As people get older, they often face the decision of where and how to live since they might need help in simple everyday actions. There are multiple options for the seniors, benefits, and drawbacks of which will be considered here. Living in their own home is applicable for relatively independent older adults that still can manage their household. This setting can make them feel still young and happy because they do not depend on others to live (Xu et al., 2019). Despite this, there is an elevated concern about their health and well-being as there will be nobody to call for emergency medicine in case if they are living alone (Bolina & Tavares, 2016). This problem can be solved by installing medical alert systems and simplifying the home repairs modifications.
Alternatively, the senior can consider living with children who can check for their parents’ well-being and health. In such a case, the elderly will always have the opportunity to seek support and help from their loved ones (Jin et al., 2018). On the other hand, if there are quarrels and tense relationships in the family, it might become stressful for senior adults (Jin et al., 2018). These individuals might consider choosing an assisted living facility to ensure mental and physical care in a home-like environment (Xu et al., 2019). However, these institutions cannot provide medical care for the elderly who have severe health conditions.
There are two types of nursing homes: intermediate nurse care and skilled nursing care. Their advantages are sustained support, deprivation from worrying, and professional medical help when needed (Bolina & Tavares, 2016). A nursing home should be chosen according to the senior’s needs. The disadvantage of this setting could be its resemblance to hospice, which can evoke unwanted thoughts in older adults’ minds (Xu et al., 2019). Overall, the elderly can choose an option for their living arrangements according to their needs and circumstances.
References
Bolina, A. F., & Tavares, D. M. S. (2016). Living arrangements of the elderly and the sociodemographic and health determinants: A longitudinal study. Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem, 24. Web.
Jin, Q., Pearce, P., & Hu, H. (2018). The study of the satisfaction of the elderly people living with their children. Social Indicators Research, 140, 1159-1172. Web.
Xu, X., Liang, J., Kim, B., Ofstedal, M. B., & Raymo, J. (2019). Characteristics and living arrangements of childless elderly Americans. Innovation in Aging, 3(1), 253-254. Web.