Why Age In Place?
One of the greatest concerns people have as they grow older is that they may have to leave their home. Most American seniors desire to stay in their homes for the rest of their lives, and whether for physical, geographic, or monetary reasons, much of the aging population will someday have to face this issue. Oftentimes, this means leaving behind a comfortable living space, family, a familiar community and many memories. In addition, a certain amount of control is lost when a person gives up their home. This "control" provides the underpinning to our feelings of dignity, quality of life and independence. One's home is a strong element in their sense of security.
As health care costs rise and the economy slumps, the aging population must decide why and how they want to spend their hard-earned dollars. According to the MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Costs (October 2010), the national average for a private room in a nursing home is $83,585 annually ($6,965 per month) and for a private room in an assisted living center is $39,516 annually ($3,293 per month). Massachusetts has some of the highest nursing home and assisted living costs in the nation, nearly 20% more than the figures list previously. Even the national average is on the rise, nearly a 5% increase since 2009 alone. Careful consideration must be taken when deciding to give up your home and pay for these institutions or to "age in place".
Americans of all ages value their ability to live independently. But without a plan for aging in place, it can be hard to stay in control of your life. It can be difficult to plan that far ahead because many people don't like to think about the inevitability of aging. Too much optimism or denial can lead to poor planning. Contact Aging in Place Builders, Inc. for your free in-home design consultation and prepare yourself for a safe, accessible future.