AARP members filled out a survey about their wishes as they age. A whopping 77 percent said they don't want to leave their community. Almost as many said they want to stay in the home they're in right now. Yet, only 59 percent believe it will be possible.
Why Do Many Older Adults Feel They'll Have to Move?
Why do 41 percent of older adults feel they won't be able to age in place? For some, it's a matter of affording that home. While a little more than 6 out of 10 own their homes, 33 percent admit their homes will need serious renovations to accommodate them in a goal of aging in place. Money is a concern.
Another primary concern is the lack of transportation. While these adults currently drive, they're concerned that when the day comes that their vision or skills are not good enough, they'll be stuck. They don't like the idea of self-driving cars and feel ride-share services like Uber are too risky.
What these older adults are missing is that senior care services can eliminate many of these issues. With senior care services, aging in place is possible and often the best option.
Why is Aging in Place Better?
It's frightening to think about, but the number of people with Alzheimer's increases daily. While there are some advancements in understanding and treating the disease, it's still a strong possibility. Per a HealthCore, Inc. study, there is a 34.7 percent chance a 70-year-old woman will have Alzheimer's. A 70-year-old man's probability is only slightly lower at 26.9 percent.
With the memory loss that goes hand in hand with many dementias, familiarity is important. It benefits your parent to be in a neighborhood and home that is familiar. It won't stop the odds of wandering, but it may help you in your search if you know the places within walking distance that your mom or dad frequented years earlier.
Even without dementia, a familiar home is going to be more comforting to your parent. Your mom or dad is acquainted with the rooms, furnishings, and neighborhood. It's easy to know what route to take to avoid a dog that's always loose. Your parent knows where the hazardous sidewalks and shoulders are when talking a walk. That familiarity is safer.
Senior care aides can do a safety assessment of your parent's house and pinpoint what changes are needed. A shower seat, grab bars, and repairs to stairs and rails could be all that's needed for your parent to safely age at home. Transportation, meal preparation, companionship, and medication reminder services add to the services that keep your mom or dad at home. Call to learn more.
Sources:
https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/community/info-2018/2018-home-community-preference.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5624986/