When you are a retiree, chances are that you would have completed paying off the mortgage for your home. Your home would also come to symbolize many good memories, especially those of your kids’ growing up years. However, when your kids have moved out, aging in place at home during your retirement years may not be advisable. There are many disadvantages of aging in place which make living in a retirement community a much better idea. Here are the four most common reasons why you should not live at home alone in old age.
Lack of Support when Health Problems Arise
Aging in place means that when you need medical assistance, you would have to visit your doctor. However, a sudden decline in your health may render you helpless and you might not be able to make the trip out on your own. However, if you’re living in a retirement community, there will always be people around who can come to your aid. They include health professionals who are on site to monitor your health regularly. Hence, when you experience any pain or discomfort, you will be able to receive immediate medical help and attention.
Hefty Cost of Aging in Place
Aging in place at home can also come with a hefty price tag. If you need to engage an in-home caregiver to help you with activities of daily living, meal preparations or housekeeping, it can be costly in the long run. You will also probably need to spend money on making modifications to your home to make it safe for aging in place. In addition, if you were to suffer from any debilitating conditions, you would also need to depend on your family members to provide long-term care for you. This would likely stress your loved ones out and affect them mentally and emotionally. The other alternative would be to hire a home health aide or nursing assistant, which will put a strain on your finances.
Caring for Your Partner
Over time, your spouse or partner may also need basic nursing services that you may not be able to provide unless you are a trained health worker. For instance, if your loved one has a fall or suffers from a stroke, they may become bedridden and require round-the-clock nursing care.
A retirement community that offers different senior living options can cater to you and your loved one’s needs. Your partner will receive personalized care and be well-taken care of while you are free to go about your day.
Household Chores and Home Maintenance
One of the major disadvantages of aging in place is the constant need to handle daily household chores and carry out regular home maintenance. Whether you are living with a spouse or alone, having to do daily chores may soon take a toll on you. You may also not have the time and energy to spend on doing the hobbies or activities that you love. Over time, instead of enjoying your retirement years, aging in place may make you tired and unhappy. In the end, all the fond memories you have of your home may be negated by your experiences of living at home in old age.
In a retirement community, you no longer need to do any household chores or worry about home maintenance. In our Independent Living community, our Impressions Housekeeping and Maintenance team members are responsible for keeping your apartment home spick and span so you can focus on pursuing your interests and living your best life.
Rather than aging in place in your home, consider a better quality of life at our Independent Living community in Columbus, IN. We integrate all the senior living amenities and services that you need to make sure that you are comfortable, safe and happy.
