6 Key Benefits of Aging in Place with Affordable In-Home Senior Care

Why more older adults choose aging at home

Aging in place is a choice many people make as they grow older, preferring to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. In fact, a new study confirms that “77% of adults 50 and older want to remain in their homes for the long term—a number that has been consistent for more than a decade” (Source: AARP).

Why is aging in place such a popular choice?

In this article we’ll cover the six key aging in place benefits affecting mental, physical, and emotional health:

1. More independence
2. Connection to community
3. Familiarity with the home environment
4. Opportunities for movement
5. Higher cost of care in senior living communities
6. Flexibility of in-home care for seniors

Aging in place brings more independence for seniors

As we age, we still want to feel like ourselves—to freely determine our own actions. Our homes can represent a place of freedom, where we can express ourselves, make our own choices, and maintain a sense of agency in our lives.

In our own homes, we have the freedom to do what works best for ourselves and loved ones. Routines and spontaneity co-exist when we’re at home. We are free to plan meals, social interactions, sleep, and other activities to suit our own preferences.

Even as care needs increase, this sense of independence can be supported at home with affordable in-home care services and help with everyday tasks.

Aging at home supports connection to community

Often, older adults who make the choice to age in place have lived in the same community for many years. They have friendships with neighbors and ties to community gathering spaces, such as libraries, local shops, congregations, community centers, or parks. These form an essential part of their routines and social lives, and should be enjoyed as long as possible.

Maintaining a connection to community is crucial, as social isolation can have serious health risks for older adults (Source: CDC). With the support of a Helper or in-home caregiver, older adults can receive additional companionship at home.

Senior care Helpers support older adults’ connection to their communities by going out together, attending local events, and even helping with phone calls, video chats, email, and other correspondence to maintain relationships with friends and family. Companionship also takes place while Helpers perform help around the home, cleaning, tidying, making meals, and going out together, enriching seniors’ time and helping them maintain relationships outside their home. Get our tips on booking Helpers for errands and outings.

Familiarity with the home environment improves safety and emotional health for seniors

Home is at the heart of so many memories and experiences. The emotional significance of home is powerful. Pictures, photographs, furniture, and mementos represent experiences that bring comfort, peace, and joy throughout our lives.

Being surrounded by familiar objects can help those experiencing memory loss, serious illness, loss of a loved one, or even changes to mobility levels. Throughout the changes that aging brings, the home environment can be a stabilizing, comforting place for both older adults and their friends and family.

Receiving help and support at home can help pave the way for smoother recoveries and emotional stability during times of change. Additionally, the home environment can play an important role in supporting memory care, with many different types of adjustments that can be made to support the progression of dementia. Learn more in our tips on dementia home safety.

Aging in place increases opportunities for movement

For seniors who choose aging at home, the opportunities to move and stay physically active are a key benefit. Housekeeping, lawn care, home maintenance, cooking, and playing with the grandkids provide an opportunity for movement and physical activity. Typical activities like these can also easily be supported by flexible in-home senior care services. Often, moving to a senior living community or care facility eliminates the need for these daily tasks and accounts for reduced levels of physical activity, whereas care support at home keeps seniors active longer.

While there are many advantages to keeping active around the home, there are also potential risks to be aware of and plan for, as mobility, strength, and balance might decrease. Monitor the home for potential tripping or fall risks, such as stairs, cords, rugs, and items in or near walkways, and make any accommodations needed. Plan for increased care needs with your family as early as possible, to ensure loved ones can remain at home as long as possible

Some accommodations are as simple as keeping paths and walkways clear, while others may involve renovation or special equipment, such as replacing tubs with walk-in showers, adding ramps to entrances, relocating bedroom furniture to the ground floor, and more. For more tips, visit our article on creating a safe home environment for seniors.

Higher cost of care in senior living communities

Mainly people choose aging in place versus moving into a senior living community for the practical reason of cost. Depending on location and the level of care needed, assisted living can be expensive. The monthly median cost of care for assisted living in 2023 is projected to be $4774, but could go even higher (Source: Genworth). Nursing home care is almost double that of assisted living at $8390 for a shared room.

The cost of in-home senior care can also vary greatly, based on location and type of care. However, many families choose to provide as much care as they can, and hire supplemental aging at home support, which is flexible and can be tailored to each family’s unique needs. On Herewith, we go one step further, with the ability to book Helpers for one-time tasks, providing completely flexible, no-commitment in-home support.

Learn more about the cost of in-home care services on Herewith.

Flexibility of in-home care for aging at home support

Sometimes, families prefer more flexible options than a senior living community can offer. For example, companion care on a schedule that meets your loved one’s unique needs, might not be available or included in the monthly cost of an assisted living facility.

Some families opt to continue to book in-home caregiving services even after their loved ones move into a senior living facility, so they can receive both round the clock medical care and non-medical support and companionship from caregivers.

Learn more about Herwith’s in-home care services to see if they’re right for your family.

Deciding if aging in place is right for you and your family

Ultimately the choice for seniors to age in place is a personal one, and comprises just one part of each person’s care journey. It’s always a good idea to talk to your family early, before care needs arise to assess the options. But, if you or our loved one has a strong desire to stay at home, to maintain independence, stay physically active around the house, and keep ties with the community, then with planning and the use of in-home care services, aging in place could be a great option for you.