It is estimated that around 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day in the U.S. This means that senior citizens are projected to outnumber the number of children in the U.S. for the first time within just a few decades. The Census Bureau stated that “By 2035, there will be 78 million people 65 years or older, compared to 76.4 million under the age of 18.” 

With such a large senior population about to enter this stage of life at the same time, where will they all choose to live during their golden years? Studies have shown that a larger number of seniors are choosing to live in their own homes as they age, instead of a senior living facility.  With modern-day technology and new care options constantly emerging it is becoming easier and cheaper than ever for seniors to choose to age in their own homes.

Health Benefits

Health is one of the largest reasons it can be important to age in place rather than in a nursing home. If they are not happy or comfortable where they are living it can cause mental distress which can trigger a catalog of health problems. Many senior living facilities are overpopulated with tenants and they don’t have enough staff to give each patient the personal care and attention they need. Without meaning to, but sadly it is just a product of the situation, this leads to seniors feeling neglected and lonely. There is also the constant fear in seniors and their family members of the constant presence of germs in an elderly community of this size. After seeing the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on nursing homes, more people than ever want to make sure that seniors can age in a place where they feel comfortable and safe. 

Living in a nursing home also means that seniors are controlled by the rules and regulations that the facility places on them. This can mean isolation from family members during a health crisis, or not as much freedom since they cannot typically come and go as they please. This can cause the senior to have to wrestle with feelings of helplessness, loneliness, and depression. When a senior is able to age at home it allows them to feel like they are still in control of their own life, which plays a huge role in their mental and physical health.

How to Prepare to Age at Home

You may be wondering how a senior is supposed to plan ahead when they may not know what their needs will be in the future. So, what do we mean by planning ahead? Planning ahead can start by simply planning for what kind of care a senior may need in the future. If they aren’t sure what to expect in the future the first place to start is speaking to their doctor. Depending on any illnesses or potential health problems for each individual the doctor will be able to help plan a potential care plan. 

Even if they are in perfect health it can still be important to make a plan for the future. All seniors should speak to their family members and make sure they understand what they want for their future care. It is also important to start preparing their home to be safe for them to age in place. This can look like getting wheelchair ramps installed, installing grab bars in showers and bathrooms, making sure they have non-slip strips under all mats and rugs to prevent falls, and whatever else they may need to meet their individual care needs. 

Dwell at Home is Here to Help

Dwell at Home was built on the idea that seniors deserved better care options if they wanted to age in the comfort of their own homes. We are changing the game on in-home senior care by providing trustworthy, affordable, and convenient care in the palm of your hand via our mobile app. We wanted to make sure that a senior wasn’t only getting a caregiver, but a friend. Our unique algorithm matches seniors with compassionate caregivers based on their interests, hobbies, and preferences. Our caregivers offer a wide variety of services that range from driving you to lunch with your friend to helping you bathe or prepare meals. Only you can know what kind of care you need to make sure your golden years are spent in health and happiness. Whatever you decide fits your needs the best, whether it be moving into a nursing home, part-time care, full-time care, or simply a drive once a week to your local grocery store, we are here to help.