What Are the Risks of Aging in Place in Your Own Home?

Aging is a personal experience, and there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to follow as we age. To that end, many people decide to age in place or continue residing in their current home rather than move to a senior living or retirement community.

When faced with the options of aging in place in your own home versus moving to an assisted living community, it’s no surprise that most would choose to stay in their current home. However, it’s essential to understand the potential hazards that could occur over time. These risks can be heightened for adults living alone or at a distance from family and friends or for those who need support with certain daily tasks.

At Village Green Senior Living, our assisted living communities in Seattle and Federal Way offer the support, care, and assistance that many older adults need to enhance their lifestyle and prioritize their safety. We’re sharing some of the risks of aging in your home to help you and your family make an informed decision regarding senior living. 

Home Maintenance Can Become a Challenge

Managing a home is part of an everyday routine, from mowing the lawn and shoveling the driveway to making updates and improvements to maintain the value of the house. However, home maintenance can become difficult and dangerous as a person ages. 

Chores, repairs, and yard work can become more challenging for older adults, especially those living alone or with health concerns like arthritis. For instance, a task like cleaning out the gutters could lead to losing balance on a ladder and falling, causing serious injuries. In fact, about 26 million falls are reported each year among older adults. 

Increased Risk of Experiencing Isolation

Loneliness and social isolation in older adults are serious health concerns and affect a significant number of people in the United States alone. According to a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, almost one-fourth of adults over the age of 65 are considered socially isolated. 

When aging in place in your own home, it can be difficult for older adults to experience the social interaction they need to find purpose and joy. For example, people over the age of 65 are more likely to live alone or at a distance from family and friends or lack reliable transportation if they no longer drive. In addition, others may experience age-related health changes, like the loss of hearing and vision, making it more challenging to get out and socialize as much as a person might desire. 

Changing Health Concerns

The National Council on Aging states about 92% of Americans live with at least one chronic health condition, with 77% having more than one. When an individual is living with a health concern like diabetes or heart disease, the progression of any medical problem can make aging in place in your home a challenge – not to mention more dangerous if a person is living by themselves and an emergency occurs.

How Can Assisted Living Help?

Our homes are vital parts of our lives and hold special memories. Watching one’s children take their first steps, spending years with a partner, or even hosting holiday celebrations with loved ones every year. We know it can be challenging to leave this chapter of life.

However, our assisted living communities in Seattle and Federal Way can benefit those who need daily support and don’t want to face the risks and challenges associated with aging at home. Not only do our assisted living communities offer welcoming living spaces, unique features and amenities, and opportunities for socializing, but they also bring about a lifestyle of convenient services so that residents can focus on their hobbies and wellness.

Change can be a scary thing, especially when it comes to starting a brand new chapter of life. However, it’s crucial to understand that aging in place in your home can come with risks and challenges, despite remaining in the comfort of your house. 

We invite you to schedule a tour of one of our assisted living communities in West Seattle and Federal Way to learn more and experience Village Green firsthand.