Expanding on Safety in Elder Care Decisions: Let’s Look at the Big Picture!
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Expanding on Safety in Elder Care Decisions: Let’s Look at the Big Picture!

Recently, I shared candid thoughts on the tough decisions adult children face as their parents grow older:

Should they stay at home with a caregiver?
Move into an Assisted Living (AL)?
Or transition to a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)?

While safety is often the cornerstone of these decisions, it’s critical to peel back another layer and ask:

️ What about purpose?
What about quality of life?

Let’s Look at the Data:

76% of people over 50 prefer to age in their own homes, prioritizing independence over institutional care (AARP).
More than 70% of elderly individuals value maintaining autonomy and independence over extending their lifespan.
Research from the New England Journal of Medicine shows that terminally ill cancer patients receiving palliative care lived 25% longer and reported higher satisfaction than those undergoing aggressive treatments.
According to the CDC, falls cause over 36 million injuries annually among adults aged 65 and older. While safety measures are essential, they must be balanced with emotional and social enrichment.

The Bigger Picture

While ALs and SNFs excel at managing medical risks and ensuring physical safety, the best environments go beyond that:
✔️ They foster emotional well-being.
✔️ They provide meaningful daily experiences.
✔️ They build social connections that keep seniors thriving.

For example, seniors who engage in regular social interactions experience:
50% fewer symptoms of depression.
30% lower risk of cognitive decline compared to those who are socially isolated.

Time to Rethink "Safety"

Safety isn’t just about preventing falls or managing chronic conditions—it’s about creating a life that’s both protected and fulfilling. When making these decisions, ask:
“What does my mom value most?”
“What will make my dad’s remaining years truly enriching?”

This perspective has profoundly shaped how I think about elder care, both professionally and personally.

I partner with some of the very best ALs in the state, and I am happy to be a resource for anyone trying to make the decision to have a caregiver or connect you with the right people to help you choose an AL that is best for your parents. Reach out to me anytime!