Aging in Place Versus Assisted Living - Pros and Cons

Many people will, at some point in their lives, have a difficult choice to make with regard to their living situations: do we stay in our homes, or do we transition to assisted living?

The vast majority of seniors (90%, according to a 2011 study conducted by the AARP) intend to stay in their home for at least another five to 10 years, and 85% of those individuals believe they can do so without having to make significant modifications to their home.

That being said, only 43% of people over the age of 70 find it "very easy" to live by themselves in their current home, with nearly 20% of people over the age of 70 finding it difficult or impossible to live independently, without assistance from caregivers.

So how does one make the choice of whether aging in place or transitioning to assisted living is best? It takes a great deal of careful thought and introspection. Here are some of the pros and cons of aging in place rather than going into assisted living.

 Pros

• Keeping the home: Many people in their senior years have been in their home for decades, and the prospect of leaving a home where they have made so many memories can be quite difficult. The sentimentality can make it very difficult to let go.
• Visits: People who age in place can have some independence with regard to social time. They are still able to have visits at their home whenever they please, but they are also able to enjoy their own time alone as they wish.
• Financial savings: If you are able to stay in the home without having to make any massive modifications beyond ramps, grab bars and other smaller items, you will save a significant amount of money. Chances are you already have your home paid off, and even if you don’t, mortgage is almost certainly going to cost you less money than what you can expect to pay each month in an assisted living facility. This means you can save some money to use for your travels and hobbies, and to preserve in estate value to pass down to your children and heirs.

 Cons

• Potential isolation: People who age in place but do have some mobility or transportation issues can become isolated. Assisted living facilities have built-in opportunities for socialization with other residents, while those who live in their own homes can become lonely if they do not have activities to get them out of the house, or other people to come visit them.
• Higher risk of health issues: For people who age in place into their 70s and beyond, there is an increased risk of falls, injuries and other health events. In many cases this is due to a lack of sufficient modifications to the home for safety, or a lack of people coming to check in on them.
• Costs of home modifications: While home modifications can make it easier for people to age in place, the costs can quickly become significant. Simple modifications like handles, carpets, grab bars, ramps and lighting might not cost much, but more extensive modifications can cost tens of thousands of dollars, including widened hallways, lowered cabinets, lifts up and down stairs, bathroom remodels for no-step showers, etc.

Looking to stay in your home? Here are the home modifications you'll need to ensure ease of use

• Retrofitting your bathroom to include more places to grab for support, non-slip surfaces, lower bathtub lips or shower upgrade, higher toilet for easier sitting/standing and more. Read more about How to Retrofit Your Bathroom for Aging in Place.
• Emphasizing safe pathways and appropriate lighting. Installing threshold ramps and wheelchair ramps reduces the fall risk and movement impediment associated with steps and lips. For a complete guide, read How to Modify Your Home for Aging in Place.

Want to make the move to a senior living or assisted living facility? Here is what to consider

• Distance to family or external support. How close will the nearest relative or friend be?
• Opportunities for socializing. Does the building provide organization or structured activities that allow you or your loved one to interact with others? Do they organize outings or day trips? Is that something that is important to you? Studies show that isolation negatively impacts individuals as they age, and having access to opportunities for activity and socialization can greatly enrich older people as they enjoy their golden years.
• Affordability. Frankly assessing your financials can be a determining factor in what you decide to do. If your home has become too large for you in terms of space, cost or maintenance, putting it on the market and using the proceeds to fund your move into a smaller space in a senior living facility or care facility is worth the exploration. If the living options around you are out of budget, then staying in your home and making small changes to ensure your safety as you age might be preferred.
• Downsizing your home. We accumulate a lot throughout our lives, and finding the appropriate way to downsize it can be an art in and of itself. If you have children who grew up in your home, ask them to assist with sorting through and removing items any remaining items from their childhood. If there are hobbies you no longer enjoy, or find that you don't have time or space for, consider donating those tools or materials. See if nearby thrift stores will take donations of larger furniture items in good condition that your friends and family may not want. Have a plan, as you will not be able to take all of your household items with you when you move.

If you do choose to age in place, make sure you have a plan for how you will keep your home safe for use, especially if you have any mobility issues. Even if you do not have any such issues yet, planning for the future can be highly beneficial.