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What to Know and Consider When Planning for Aging in Place

Family member caring for senior

When you start the search for senior living and senior retirement communities, you might hear mention of aging in place. But what does that mean?

Aging in place refers to the ability to live in one’s own home safely, independently, and comfortably as one gets older, regardless of age or ability level. For many, this means remaining in the familiar environment where you have built memories and connections, rather than moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home.

Key Aspects of Aging in Place

Aging in place can allow for a person to stay with their family, in their own space. This can be beneficial to a person who is able to safely stay within their home. This can allow you to maintain your independence, continue your daily routines and choices. Being in a home filled with personal belongings and memories also provides psychological comfort, and can reduces stress. Staying at home and aging in place allows seniors to remain connected to neighbors, friends and local activities as well.

Challenges of Aging in Place

While there are benefits to aging in place there are also some challenges that come with it.

  • Physical and Cognitive Changes: As people age, they may experience reduced mobility, vision, hearing, or cognitive decline, making daily tasks and home navigation more difficult.
  • Home Modifications: Most homes are not inherently accessible for older adults with limited mobility. Modifications like grab bars, ramps, wider doorways, and single-level living may be necessary and can be costly.
  • Financial Considerations: Beyond potential mortgage payments, ongoing home maintenance, property taxes, utilities, and the cost of in-home care services can add up.

Senior man with caretaker | Senior Living in Arizona

  • Social Isolation: If mobility or transportation becomes an issue, seniors may struggle to maintain social connections, leading to loneliness.
  • Caregiver Burden: Family caregivers often bear a significant responsibility, which can lead to burnout if not adequately supported.
  • Access to Services: Depending on location (especially rural areas), access to reliable transportation, healthcare facilities, and support services can be a challenge.
The Role of Senior Living Communities

While the ideal of “aging in place” often implies remaining in a traditional private home, it’s important to recognize that for some, the concept evolves to include living in a senior community that provides a continuum of care. This allows individuals to age in place within a supportive environment, offering care levels as their needs change.

Robson Senior Living, with communities like Robson Reserve at Sun Lakes near Chandler and Robson Reserve at PebbleCreek in Goodyear exemplifies this approach. Both communities offer a spectrum of living options and care levels designed to support seniors at various stages of aging.

The advantage of retirement communities like Robson Reserve is the continuum of care they provide. If a resident initially moves into independent living but later requires more assistance, they can often transition to assisted living or memory care within the same community. This minimizes the disruption and stress associated with moving to an entirely new location and allows them to remain in familiar surroundings.

The Benefits of Robson Reserve

At both Robson Reserve at PebbleCreek and Robson Reserve at Sun Lakes, our residents enjoy:

  • Luxury Amenities: Including resort-style pools, fitness centers with senior-specific classes, card rooms, beauty salons, theaters, and various dining options.
  • Engaging Activities: A calendar full of events, educational opportunities, and organized outings to keep residents physically, mentally, and socially stimulated.
  • On-site Support: Partnerships with healthcare providers like Summit Healthcare Services can offer on-site or in-home therapy (physical, occupational, speech), home health services, and palliative/hospice care.
  • Transportation: Scheduled transportation for appointments, shopping, and other outings.

For many, aging in place might mean remaining in their current home. However, for those seeking a more supportive environment should explore Robson Reserve at PebbleCreek and Robson Reserve at Sun Lakes. Both Arizona senior communities offer an integrated solution that allows them to “age in place” with peace of mind and a seamless transition through different levels of care.