Seniors want to age with dignity and be near loved ones

Saw a recent article in MoneyLife Magazine "Retirement home: Urgent need for Supervision" which inspired me to write today's blog post.

Let's start with a very simple, yet powerful statement: "Seniors want to age with dignity and be near loved ones." This statement has universal application, no matter the culture, no matter the race. Many have saved for this eventuality; others simply don't have the $50,000 to $100,000 per year to pay for care at a quality seniors community.

Even in the United States, the government is experiencing difficulties reconciling the needs of a rapidly aging population. With budget cutbacks a daily occurrence, families find themselves taking on greater responsibility and picking up the tab for their parents' care.

In the United States, approximately 85% of seniors would rather get old in their own home and be near their families. They know how costly it is to go into a seniors campus. For many, these environments are also too restrictive. They have to eat, sleep and participate in activities in a very regimented manner, which they may feel hinders their independence. Often times seniors not prepared for this type of lifestyle don't fare well mentally and physically. And there's always the worry the facility will go out of business. So growing old in one's own home sometimes makes the most practical and economic sense. However. seniors who seem to benefit from being in seniors settings are those who've lost a spouse and need the structure of a seniors' community. They are able to make friends quickly and partake in a host of activities.

Alternatives to seniors' communities are available, however, that allow the senior to age with dignity in a safe environment right in their home, and lets them stay connected with loved ones. This alternative to seniors communities lets you save tens of thousands of dollars.

Universal Design, where the home is retrofitted to accommodate seniors' physical limitations, together with the availability of concierge services that address their wellness/medical needs, make staying at home possible.

You can read the original article from MoneyLife Magazine here.

What are your thoughts on this subject?