What is Aging in Place?
When seniors remain in their homes and communities as they grow older, we call this “aging in place.”
According to RHI Hub, nearly 90% of older adults want to stay in their own homes as they age. It can promote satisfaction, good self-esteem and can contribute to overall happiness due to independence and freedoms they may not have in a nursing home. But, as with all things in life, aging in place comes at a cost.
Why aging in place can result in excessive cost implications
However, there can be devastating cost implications for the family. While some adults have prepared well for their future, most haven’t. Those seniors who have not adequately prepared for their future can leave the family with the complete expense of looking after them. In addition, unseen costs such as housing, electricity, food, and medical costs are a financial strain that can accumulate over time.
Looking after a senior with high needs can also be time-consuming. Where does this time come from? In many households, both men and women are part of the workforce, leaving little to no time to care for their adult parents. The value of time cannot be underrated when it comes to their quality of life and having to look after their children, too.
Possible solutions for high aging in place costs
Bringing a viable solution to the table is an essential task.
- One possible solution is to utilize federal funds to help manage the cost of eldercare. This would include compensation for home caregivers who have lost their income due to the responsibility of taking care of an older parent. Remuneration will help with their peace of mind and improve their capacity to save for their own eventual care needs.
- Another feasible solution would be to make home health care a “good American job,” giving paid caregivers the ability to unionize, negotiate higher pay and better benefits, as well as bargain for worker’s compensation. This may help resolve ongoing staff shortages affecting the industry.
A forward-thinking solution would be to have a virtual administrative program to assist elders with making payments or doing tasks that they struggle to do themselves. This could enable paid caregivers who begin to find physical tasks strenuous, enter another sphere of their work and extend the longevity of their career.
As Forbes put it in Do You Really Want To Age In Place, “Older people must judge for themselves what is appropriate. The key is to try to find options that fit your individual preferences.” Then, with the help of their family, seniors must find a cohesive solution that adds value to their life, without affecting the wellbeing of their loved ones.
Society should also start by laying the foundations to improve paid caregiving and home health care for future generations. Small changes now can have a monumental impact on our future.
Contact us for access to resources, advice, and guidance -our services will always be free.
*Disclaimer: This blog post was inspired by a recent article posted by Vox. To view the original, click here
Contact Senior Resource Connectors
Your roadmap when it comes to determining the best care plan for your senior loved one in Arizona – at any age or stage. Visit our resource center, view our business directory, or connect with us below.
