As your loved one ages, the decision about where and how to care for them becomes increasingly important. For seniors and their families in Boston and the South Shore, the choice often comes down to aging in place where they currently reside versus moving to (for example) an independent or assisted living facility, relocate to be closer to family or to remain local in a different home. Place is wherever home is. Each path offers unique advantages and potential challenges, and the right answer depends on personal health needs, finances and lifestyle preferences. At Senior Helpers Boston and South Shore, we help families make informed decisions about the intersection of care needs and location to deliver compassionate support defined around their individual needs– whether your loved one chooses to stay at home or live in a care facility.
The Pros and Cons of Aging in Place
Aging in place in a current home means staying in the comfort of your own home while receiving help as needed. For many, the familiarity and sense of control that come with remaining at home is comforting. You stay in the place you know and love, maintain your routine and be surrounded by happy memories.
Pros:
- Potentially More affordable – especially if you need fewer than 12 hours of care per day.
- Comfort and independence in a familiar setting.
- Ideal for couples, as both individuals can have their different needs more easily accommodated in the same home.
Cons:
- May require home modifications for safety, like grab bars and ramps.
- Without built-in community activities, aging adults may experience some social isolation.
The Pros and Cons of Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities offer room, board, daily care services and social activities in a shared residential setting. These communities work well for seniors who need more regular supervision or who enjoy engaging with others on a daily basis.
Pros:
- Structured support, including limited levels of hands on assistance and medication management. (Note care levels may vary and have different additional costs for each level.)
- Built-in social opportunities, activities and meal services.
- No home maintenance, cleaning or cooking required.
Cons:
- Often more expensive than part-time in-home care.
- May feel a loss of independence or control over one’s schedule.
- For couples, only one partner may be appropriate or benefit from the level of care provided.
When and How to Decide
The decision between staying at home and moving to assisted living isn’t always clear-cut. If your loved one is generally healthy and needs fewer than 12 hours of care per day, in-home support is usually the more affordable and flexible choice. For couples, aging in place / remaining at home often makes more sense because it allows each spouse to receive care tailored to their individual needs – or support a spouse in need when the other spouse has no needs. However, if medical issues become more complex or around-the-clock supervision is needed, assisted living may be a safer or more cost-effective solution.
At Senior Helpers Boston and South Shore, we help you weigh the options based on your family’s needs. Our trained caregivers support clients aging at home as well as at assisted living facilities – providing personal care, companionship, mobility support, memory care and more. We're here to help maintain quality of life, wherever “home” happens to be.
Need help deciding between aging in place and assisted living?
Call 617-500-6999 or contact us using the form here on our website today to explore your options. We’re here to support your loved one’s well-being every step of the way.