An AARP survey confirms that most Americans would prefer to remain in their homes during their senior years. Aging in place is an achievable goal for many, particularly if home modifications help aging residents cope with disabilities.

Aging in Place

Harvard Health identifies several benefits of growing older in a family home. Living at home may contribute to mental health by promoting a feeling of independence. Seniors maintain confidence and may improve their quality of life by living independently.

Seniors who live at home can stay connected to a supportive community by maintaining relationships with neighbors and local friends. They can also continue to visit local doctors, attend their local place of worship, and shop at familiar stores.

Older adults may worry that they will lose control of their lives if they move to an institutional care facility. Fears surrounding the loss of control could contribute to an anxiety disorder, a condition that affects 10% to 20% of older adults. Remaining in a family home may help seniors control their fears.

When Are In-Home Caregivers Necessary?

As homeowners grow older, they may find it difficult to engage in the activities of daily living — things like bathing and preparing meals — without assistance. Moving to an assisted-living facility is one option. When homeowners want to age in place, another option is to hire a caregiver to provide assistance inside the homeowner’s residence.

When should seniors consider hiring an in-home caregiver? Harvard Health suggests that older homeowners and their families should begin to plan for in-home care before they need it. While a sudden decline in health might create an obvious need for assistance, the abilities of most seniors to cook, clean, or take care of hygiene deteriorate gradually. Adult children may notice those changes and urge their parents to seek help, but senior homeowners may not recognize or admit their need for help until that need becomes urgent.

Harvard Health encourages older adults to make a regular assessment of their abilities and needs. Questions to ask include:

• Has it become difficult to enter and leave a bathtub or use a toilet?
• Is it overwhelming to shop for groceries or perform other chores outside the home?
• Does arthritis inhibit the ability to fasten buttons or tie shoelaces?
• Is it difficult to find energy to clean the home or prepare a meal?
• Have changes in vision or memory made it troublesome to find things in the home?
• Are medications taken as prescribed or is it confusing to keep track of all the pills?

Conducting an assessment will help the homeowner decide what services they need at any given time. Seniors who age in place typically start by hiring a housekeeping service to help with cleaning or a landscaper to mow the lawn. If abilities continue to deteriorate, the time will come to hire home health aides. Hiring in-home caregivers when they are first needed will reduce the stress of searching for them after the need for assistance has become desperate.