October 6th, 2016
Should I stay, or should I go? Its a question thats on the mind of many a senior as they begin to weigh the pros and cons of aging in place inside their own home, or moving into a nursing facility. While the majority of us usually prefer the former, nursing professionals believe that the term nursing home is an outdated concept, and that still-active seniors should consider the benefits of various lower-risk assisted living options.
Whereas In-Home Care provides the comforts and familiarity of home, it can be substantially more expensive than care in a facility. And while a Nursing Home can provide the peace of mind that comes with an on-site staff, some seniors and especially those in the beginning stages of dementia can find the transition to a facility confusing and upsetting. A third option, geared for more active seniors, could be an apartment in an Independent Living Community, which can offer hotel-like amenities and freedom from daily maintenance and chores. But the bottom line is that the more care a senior requires, the more expensive the care. So, depending on where a senior is on the spectrum of care, different options might make more sense. Before making any decision about staying or going it is important to discuss all the costs and concerns with your loved ones.