A recent AARP study showed that approximately 77% of older individuals prefer to age in place. It makes sense for various reasons, from independence to familiarity and comfort. But is it the right choice in Los Angeles?
Choosing whether to age in place or join an assisted living community is serious, and you don’t want to make the wrong choice for yourself or your loved one. This article is here to help. Below, you’ll find information about the pros and cons of both living situations, as well as a quick breakdown of how to determine which option is the right choice.
Aging in Place: Pros and Cons
Aging in place is exactly how it sounds: remaining in your current place of dwelling or preferred living arrangement, such as with a trusted family member, while aging. This scenario comes with several pros and cons:
Pros
- It’s Familiar: Choosing to age in place means no new or unfamiliar environment, which many elderly individuals find comforting.
- Allows for More Independence: Aging in place opens the opportunity for more independence. There are no rules or stipulations dictating what you can and can’t do, for example, own a pet or eat whatever you’d like.
- It Can Be Less Expensive: One of the major considerations when it comes to choosing aging in place or assisted living is the cost. Many senior living facilities come with high price tags, making aging in place a more cost-effective approach.
Cons
- Isolation: Unless living with a family member or receiving regular visits from loved ones, aging in place can be quite lonely and detrimental to one’s health.
- Lack of Safety: Living at home opens up the possibility for injuries from a fall and other safety concerns, as there are no extra safety features set in place to reduce the chance of these occurrences.
- Lack of Activities/Socialization: Activities, including everything from exercise to art and music classes, and socialization, are imperative to the well-being of seniors, and these can be difficult to find or transport to when aging in place.
Assisted Living Facility: Pros and Cons
The other option is an assisted living facility, such as ours at Commonwealth Royale Senior Living. There are a number of pros and cons associated with this option:
Pros
- Expert, Round-the-Clock Care: Assisted living facilities are staffed with medical experts who are available 24/7. Whether it’s help with medications, assistance with personal hygiene, or an emergency, an assisted living facility offers help whenever it’s needed – and fast.
- Safety Measures in Place: Assisted living facilities are designed to enhance the safety and security of each and every resident, including rails, non-slip flooring, emergency alert buttons, and more.
- Nutrition at the Forefront: Assisted living facilities take the guesswork out of nutrition, ensuring you or your loved one is given a well-balanced meal that suits their specific dietary needs. There’s also an emphasis on hydration, which can oftentimes be forgotten in old age.
- Plenty of Activities and Socialization: At Commonwealth Royale, we go the extra mile to ensure our senior residents have a great time socializing and experiencing a slew of activities designed to relax, restore, and improve the mind, body, and soul.
Cons
- Limited Independence: Although we pride ourselves on offering independence to our senior residents, there are still rules and regulations in place for every resident.
- Change in Scenery and Routine: Many elderly individuals find it challenging to change their scenery and routine, which can make the change uncomfortable and possibly even stressful.
- High Price: Assisted living facilities can come with a high price tag that many may not be able to afford. However, it’s important to keep in mind that regardless, money will need to be spent to implement important safety measures in the home as well, which can also be pricey.
Aging in Place Vs. Assisted Living: Which One is Right For You?
Still need help deciding whether aging in place or assisted living is right for you or your loved one? Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Consider Health Needs: Those requiring significant help with their health, such as is the case for certain situations, such as memory loss, may find an assisted living facility more beneficial.
- Discuss the Financial Aspect: Another important thing to consider is finances. Discuss whether or not an assisted living facility is worth the price, but don’t forget to consider all of the extras and perks that come along with it, from built-in care and maintenance to activities, nutrition, and more.
- Think About the Potential for Social Interactions and Activities: Are you or a loved one able to have regular socialization? How about trips to important well-being activities? An assisted living facility provides access to both without any hassles or extra fees.
Discover Why Commonwealth Royale Assisted Living Facility May Be Right For You!
For many seniors, an assisted living facility is an excellent option compared to aging in place. From social interactions to safety and medical care, assisted living facilities like ours at Commonwealth Royale Senior Living allow for you or your aging loved one to be taken care of at every angle.
Ready to find out if Commonwealth Royale is right for you? We would love to discuss all we have to offer you or your aging loved one. Reach out today to learn more about our senior living facility. Email us at zara@comroyale.com, stop by at 150 S Commonwealth Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004, or give us a call at (213) 382-6381.
To learn more about us, please visit www.ComRoy.com.
