Why Seniors Prefer Living In Place

By John Ward


At some point in life, you are faced with a difficult question to answer. You have to choose whether to take your aging parents to some senior care home or to support them to stay in their retirement home. Clearly, ideally, taking them to a senior care home may sound good; they have access to the support and good food. But have you really thought of what your aging parents really want? It is estimated that in every ten seniors, at least, eight of them would choose to age in their own homes. This is known as living in place, a phrase that has replaced aging in place. In the city of Patchogue, NY, this has become the perfect idea.

Through several surveys, it has been established that in every 10 seniors, 8 of them prefer to age in their own homes. If by any means it is possible to offer them support they need, then they are better off in their home resident than any other place.

The changes that are commonly associated with old age include hearing impairment, failing vision, osteoporosis, increased cases of arthritis, heart diseases, diabetes, and hypertension among others. Mentally, the speed of processing information also gets limited. This means a slower response to the environmental changes, a decline in memory and decline in word finding ability.

All these changes lead to some difficulties interacting with the one's environment. The most common physical changes include the decreased mobility and dexterity, decreased strength and stamina, the decline in sensory acuity, hearing, touch, smell, and thermal sensitivity.

These changes, however, have no impact on their wisdom and creativity. They become even wiser and love to share their wisdom with family and the rest of the community. However, they are faced with the threat of social disruption. Their children move towns, and their friends may even avoid when they become more vulnerable.

It is important to appreciate that these changes does not affect their sense of creativity and wisdom. In fact, they are likely to be wiser as they age. The biggest threat they face is the social disruption that comes with the family members such as children moving to different towns, the friends and some age mates are relocated and the general losing touch with the community.

The safety measure includes changing gas switches, light switches and the kitchen setting to make it more accommodating and responsive to the senior needs. The bathtubs, bathrooms, and toilets may also have to be remodeled and the slippery floors replaced.

In addition to these modifications, installation of security systems and alarm systems may also be necessary. In some cases, the gate and the doors may be changed or reinforced and the electric fences installed. All these are necessary given that the seniors are vulnerable to instances of robbery, burglary, and other forms of petty crimes. The criminals consider them easy targets.




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