Based on a survey conducted by the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons), 90% of seniors in the US prefer to live the rest of their lives at home instead of staying at a nursing home despite the numerous services and facilities available for them to cater to their special needs. So, if you have an elderly loved one at home and wish to gain more insight, or if you’re someone who’s considering getting a home care franchise business to cater to the elderly in the community, it’s important to know the reasons why seniors prefer to age in place.
#1 Retaining Independence
Seniors have the perception that nursing homes ‘coddle’ them by providing them with everything they need, which somehow strips away some of their independence. As such, a lot of seniors prefer staying at home since it allows them to be more independent and do things on their own. Even for seniors who have limited mobility or have started to have age-related cognitive and physical issues, it’s still possible for them to retain their independence at home with the assistance of family, friends, and even professionals. And speaking of independence, seniors have more freedom to continue a hobby that may not be available/allowed at a nursing home such as woodworking, or being able to do everything they want to their own home’s garden.
#2 Unmatched Comfort
Although nursing homes are equipped to cater to almost every need of the elderly residing in their facility. One’s home can provide unbridled emotional and psychological comfort. Whether its comfort stemming from staying in a place that they’re familiar with or comfort due to living with loved ones, there is no substitute for one’s home. Plus, not all nursing homes allow pets, and a lot of seniors who are pet owners are a lot more comfortable having their furry companions at their side.
#3 Keeping Connections Easily
One of the common complaints that elderlies at nursing homes have is how infrequent their friends and family have kept in touch with them ever since they stayed in the facility. This is one thing that many elderly people wish to avoid, which is why staying at home seems to be the preferable option. By aging at home, not only do seniors stay close with their friends and families, they can join family gatherings and other events much easier, instead of having to travel or be fetched from their nursing home.
#4 It’s Way Cheaper
Many elderly dislike the fact that their loved ones need to pay so much for a nursing home to take care of them. And, even if the family would have to hire a professional in-home care professional to keep their elderly loved one safe and taken care of at home, it’s still a lot cheaper as compared to a nursing home.
#5 No Adjustment Needed
Moving into a nursing home forces seniors to re-adjust to a new environment and routine, which can be stressful as well as emotionally and mentally taxing, even with proper guidance. But by staying at home, elderly loved ones can continue with their usual routine, and avoid all the stress of re-adjustments.
The Takeaway
There are pros and cons to aging in place and staying at a nursing home, but despite the many benefits nursing homes offer, one’s home offers many advantages that most seniors simply prefer. So, going back, if you have an aging loved one at home who wishes to stay but you’re too busy to keep them company or attend to their needs, consider getting in-home care services, and if you’re an entrepreneur in a community with a lot of seniors, getting that home care franchise would be a good idea.