Ask an elder where they would like to live out their lives and the clear majority will say, “right here in my own home”. It is easy to guess why. Home is familiar, it is where memories have been made, and moving usually means a loss of independence.
But is it better for an elder to “age in place”? It can be if circumstances are right. It may be less expensive to stay home and have needed services come to the elder rather move to a long-term care facility. Your elder may feel more comfortable knowing the neighborhood and how to safely get around the house. He or she can maintain some autonomy, feel less dependent on others. There may be family nearby or close neighbors and friends providing lots of social interaction as well as a good transportation system making getting out of the house convenient and safe.
What can be done to make it possible to keep an elder at home?
It truly takes a village. Independence is a wonderful thing but the reality is that we need family, community resources and services to allow for successful aging at home.