Why Aging in Place is So Important for Seniors

Over the past two decades, interest in the concept of aging in place has steadily increased. More people searched for age-in-place home care in 2024 than any year previously by almost double. This is because more Baby Boomers are beginning to require help to stay safe, healthy, and connected as they age—but they don’t want to move into senior living communities.

We know that a strong majority of older adults would prefer to continue living in their own homes for as long as possible. But there’s more to aging in place than preference alone—science tells us that it’s better for overall quality of life, too. Let’s take a deep dive into the reasons why aging in place is so important for older adults.

Everything You Need to Know About Aging in Place

What is Aging in Place?

Aging in place means continuing to live in your established home and community as you grow older. Instead of moving into an assisted living facility or retirement community, you simply stay where you’re most comfortable and familiar. 

It sounds simple enough, but for many older adults, maintaining their preferred living environment comes with a host of challenges, including:

• Home Safety 
• Mobility Issues & Managing Chronic Health Conditions
• Social Isolation

We’ll talk about how to overcome each of these challenges in more detail below. But first, let’s talk about why they’re worth overcoming in the first place.

Why is Aging in Place Important? 

Aging in place offers numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits for older adults.

Physical Health Benefits

While home safety can be a challenge, studies show that aging in place can lead to better physical health outcomes, including reduced hospitalizations and improved functional ability. There are a few reasons behind this trend.

First, when people are familiar with their surroundings, they’re less likely to fall. Falls are a major health concern for older adults, causing up to 1 million hospitalizations annually. Serious injuries that result from falls are also associated with further decreased mobility—making it harder for adults to stay physically active.

In addition, staying at home can keep stress and anxiety levels lower than going through the major transition of moving into a senior community. Lower stress can reduce the risk of conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and more!

Emotional & Mental Health Benefits

Speaking of stress—aging in place has a multitude of mental health benefits as well. Perhaps chief among them is a preserved sense of independence, control, and dignity. When people feel empowered to maintain control over their lives and make their own decisions, they have a stronger sense of identity and purpose. These things are crucial for maintaining a positive outlook and engagement in life.

While plenty of people do choose retirement communities for the social benefits, it’s also important to consider the community connections people already have where they currently live. Removing someone from an established neighborhood can have detrimental effects. By making home a safe place to live, older people can stay woven into the fabric of the communities they know and love.

Challenges & The Role of In-Home Care

Oftentimes, family members of aging adults think that moving their loved ones into a senior living community is the only option available for a comprehensive care plan. After all, their loved one may live alone, have health or mobility challenges, or face other barriers. However, with the help of in-home care, senior citizens don’t have to choose between safety and comfort.

Creating & Maintaining a Safe Home Environment

One of the first signs that your loved one may need help around the home is reduced mobility or a recent fall. Loose rugs, steep stairs, poorly lit kitchen counters, and slippery bathroom tiles are all features of homes we tend not to think about until they become hazardous.

Many homes lack items like grab bars, entryway enhancements, and kitchen upgrades. Older adults and their family members may not know which home modifications are necessary for their safety. Thankfully, the caregivers at ComForCare can provide an in-home safety assessment that highlights all areas of concern. We’re happy to help you discover the best way to make your loved one’s home environment a place they can thrive.

Ready to get started on your own? Download our FREE guide on how to reduce fall risks at home!

Managing Chronic Health Conditions

Chronic conditions and age-related illnesses can limit independence and a person’s ability to perform daily activities. These may include age-related mobility challenges that make it difficult to perform daily tasks like climbing stairs, bathing, or cooking. Loved ones with dementia may have cognitive challenges that can make it difficult to manage medications, keep up with finances, or remember important appointments.

Can a dementia patient be cared for at home?

What many families don’t know is that in-home dementia care is associated with improved outcomes. Familiar environments have a positive impact on cognitive function, including memory and problem-solving skills. And because they reduce anxiety, they can also reduce agitation and challenging behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

People with dementia thrive most with regular daily routines and familiar surroundings. In fact, taking dementia patients out of their environment for the long term can have serious consequences on their well-being, increasing the risk of:

• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Disorientation and wandering behaviors 
• Agitation and behavioral outbursts
• Delusions
• Falls

Social Isolation

As social circles shrink and mobility decreases, older adults may experience feelings of isolation. Maintaining social relationships and participating in activities to combat loneliness becomes ever more important for both physical and cognitive health. While the risk of isolation increases when a person lives alone, in-home care can keep them connected to the community they know and love.

ComForCare’s in-home caregivers offer transportation services to help clients maintain their established social interactions. Plus, because each caregiver is matched to their clients based on shared personality and interests, they develop meaningful relationships with the people in their care. 

Let ComForCare Help Your Loved One Age in Place Safely

The challenges and concerns that go along with aging aren’t insurmountable. With the right help, it is possible to live a safe and healthy life in the comfort of home. To see if your home is ready to safely enjoy your golden years, create your personalized Aging in Place checklist with ComForCare!

At ComForCare, we’re passionate about helping more people remain independent, providing help with personal care, transportation, health and nutrition, and so much more. Need help making sure your loved one’s preferences are met? Find your perfect caregiver today!

Choose ComForCare: Your Aging in Place Specialists

ComForCare is nationally recognized for compassionate, high-quality caregiving services. We’re proud to connect older adults with the precise amount of care they need. Whether your loved one needs assistance a few times a week or around the clock, we have a caregiver ready to meet their needs.