-in or live-out formats. The range of services these professionals provide is also far-ranging; it is possible to find someone who will help with meals, housework, and home admin and monitor or treat medical conditions.
Many families also consider a combination of both home care and assisted living options. Exploring the top assisted living in Fairfield can provide additional peace of mind, knowing that professional support is readily available when needed.
You may also check out this assisted living community in Maryland if you are in that area. Each individual and situation is unique, so it is important to carefully consider the needs and preferences of your elderly loved one when making decisions about their care.
Benefits of Aging in Place
What are the benefits of aging in place?
Mental and Physical Wellbeing
It is well established that most people recover from illnesses or operations better at home than they do in the hospital.
The mental benefits of being in familiar surroundings, designed to be your home and where you feel most comfortable, are incredible in keeping people mentally and physically fit.
Personalized care
The support that the older adult receives is tailored to their needs precisely; there is no need to fit in with a wider group of people.
If they have home care help, then this care is also focused on them one-to-one – so that they can receive help quickly and receive adaptable after-support whenever it is needed.
Independence
Remaining in their home maintains the feeling of independence for longer. This can greatly benefit a person mentally, and the need to move and complete chores (perceived or real) can help with their physical health.
If an older adult feels their independence is being removed, it can lead them to be stubborn to the detriment of their health or even stop thinking for themselves and rely on others even for tasks they are able to complete themselves.
Peace of Mind
Keeping an elderly relative in their home with support systems in place is likely to calm relatives. Moving someone (possibly against their will) into a care home is a difficult thing to do, even if it’s for the best, and it can lead to relatives and carers feeling very guilty.
Putting systems in place so that they can remain at home as long as possible can remove some of the emotional burdens that relatives face in such situations.