If you are helping an older parent or other elderly family member make decisions about their care, it’s very likely that they want to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible.
Advantages of Aging in Place
This is known as aging in place and means thinking carefully about whether or not leaving your loved one in their own home, but supplementing this with friends and family support or in-home care is necessary to assist them. There are some situations that indicate that the right place for a loved one with some level of needs could be in the longtime family home. These could be:
- Preserving familiar relationships with existing service providers and friends.
- Minimizing disruptions to possessions and pets.
- The advantages of living in a familiar location, such as finding their way when the power goes out, or navigating rooms out of familiarity.
- The advantages of a familiar neighborhood and easy access to services and shops the loved one already knows.
- Maintaining privacy.
Potential Costs of Aging in Place
There are also other potential costs associated with aging in place. For example, if your loved one has significant medical needs, and your family has safety concerns as a result, it is important to think about whether or not aging in place is the right choice. Providing additional nursing care could help give you and your loved ones peace of mind. There are some situations, however, when a loved one with dementia or with severe physical issues may need the services provided by assisted living or even a nursing home.
Importance of Estate Planning Documents
Knowing that your loved one has the right estate planning documents to make this process easier is important. Talk to one of our Massachusetts estate lawyers to learn more.
