In-Home Care Offers Cost-Effective Option for Aging in Place
In-Home Care Offers Cost-Effective Option for Aging in Place in Calgary | Most families today are unaware the wealth of options available when considering care for senior loved ones. When seniors begin to demonstrate difficulty with certain daily tasks, families may automatically believe that it is time for assisted living or a nursing home. However, they may not realize exactly what that entails or that these are not necessarily the best options for every senior. Today, the senior care industry and new technologies make it possible for older adults to continue to live in their own homes safely and with assistance.
Fast Facts
In 2009, the average out-of-pocket monthly cost for a senior to age in his or her own home was $928 versus $3500 for that same senior to live in an institutional setting.
Why is it important to have cost-effective in-home care options to age in place?
A Statistics Canada study showed that 92% of all Canadians over 65 are living at home.The reasons are understandable; aging in place has many benefits. Seniors who remain in their own homes as they age enjoy the consistency of belonging to communities where they may have lived for many years surrounded by friends and families. This offers both emotional and social benefits as they have an already established support network. Overall, quality of life is better when seniors are as independent as possible and can participate in their communities in a meaningful way. Remaining in the home also avoids the stress of relocation and acclimating to new environments, and, even more compelling: aging in place can be cost effective.
Since many seniors own their homes outright, they may not have mortgage expenses. Even if they are paying a mortgage, the expense may be cheaper than the fees for assisted living. On average, the monthly cost of an assisted living facility in 2014 was $3500. This cost increases when you add additional services, such as cleaning, laundry and personal care which are often sold a la carte. Long-term care homes (or nursing homes) vary in cost depending on the provider whether public, private, not-for-profit or religious-based organizations. Provinces will share the cost with you at the facilities they support. For example; in Alberta, basic accommodations are $1,708 a month, semi-private rooms are $2,012 and private rooms are $2,362.
Related Article: In-Home Care Can Help Reduce Re-Admission
What’s more, many seniors who are placed in assisted living or nursing homes, could age in their own homes with a few home modifications and assistance with activities of daily living. Many families who are considering care for their loved ones do not realize that assistance with daily living activities is not automatically provided when the senior moves into assisted living. These are generally add-on services. In this respect, aging in the home can also be more cost effective than receiving this same assistance in an institutional setting. On average, in 2009, out-of-pocket monthly costs for seniors to obtain assistance with daily activities in their own homes was $554 versus $1065 in an institution.
Comfort Keepers Helps Seniors Age in Place
For seniors who wish to remain in their own homes and continue to be part of their communities, there are many options. In-home care can be a viable, cost-effective solution for those who may need some assistance to help keep them independent participants in their communities. As the seniors’ needs change, the care provided in the home can adapt to those changes to provide more care and services to help keep them safe and healthy in their own homes. For more information on how in-home care can help your loved one and adapt to his or her changing needs, contact your local Comfort Keepers® Calgary today.
Bonus Article: How to Support Family Caregivers
References
Canadian Association of Retired Persons. (February 7, 2014). Majority of Seniors Living at Home, StatsCan Study Reveals – CARP.
Crary, D. (November 21, 2011). Aging in place: A little help can go a long way. USA Today. Retrieved from http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/story/health/story/2011-11-21/Aging-in-place-a-little-help-can-go-a-long-way/51330714/1.
Leong, Melissa. (May 24, 2014). The Unexpected costs of caring for your parents. National Post. Retrieved from: http://business.financialpost.com/personal-finance/retirement/parenting-your-parents-the-cost-of-caring-for-your-elderly-loved-ones
Genworth Financial. (2014). Genworth 2014 cost of care survey. Retrieved from https://www.genworth.com/dam/Americas/US/PDFs/Consumer/corporate/130568_032514_CostofCare_FINAL_nonsecure.pdf.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Fall 2013). Measuring the costs and savings of aging in place. Retrieved from http://www.huduser.org/portal/periodicals/em/fall13/highlight2.html.
Senior Well Being During Isolation
Senior Well Being During Isolation | During these stressful times, it’s important that we check up on our senior loved ones to make sure they’re getting what they need. Most states are urging those 65 and older to stay at home so that they can reduce the risk of catching the virus. At Comfort Keepers Home Care, we understand how crucial it is to make sure seniors are getting their basic and emotional needs met. Here are some ways that we can encourage seniors to feel the best they can during these times.
Ideas for Senior’s Well Being During Isolation:
Basic Needs: Caregivers and low-risk family members or friends can offer to pick up groceries, prescriptions, and other supplies to ensure that your loved one stays safe. They can also assist in online ordering, as many stores offer grocery delivery now. Our caregivers will also put away groceries, meal prep, and do light cleaning.
Social Connection: Staying connected to your senior loved one is extra important during these times. You can plan weekly phone calls or video chats with them to connect, even when you can’t see each other in person. Encourage other family members and friends to do the same.
Hobbies and Entertainment: Talk to your senior about the things they enjoy and help them find at-home activities that make them happy. Whether it’s listening to music, watching a movie or playing a game, you can find something they enjoy. They can even enjoy some of these activities virtually with others. For example, they could play a card game with friends online.
Exercise: There’s no better way to keep healthy than to exercise regularly. Walks, light stretching or yoga, or even dancing are great ways for seniors to maintain and improve their range of motion and cardiovascular health. Resistance training with bands or light weights is a good way to improve strength and build muscle. There are many free workout videos online, some that are even targeted towards seniors.
Diet: It’s easy to start snacking on unhealthy foods when you’re home all the time. Help your senior meal prep and come up with some healthy ideas for snacks. You can’t go wrong with fruit and veggies!
Cleaning: Not only is cleaning important for eliminating germs, but it can also feel good to have a clean home to live in each day. Start out small with just one area of a room, and go section-by-section to make it feel more doable. Have your senior put on their favorite music, audiobook, or podcast to make it more fun.
Holidays: Even though you and your loved one may be in isolation, celebrating holidays like Mother’s Day and Cinco de Mayo can lift spirits. Decorate the house with springtime flowers and decorations and have a video chat with others to celebrate the holiday.
Daily Rituals: Most importantly, encourage your senior to keep up on daily rituals and find alternatives for the things they can’t do right now. Help them find joy in the little things each day.
Comfort Keepers® Calgary Can Help with Senior Well Being During Isolation
If your loved one needs some extra help at home, contact us at Comfort Keepers Home Care of Calgary to schedule a consultation.
Comfort Keepers Calgary is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible.
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