The term is being increasingly used in social care and by policy makers. Find out what is ageing in place and how home care services, like Country Cousins, support this growing trend.
What does it mean to age in place?
The term ‘ageing in place’ is widely used by policy makers and is becoming more frequently used in the common lexicon. Ageing in place refers to the idea of staying living in your own home and community with some independence instead of moving to residential care facilities. The majority of older individuals prefer this approach as it maintains their autonomy and social connections while enjoying the comfort and familiarity of home.
Elderly options for ageing in place
Ageing in place is the preferred option for most adults in the UK. Remaining in a much-loved home brings comfort, peace of mind and stability.
However, as we age, we all need some degree of support at some point, whether that be health-related care or support with daily tasks of living. This consideration means those aiming to age in place must examine their options for how they do so while having access to the care and support they may need now or in the future.
Seniors choosing to age in place have several options:
Living with family
This option enables the individual to remain in the community and amongst loved ones. However, this choice is not always available as families tend to live geographically apart, family members may not have space in their home for an extra member and the capacity of the family to take on the burden of care must be carefully considered.
Live-in care at home
This is, without a doubt, the most preferred option amongst the majority of elders. It is the favoured choice because it enables the elderly to remain living in their own homes, maintain existing routines and their lifestyle, surrounded by the neighbours and community they know well. This option is very cost-effective, typically costing the same or less than residential care in a care home.
Assisted living
This option, also called sheltered housing or extra care, offers the elderly a sense of independence within self-contained flats whilst having access to communal areas and an on-site warden. Assisted living housing developments are complexes of apartments designed for people over the age of 55. They offer a sense of community with people of a similar age but do not provide any in-home care and support such as help with tasks of daily living.
To understand other care option comparisons, read our Live-in Care vs Care Home Booklet.
The advantages of ageing in place
- Maintain independence and freedom
- Cost-effective
- Keep connections with the local community and family
- Avoid the disruption and distress of moving into a care home
- Stay surrounded by family, friends and memories
- Maintain existing routines and preferred lifestyles
- Remain living with spouse and much-loved pets
- Familiarity with surroundings is particularly important for those with dementia
- Encourages engagement with the community and maintaining hobbies
The disadvantages of ageing in place
- The individual may be at risk if not supported by family or a professional carer
- Living alone, if not with family or a live-in carer, can foster social isolation and loneliness
- If friends and family are not nearby, individuals may feel isolated from their peers
- The choice of sharing one’s home with a professional carer or moving home
- Home adaptations may be needed, such as grab rails
How live-in care supports ageing in place
Live-in care can be the perfect solution for those who wish to age in place, maintaining their place in the community and a preferred way of life.
The benefit of live-in care is that the cost is often on a par with residential care options and sometimes cheaper. For example, if a couple requires live-in care, this can be managed by one professional carer, making the costs significantly less and very cost-effective.
There are many benefits to remaining in the home we love as we age, but the most commonly cited reasons are the ability to remain independent, maintain routines and lifestyle, and stay connected to loved ones, neighbours and even much-loved pets.
All of these benefits, plus receiving one-to-one care that is tailored to the exact needs of the individual, make live-in home care the best choice for those who want to age in place.
To find out more about live-in care, read our Live-in Care Booklet.
Live-in care with Country Cousins
At Country Cousins, we have been providing heartfelt live-in care to families across the country for over 60 years. In fact, we are the longest-serving introductory live-in care agency in the UK. Our wealth of knowledge and experience means we know exactly how home care should be: trustworthy, professional, and flexible. ;
We offer a range of live-in care options, all tailored to the personal needs of each individual. Get in touch with our friendly team today to explore the options.
Talk to us today
Give our friendly care team a call to find out how we can arrange home care in a few simple steps. We offer a free enquiry service with no obligations, so do not hesitate to get in touch.
Call us on 01293 224 706. Alternatively, complete our online enquiry form.
