When considering future living arrangements when aging, Canada’s elderly view staying in their own homes and paying for home care as the best option. An RBC survey, as reported by CBC News (Posted on line: Oct 24, 2013) found that 83 per cent would choose staying at home with care as needed. They far preferred that option to:
- Living in a retirement residence with care provided (50 per cent).
- Living with family who could assist with home care (24 per cent).
- Receiving care in a long-term care facility (14 per cent).
About 91 per cent said they want to stay in their home or in their neighbourhood and live independently as long as possible. And, why is this the overwhelming choice for Seniors? Some of the reasons include:
THE PHYSICAL STRESS OF MOVING
For many seniors, moving out of a family home means sorting through decades of keepsakes and possessions. Even if families hire a moving service, friends and family will still need to go through these items and arrange for an estate sale or storage options.
THE FEAR OF LOSING INDEPENDENCE
It’s a common misconception that moving to senior living means a loss of independence. Today’s senior living communities have evolved from care facilities to places that encourage and empower residents, but it can be hard to change existing perceptions.
ANXIETY OVER LEAVING A COMMUNITY
A move to senior living may mean changing decades-old routines, and some seniors may worry that a move will further isolate them from friendships that have lasted their entire life.
EMOTIONAL TIES TO THE FAMILY HOME
A house is just a house, but a home is something to be cherished. Leaving a physical structure that has encapsulated decades worth of memories and is the backdrop to family holidays and reunions can be emotional.
THE FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN
More than anything else, the fear of the unknown can keep seniors in their homes and often in an unsafe environment. Seniors just don’t know if a move to senior living will be worth the physical and emotional stress of it all. They worry about losing valuable relationships, safety and feeling left out of future family functions and friendly gatherings.
FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY
Staying in your own home may simply be more affordable as it may avoid significant monthly payments for accommodation, and possibly meals, which, after having paid down your mortgage, you have not been responsible for many past years. (1)
Sauer, Alissa. Care Options. Leisure Care Blog. August 7th, 2018.
Submitted to the On Richmondhill.com by Brian Porter….for advice about seniors and care at home, please kindly contact Brian Porter, Director and Owner of Living Assistance Services (LAS), at 416.483.0070 (office), 905.758.2486 (cell) or [email protected] and visit: www.livingassistance.ca
