By Dr. Macie Smith
Aging in place has become an increasingly popular choice among older adults. According to AARP, 80% of adults over the age of 65 prefer to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. This growing trend reflects the importance of independence, comfort, and familiarity during the aging process.
With the help of in-home care services, maintaining independence while aging in place has never been easier. In this article, we’ll explore how in-home care can make a significant difference.
What Does Aging in Place Mean?
Aging in place refers to the choice of older adults to remain in their own homes as they grow older, instead of relocating to assisted living facilities or nursing homes. This approach offers comfort, convenience, and cost savings.
Most importantly, it empowers older adults to retain control over their daily lives and routines—preserving their sense of independence.
The Growing Trend of Staying at Home
AARP’s latest research highlights that aging in place is a priority for most older adults. Beyond the financial and emotional benefits, staying at home provides a sense of security and familiarity. The desire for independence often drives this preference, and advancements in home care services now make it a viable option for more people.
How In-Home Care Supports Aging in Place
There’s never a one-size-fits-all solution to anyone’s aging process. We all hit different bumps in the road at different points in our journey, and that’s why SYNERGY HomeCare’s programs are tailored differently for each individual.
Some of the most common ways that these homecare programs can provide support for those looking to maintain independence are:
1. Companion Care
Companion care is perfect for the older loved one who doesn’t require intensive assistance. Instead, companion care offers support with regular tasks of daily living including shopping, cooking, or light housekeeping. A person who receives companion care is still fully in control of their daily life but now gets some extra help with the tasks that may be a burden.
2. Personal Care
Personal care is a bit more intensive and typically includes more hours of support to help with things like personal hygiene, getting dressed, and moving around the house. Although personal care helps with some of the most critical aspects of daily life, the person receiving care still directly dictates when they want help and how much help they want.
3. Respite Care
Respite care helps both aging individuals and their family caregivers. It provides family caregivers with a break from their caregiving tasks and also provides the person receiving care with a new friendly face to interact with, without them ever needing to leave their home. Respite care is extremely flexible and offers a great refresh for families when things get too cumbersome.
Choosing the Right Care for Your Loved Ones
Although maintaining independence while aging in place has never been easier, you still shouldn’t shy away from utilizing the tools that can make the process even simpler. For more information on how SYNERGY HomeCare can help you achieve just that, visit https://synergyhomecare.com/. You can also reach SYNERGY HomeCare by calling 877-432-2692.
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SYNERGY HomeCare offers no obligation home assessments. Find a location near you or contact us to learn how we can provide additional support to you and your loved ones.
Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, click here.
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