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Aging In Place Directory
Are you or a loved one hoping to live independently at home for as long as possible?
The Aging In Place Directory podcast explores all aspects of aging in place - from home modifications and safety products, to caregiving tips and resources for older adults.
Host Esther C. Kane, CAPS, C.D.S. shares insights from her training and experience as well as by interviewing experts on creating an environment that supports independent living as we age.
Each episode will discuss key topics like fall prevention, home modifications, tech products for older adults as well as adaptive equipment, resources and information for caregivers of seniors and much, much more.
Tune in weekly for practical advice to help you or your loved ones thrive while aging in place.
Visit aginginplacedirectory.com to search for these specialists or if you provide services for older adults, register your business on the directory!
Let's all work together to make the home as safe as possible so that as we grow older we can live in them as long as possible.
Aging In Place Directory
#56 - The Truth About Aging in Place vs. Assisted Living
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We take a deep dive into the complex decision between aging in place and assisted living, exploring the realities beyond common misconceptions. This episode breaks down the emotional, financial, and practical factors that influence where seniors choose to live as they age.
• Aging in place means staying in your own home as you age, but often requires significant home modifications for safety and accessibility
• Contrary to popular belief, assisted living often preserves independence by providing just enough support while reducing isolation
• The financial comparison isn't straightforward – in-home care exceeding 40 hours weekly can cost more than assisted living's average $5,000 monthly fee
• Both options have distinct advantages in terms of familiarity, control, socialization, safety, and access to care
• Smart home technology and medical alert systems can enhance safety for those aging at home
• Hybrid solutions like co-housing and senior villages are emerging as alternatives to traditional options
• The right choice depends on individual health needs, home layout, available support, budget, and personality
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Welcome back everyone to the Aging in Place Directory podcast, where we take deep dives into the topics that matter to most seniors, their families and anyone passionate about living their best life at any age. I'm your host, robin Schiltz, and today we're going to talk about a topic that probably crosses every senior's mind at some point the truth about aging in place versus assisted living. Mind at some point the truth about aging in place versus assisted living. If you've ever found yourself at a family gathering, maybe with an aging parent, where you've looked around your own home and wondered is this where I want to grow old? You're not alone. Decisions about where and how we age are never easy. There's a lot of emotion, a lot of unknowns and a lot of advice coming from every direction, so let's bring a little clarity to the conversation. So let's start with the basics. What exactly does aging in place mean? Is it just staying home and sticking it to anyone who suggests otherwise? Not quite, although, hey, a little stubbornness can go a long way. Aging in place means staying in your own home or a home of your choosing as you get older, instead of moving into a different type of senior housing or care facility. It's about maintaining independence, comfort and connection to the community you know best. But here's a question for you Is it as simple as just keeping the status quo or does it involve a little more planning and, let's face it, some honest self-reflection? Spoiler alert it's definitely self-reflection.
Speaker 1:So let's talk about assisted living. This is the basics. Contrary to the images you might have from movies or the dreaded old folks home stereotypes, modern assisted living communities are often vibrant, social and packed with more amenities than a luxury cruise ship. All right, maybe with a little less open water, but you get the idea. Assisted living facilities offer private or semi-private apartments, meals, housekeeping, social activities, transportation and typically 24-7 support with daily activities like bathing, dressing and medication management. They're a middle ground Less medical than a nursing home, more support than independent living. So what's the truth about living in these communities as compared to staying in your own home? So let's break it down with some real talk, real numbers and a few real life stories. We're going to talk about the truth.
Speaker 1:This is where we bust some myths. So myth number one aging in place means zero changes. Reality check our homes are often not designed for the unique needs that come with aging. Think about those 1970s sunken living rooms. My 98-year-old aunt has one of those and it makes me crazy. They were chic back then, but now they are a hip fracture waiting to happen. Stairs, narrow hallways, high cabinets, slippery bathtubs these are all architectural adversaries. If you want to age in place safely, most homes require some step, or several steps, towards accessibility. We're talking grab bars, walk-in showers, ramps, lever doorknobs, maybe even high-tech solutions like voice-activated lighting or emergency monitoring systems. Pro tip if you are considering this route, bring in an occupational therapist for a home assessment. It might save you a fortune and your dignity down the road.
Speaker 1:Myth number two assisted living steals your independence. This is a big one. Many folks believe moving into assisted living means giving up their freedom. But here's the secret Assisted living is about empowering residents to live as independently as possible, with just a little or a lot, if needed, of backup. Remember, independence isn't just about geography, it's about capability. If you're relying on family, friends or a string of home health aides to get through the day, is that really more independent than having professional staff on call and a bunch of new friends under the same roof? Having professional staff on call and a bunch of new friends under the same roof.
Speaker 1:Myth number three aging in place is cheaper. All right, I'm going to hit you with some numbers. According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey in 2024, the median cost of an assisted living facility in the United States is about $5,000 a month. Meanwhile, in-home care averages about $30 to $35 an hour. That means if you need more than 40 hours of care a week, costs can quickly equal or even surpass assisted living. Now add in home modifications, increased utility costs, meal deliveries, housekeeping and suddenly the scales look a little different. Plus, don't forget hidden costs. Loneliness, isolation and falls are medical emergencies that can spiral into much larger expenses. So part four is the upsides and the drawbacks. We're going to break them down in a clear comparison.
Speaker 1:So first, there's familiarity. If you're aging in place, you keep your home, your neighborhood and your routines. If you're in assisted living, it's a new environment but it's often planned for aging needs. Then there's control. If you're aging in place, you have more say over daily routines and surroundings. If you're in assisted living, you have less say in communal schedules but fewer chores. Then there's socialization. If you're aging in place, it can be isolating if friends and family aren't nearby. In assisted living, you have rich social networks, activities and events. Then there's safety. If you're aging in place, higher risk is possible if the home has not had adaptations. But in assisted living you have 24-7 staff. Medical alert systems are in place. It's much safer.
Speaker 1:Then there's the cost. If you're aging in place in your own home, it's variable. It can be low or high depending on your needs and your home. But if you're in assisted living, it's a steady cost. It often covers meals, cleaning and activities. Then there's access to care. If you're living at home and aging in place, you can arrange home care as needed. If you're in assisted living, there's staff available 24-7 for immediate help. And then there's flexibility. If you're aging in place, your maximum stay is as long as you want to stay and are able to safely stay in your own home. In assisted living, your stay is the same, but you typically have to meet residency and care requirements. So, for example, if you need a higher level of care at some point you'll likely need to change residences.
Speaker 1:So next we're going to talk about the emotional side. What does home mean? So home isn't just a structure. It's where we hang our memories, where we know which floorboard creaks and where we feel safe. For many, the pull of home is emotional as much as practical. When considering aging in place, ask yourself is this really about the home, or is it about maintaining connections to family and friends, routines, pets, neighbors. If those connections grow thin, the home you're clinging to might start to feel pretty empty.
Speaker 1:Assisted living communities go to great lengths to foster relationships. Making new friends and adapting to new surroundings does take time and effort, though there's no shame in feeling overwhelmed or even grieving the transition. Acknowledging this can make the process smoother, all right, so let's share some real experiences. Names have been changed to protect the innocent. There's Diana. She's 81 years old. She's a lifelong dancer, determined to stay in her old colonial home. After two falls and some encouragement from her daughter, she added grab bars and switched to shower seats in the bathroom. Added grab bars and switched to shower seats in the bathroom. Now she uses a Zoom app to go to her dance class twice a week and has a neighbor check in every morning. She's keeping her independence, but she's more willing to accept help than she used to be.
Speaker 1:Then there's Carolyn, age 74, and her husband, george, age 77. They sold their ranch house and moved into an assisted living community with a golf simulator. Who knew, says George, no more shoveling snow. I thought I'd miss the house, and sometimes I do, but I've gained friends, trivia night and honestly, I have less stress. And then there's Myra, age 85. She stayed alone in her family home but after a medical scare she realized her kids were constantly worried about her. With their help she downsized, brought her favorite furniture and her dog into a nearby assisted living residence. It's not the same as my old house, she said, but I feel safer. And Buster has more new friends than I did, and made them in just one week.
Speaker 1:So next are the factors to consider. If you or your loved one are weighing options, what should you think about? Well, you want to think about current health. Are chronic illnesses or mobility issues emerging? How about cognitive health? Are there memory changes, medication management struggles? What about the home layout? Are there stairs to go up and down, narrow doors, inaccessible showers? How about available support? Is family or help nearby, or are you often alone? How about budget? What can you afford now? And what can you afford if your care needs increase? And then there's personality? Are you a people, person or do you cherish your solitude? And then future needs? Can the choice you make now adapt as things change. Write it all down. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but an honest look at these things will clarify your priorities.
Speaker 1:Next is the role of technology. These days, smart home technology can make aging in place a lot safer and easier. We're talking motion sensor lights, voice assistants like Alexa, fall detection systems and medical alert wearables. Fall detection systems and medical alert wearables. You don't need to turn your house into the set of Star Trek, but a few tweaks here and there can boost both independence and peace of mind. Assisted living facilities are also investing in tech, like tablet classes, virtual doctor visits, even robotic pets. So if you're a gadget lover, you'll find plenty of options either way. Next, we'll talk about hybrid solutions in the future. The world of aging is not all or nothing. Many families are now exploring hybrid solutions, maybe starting with part-time care at home and then trying out short-term assisted living or respite care before deciding. There's also a rise in co-housing in senior villages, where groups of neighbors band together to support each other with shared chores and social activities.
Speaker 1:The future of aging isn't about choosing one box and locking yourself in. It's about flexibility, dignity and quality of life. So what is your truth? Here's the deal. The right answer is deeply personal.
Speaker 1:Aging in place can be empowering, but only if your home actually supports you rather than hinders you. Assisted living can open new doors, but only if you're able and ready to step through them. Ask yourself what do I need to feel safe and happy? Where do I feel most alive? Who needs to be in my corner as I grow older and remember? Changing your mind is allowed. What works at age 70 might not work at age 80. The truth about aging in place versus assisted living is that both can be wonderful or challenging, depending on the person, the planning and the willingness to adapt. So that's it for today's episode of the Aging in Place Directory podcast. I hope this has helped shine a light on the real issues and options without sugarcoating the tough stuff. Please remember to share our podcast episode today if somebody you know could benefit from it, and don't forget to subscribe to our channel. And remember, wherever you choose to age, the key is to do it with intention, support and a dash of adventure. So stay safe, stay curious and until next time, take care. Bye-bye.
