Aging in place is a senior living option that entices most seniors. But with all the senior living options available to older adults, what does aging in place really mean? To help you learn about aging in place, here are five things you should know:  

1. What does aging in place mean?
   

Aging in place is best defined as someone who decides to age while continuing to live in the comfort of their own home or community. Oftentimes there are different terms for the same word, so it’s important to not get confused. Similar terms for aging in place include in-home care, home health care, in-home personal care, or home care aides.

2. Who is it best suited for? 

Seniors who wish to stay home and require minimal assistance are best suited for aging in place. Moreover, people who have a support system that can help with activities of daily living (ADLs) makes this a great option. If not, aides may need to be hired to act as in-home caregivers who help seniors with ADLs. 

Having access to a caregiver is important for seniors to ensure that they are safe, comfortable, and healthy. Overall, aging in place is best suited for people who wish to stay at home, want to maintain independence, and need very little assistance. 

3. How to successfully age in place? 
   

In order for seniors to successfully age in place, home modifications or in-home services may be needed. Home modifications may be necessary to keep a loved one safe as they continue to age. Some helpful modifications that can be made include having nonslip flooring, installing walk-in bathtubs, building a wheelchair ramp, placing grab bars in the bathroom, or having a medical alert system. 

In-home caregivers are usually the ones that assist seniors with any issues they have. As mentioned above, these caregivers can be family members, loved ones, or friends. Families can also hire in-home caregivers to help seniors with their ADLs but also other in-home services are available for a variety of activities. 

Due to seniors needing some assistance, caregivers might be responsible for helping seniors bathe, eat, or dress. Support can also be provided for IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) such as transportation, meal preparation, and medication management. The key to successfully aging is to make sure the needs of the seniors are met, including home modifications and in-home services. 

4. What are the benefits? 
   

Aging in place comes with many benefits for those who choose to stay at home. These benefits include: 

• Comfortability: Nothing is better than aging in the comfort of your own home. Being in a familiar environment makes aging an enjoyable process and offers a sense of security you cannot get anywhere else.  
  

• Independence: Aging in place allows one to maintain their independence and to dictate what routine or activities they wish to do. There are no set schedules or programs that one must adhere to. 
  

• Accessible to Loved Ones: Due to one living in their own home, they stay in close proximity to family/friends. This makes it easier to get visits from family members and to stay connected with friends. 
  

• Healthy and Safe Environment: Unlike nursing homes or other residential facilities, aging in place lowers the risk of dangerous infections such as pneumonia.  

5. What are the costs? 
   

Aging in place is one of the most inexpensive senior living options available, but it does depend on the level of care that is needed. These extra costs vary from person to person so it’s important to know what services or home modifications will be needed if you plan to stay at home. Some may be able to rely more on family members or loved ones, while others may need to rely more on aides. 

It costs an average of $4,576 for a home health aide and $4,481 for homemaker services per month. In comparison, the cost of a private room in a nursing home facility costs around $8,821 per month. 

Now that you are well-informed you can explore other senior living options. 

Aging in place is a senior living option that allows seniors to age in a familiar environment while still receiving the care they need to stay healthy. Remember these five things when researching other senior living options. In the end, it’s about making the perfect choice for yourself or your loved one.