The Benefits of Aging in Place for The Baby Boomer Generation. Baby Boomers are used to doing things their way and that has not changed as they enter retirement. Elderly care has adapted to accommodate what Boomers want and expect that they should do. More Boomers want to age in place, rather than move to a long-term care facility designed to help elderly people.
Nursing and retirement homes have been popular for the elderly for years as a way for them to maintain a sense of independence while getting the high-quality care they may need. Boomers though, oftentimes don’t want to move to a facility. Having Boomers age in place provides a familiar and healthy place for them to age while keeping their independence. The Benefits of Aging in Place for The Baby Boomer Generation.
Familiar
Many Boomers are used to homeownership and may have lived in their homes for years. By letting them stay in their homes, they can grow old in a familiar place. Staying at home allows people to grow old surrounded by memories of their kids and building a family together.
Moving while in old age can also be stressful. Expecting elderly people to adjust to new surroundings quickly is a lot to ask of someone. By staying at home, the elderly don’t have to adjust to a new environment and way of living.
Staying home also helps the elderly feel secure. They know where everything is and how things should be. By moving to an unfamiliar location, they can feel stress about having to learn new things that once came naturally to them.
Healthier
Aging in place can be a healthier choice for Boomers and the elderly. Aging in a place that’s familiar to you can reduce stress and depression. Nursing homes and facilities can also carry superbugs that cause illnesses.
When people live in a less than ideal situation, they can be more prone to homesickness and depression. Maintaining mental health is a critical component to staying healthy. Having good mental health contributes to a high quality of life. Living with stress can also compromise your immune system, something that should be avoided with the elderly.
Besides becoming potentially more at risk for disease with a compromised immune system, nursing facilities and homes can be super spreaders for diseases. Some diseases can be hard to contain once they start spreading. Staying where you can control diseases better is the best way to avoid getting sick.
Maintain Independence
Boomers are accustomed to doing things their way. Their independent way of living has been one of the defining trademarks of the Boomer Generation. This has not changed in their old age and many Boomers prefer to maintain their independence as long as they can.
Living on their own in a place that they’re familiar with keeps them independent. They don’t need to let a director know when they’re heading our or get approval for a diet change. All decisions, big and small, can be made with permission or approval. The way that Boomers are used to.
Less Expensive
It is no secret that assisted living and other long-term care facilities can cost a lot of money. Aging in place also saves money. Some facilities can cost thousands of dollars a month. While that does mean a high level of care, it can also restrict how much money seniors can spend, depending on how much is covered by insurance. Boomers may want to spend this money on other things, like travel or luxury items.
Building a community in your neighborhood with people that you know can provide the same amount of care at no extra cost. Boomers can keep strong community ties to keep them healthy while saving money.
Ways to Protect Oneself at Home
Even with precautions in place, aging at home can provide some problems. Having plans for potential problems and using tools to get the right help, Boomers who choose to age at home can get high-quality assistance and care without being in a facility. There are in-home caregivers that can either be paid for out-of-pocket or with state benefits.
There are also devices, such as medical alerts, that can help people who fall or experience other health problems. Having these tools available will help people who age at home get help fast when they can’t get to a phone.
Regular visits will also help Boomers who age at home. Not only do regular visits help keep community ties strong, but they also provide a great way to track and monitor health. Having regular visits will help ensure that aging at home is still the best option for your elderly loved one.
Conclusion
Many Boomers are used to doing things their way, and that includes aging. Aging at home allows for Boomers to stay healthy in a familiar location and save money. Many Boomers also want to maintain independence and aging at home allows that to happen. The Benefits of Aging in Place for The Baby Boomer Generation.
For people who are concerned about keeping their loved ones healthy or what to do in an emergency, using current technology will help in the worst-case scenario and regular visits will help track their loved one’s health while also keeping community ties strong.
