Many people want the same thing as they get older: the ability to stay at home and keep their independence. The ability to stay home as you age is called “aging in place.” It allows older adults to live where they feel comfortable and keep as much independence as possible. But to do it well, you need to make a plan, have the right tools, and talk honestly about what can really be done.
According to a report from the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation from 2022, 88% of adults aged 50-80 felt it was important to live in their homes as long as possible. Aging in place is a decision that can be challenging, but can also provide comfort for older adults by allowing them to stay close to their community and loved ones. By choosing this option and planning ahead, older adults can maintain a level of independence far longer than they may be able to otherwise.
There are many benefits to aging in place beyond comfort and independence. For starters, aging in place could save you and your family money. Moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home can be very expensive. The CDC says people in the U.S. spend over $5,000 a month to live in care homes. Staying in your own home as you get older can help save money. It can help older people feel better in their bodies and minds because they can keep doing their daily routines and stay close to family and friends. They also get to make their own choices about how they live,
The best time to start planning is before you need a lot of support for daily living. Planning ahead allows you to make decisions for yourself and your care while you are able. The first step is to think about the help and support you need now and might want in the future. Take the time to research home care options that work for you and your family. Next, consider any illnesses you or your partner might have. Learn about how the illness may make it hard for someone to care for themselves as the illness progresses by talking to your doctor. Finally, talk to your loved ones and caregivers to determine what support is needed and possible.
It is also important to discuss plans for when you or your loved one is no longer able to stay at home. Sometimes things happen that make it hard for older people to keep living at home, like falling or dementia. Kenneth Lam, a doctor who studies aging, says, “The average age when people move into a nursing home is 84. As the amount of assistance needed surpasses the ability to provide it at home, aging in place stops being an option.”
JABA’s Respite and Enrichment Centers (JREC) help older people and adults with disabilities stay in their homes longer. They give care during the day so family members can take a break, run errands, go to work, or take care of themselves. JREC empowers older adults to age in place longer with more support.
Older adults who have concerns about aging in place should begin research to find resources and solutions. Family, friends, and neighbors are the biggest source of support for many older people. Find out who can help with daily living and errands as you become unable to. Additionally, find ways to be prepared for medical emergencies. Talk to your doctor about whether you should get a medical alert system that allows you to easily call for help during emergencies. You can also contact your local Area Agency on Aging, like JABA. They can help you stay in your home as you get older and offer things like goal setting, meals, rides, planning, and support with everyday tasks.
Aging in place is more than a preference. It means you want to feel comfortable, stay independent, and be close to people you care about. Even though it can be hard, making a good plan and honest conversations about what’s possible can help make it work. With help from family, friends, and community programs, older adults can keep living happily in the places they love. Aging in place is not only about staying home; it is about being empowered in your aging journey.
Ty Mynes is a Communications Specialist and Writer at JABA.