As we age, navigating our homes or performing daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and yard work becomes more difficult. These tasks can become even more challenging when injury or illness is a factor. At some point, there might be a question of whether it's safe for someone to stay in their current home.

The idea of leaving the familiar surroundings of someone’s home is an emotional decision for both the aging family member and their caregivers. And even when it seems like the right option, some family members might be hesitant to move their loved one into an assisted living community. Thankfully, there are different senior care options available when these delicate situations arise. 

Everyone’s situation is unique and several factors go into making a decision. Here are some things to consider when weighing the pros and cons of aging in place vs. assisted living for your loved ones. 

Exploring In-home Services As a Senior Care Option

Aging in place allows older adults to stay in their current home, enjoying the familiarity of their surroundings and community. This can be a less stressful alternative and give caregivers more time to research different senior care options. Family members or home health and personal care aides can step in to help aging family members perform daily tasks and provide some companionship. 

Generally, in-home senior living options work best for family members who are still independent and do not have major health issues or mobility restrictions. Even so, there are many things to consider. Can they safely navigate stairs? Do they experience issues getting in and out of the shower or using the restroom? 

You’ll want to hire a professional service to help you evaluate fall risks and other factors to ensure safety in the home. When needed, they can equip the home with accessibility features like grab bars and ramps to help someone safely move through the home and perform daily tasks more safely. Even with a nurse or home aide stopping by, aging loved ones might need additional help with errands and tasks. It's important to create a schedule of care responsibilities shared among family members, which can be challenging when distance is a factor. 

In an interview with U.S. News & World Report, Yelena Sokolsky, director of patient services and administrator at Galaxy Home Care in Brooklyn, New York said, "As individuals age, they may find themselves feeling more isolated and disconnected from others. This feeling of isolation can be especially prevalent among older adults who lack a stable social circle or support system. The effects of isolation on an individual's physical and mental health can be significant. For those with cognitive impairments, the lack of social interaction can exacerbate their symptoms. Memory problems, difficulty with verbal communication and a general decline in mental health can all be worsened by a lack of regular socialization. It is important to recognize the impact that social interaction can have on the health and well-being of older adults." 

Even though the benefits of in-home care can sometimes outweigh the downsides, an assisted living community provides numerous benefits to consider. Your family member can still feel at home — but with the additional benefits of socialization opportunities and specialized, on-site support services to keep them safe and comfortable.

Providing Specialized Senior Living Care in a Home Setting

According to the National Center for Assisted Living, more than 800,000 Americans currently live in assisted living communities. More than half require help with daily activities like bathing and walking. For family members needing extra care, assisted living is a great senior care option. 

One of the biggest benefits of assisted living communities is apartment-style living. While an adjustment for those accustomed to living in a house, the option to keep your furnishings and decorate the space makes the transition easier. 

Accessibility features within the home and throughout the property also create a safer environment and allow people to have the freedom to move around more without assistance – you won’t need to hire someone to install anything because the work is already done for you! 

Being immersed in a community also provides an opportunity to participate in activities and socialize with other residents – both of which help combat loneliness, especially for those who do not have family nearby. Another benefit of assisted living as a senior care option is having trained medical staff on-site and convenient care access for routine monitoring and emergencies. 

It’s important to have the aging in place vs. assisted living conversation early to make the situation less stressful for everyone involved. Speak openly as a family and weigh the pros and cons of both options before making a decision. If you decide to go the assisted living route, involve your loved one in discussions and include them in property tours. Making the decision together as a family will help ensure the best outcome for everyone involved.

Senior Living Options at The Pillars of Prospect Park

The Pillars of Prospect Park focuses on providing flexible senior living options to suit different lifestyles and care needs. Whether you’re looking for assisted living, independent living, memory care, or stay-by-the-day options, you will find a place in our community. Explore our assisted living options in Minneapolis, Minnesota and let our team help you navigate this transition with your loved one.

Follow The Pillars of Prospect Park’s Facebook page to see what it’s like living in our community!