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I PREFER TO STAY HOME …THANK YOU

seniors at home

My Mother is an Octogenarian; as a matter of fact, she states her age in half year increments like we did as kids, so she would say she’s 86 and a half. My Mom is proud of her age and considers it an accomplishment every year that she adds another candle to her birthday cake. Comedian George Burns probably optimized the “Proud of My Age” attitude when at age 90 (and still working) he instructed his agent to book him at César’s Palace for his 100^th Birthday! Back to my Mom, she lives alone now in Southern California in the home where she raised 9 kids. Fortunately, she is still independent and can work in her garden, feed and care for 3 dogs, watch TV, read, prepare her own meal and all the rest. I recently asked her the question that all kids dread asking their elderly parent…”Mom, where would you like to live in the event you can no longer live independently?”. ”I prefer to stay home, thank you, was her response and the discussion was closed.

Most American seniors desire to stay in their homes for their entire life. Not surprisingly, one AARP survey found this number to be greater than 80% of those polled. The concept is known as “Aging in Place” and has lead to the rise of in-home care companies like AT HOME PERSONAL CARE who employ caregivers (nurses and aides) to provide help at home. Often times the difference between a person being able to remain home and independent versus moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home is simply having an aide visit a few times per week. Nursing homes play a vital role in long term care; however, a certain amount of control is lost when one leaves home. Surveys conclude that the loss of independence is the most often sited fear that people have in their latter years. Control over our lives is one of the foundations to our sense of dignity and quality of life. My Mother would say that her independence at home has lead to her longevity.

Available in-home services include both non-skilled (bathing, dressing, meal prep, errands, transportation, housekeeping, laundry, etc) and skilled (wound care, IV’s, injections, and checking of vital signs etc.). Along with permitting the senior to stay in their home longer is the fact that that in-home services can be obtained at a fraction of the cost of a nursing home. Services are priced on an hourly basis from as little as 1 hour visit to around the clock and can typically begin within 24 hours of the initial assessment. No long term contract is required and after a free initial assessment, a care plan is customized to the individual and the caregiver is introduced prior to the start of services. Much effort is made to ensure that there is client and caregiver compatibility with the senior ultimately deciding when the chemistry is right.

Leaving familiar surroundings, a comfortable community and many memories is a challenge at any age. Fortunately for seniors like my mom who prefer to “stay at home, thank you”, many will do just that.

Article written by:

Randy Swartwood, MBA, Certified Senior Advisor and President of At Home Personal Care