​What does it mean for seniors to grow old in their own homes?

We all must learn to adapt to changes, and I like changes, however, having to move out of my home of 20 years was a huge disruption in my life. Twelve months ago, at around 12:00am, a fire started in my garage. The damage from this devastating fire was so extensive that I had to abruptly move my family and leave the many years of memories behind. To this day, I still can’t bear the thought of driving by my former home. That home is where I made many memories with my mom who recently passed away. It’s where I had my baby girl, who isn’t a baby anymore. I felt so much security and support when I was there. The warmth of the memories and the security I felt in my former home are comforts that I hope no one has to leave behind. This is the same for your elderly loved ones when you are faced with the choice of assisted living versus home care for them.

​What does it mean for seniors to grow old in their own homes?

It means memories, and familiarities which translate to distinct feelings of comfort and safety. Especially for seniors suffering from cognitive impairments. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), almost 90% of seniors would like to age comfortably in their own homes. Another 82% would choose to do so, even if they need to have homecare assistance. The overwhelming majority of seniors want to grow old and live out their lives in the comfort of their own homes, with familiarities and memories.

​The new house I moved into still feels like someone else’s home, it does not feel like home to me. It feels empty and it’s missing all the cherished memories. I do realize that I have to let go of the past to move forward and be happy. For seniors, the past represents happiness. Those were the times when their house felt like a home with kids playing, friends visiting, and happy memories. That is part of the struggle that your loved one is faced with when they have to move.

​I understand that moving your loved one to a smaller house or facility is sometimes necessary. However, I wanted to share my personal experience that helped me to better understand my clients’ desire of staying home. The fire is what forced me to move and disrupted my family life. Aging is what disrupts your loved one’s life. The comforting memories that make a house feel like a home is something that we all need in our lives. We cannot prevent aging, but we can be better informed and better prepared in making the right decisions for our loved ones.