The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines aging in place as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.”

Yes, it’s an actual movement. And while it’s mostly been captured by the home improvement and renovation industry, there’s a clear benefit to everyone involved. Let’s start with an undeniable fact: you don’t need research to know that most of us would prefer to stay in our homes as we age. At home care makes this possible.

Benefits

It’s actually safer for seniors to live in their own homes when it comes to illness and infection prevention. Thais because it’s easier to control the home environment than an institutional one. It’s also easier to identify and manage the cause of illness and infection when only a few people and variables are possibly involved.

It’s difficult to prevent and minimize the spread of viruses and bacteria in large senior care facilities. This has nothing to do with the cleanliness and hygiene. Bacteria and viruses spread quickly in these places because of the number of people who are staying in just one place. Living at home with at home care can be a much better alternative for many people.

Depression

It’s a serious issue that impacts a large percentage of senior adults. Leaving the comfort of your own home and moving into a senior care facility causes anxiety and stress. These are two factors that often lead to depression, especially right after a move.

Multiple research has shown that as much as 30% of the residents of senior care facilities show symptoms of depression. Only about 11% of seniors aging in place report feeling depressed. It’s believed that most of the depression found at senior care facilities is caused by the drastic changes in the residents’ daily schedule and overall environment as well as a common diagnosis of dementia. Remaining at home can help ward of depression caused by the stress of a move and the adjustments that come with living in a large care facility.

Access to Family and Friends

Seniors who live close to family and friends tend to do better than those who don’t. Regular interaction with these familiar faces helps bolster positive attitudes because social ties are maintained. Our connection to friends and family is important to our sense of security and independence and greatly reduce the risk of isolation and depression that can occur when a senior remains in their own home. This is also easier to maintain when seniors are able to stay in their homes with the help of at home care professionals.

We spend a lifetime being told about the importance of independence. It’s not surprising, then, that so many of us would prefer aging in place. At home care provides the opportunity to have personal care, medical or non-medical, while preserving the dignity of being in a place we know, with the people we love.