Aging in place means older adults live in their own home as they age. They receive support when needed and may require additional support such as personal care services, companionship or befriending services or health tech support.
Ireland has an ageing population as the number of people aged 65+ continues to rise each year. It’s reported that by 2040, 1.3 million people in Ireland will be aged 65+ and not only are people living for longer, but they are living independently for longer also. A report from Alone and Threshold suggests that one quarter of older people in the private rented sector expect to continue to rent into their later years.
At the same time, preferences and lifestyles of this aging population are changing:
Between 2011 and 2022, the number of households with a householder aged 65+ doubled.
Families want more visibility over their loved one's care
Advances in technology means care at home can be a safe and long-term option
Many older persons are now staying active beyond retirement or working beyond the age of retirement. Approximately 107,300 people aged 65+ were at work in Q1 2023
This wider societal shift means that Ireland needs to be ready to support our older generation.
Aging in place supports independent living for those on their aging journey.
Older adults living independently can:
Set their own daily routines i.e. mealtimes, personal care times,
Stay involved in their community,
Maintain privacy and dignity.
Without compromising on wellbeing or safety. This level of control improves confidence and quality of life.
Home provides emotional comfort.
Living in a familiar space can help reduce:
Stress and anxiety,
Confusion, especially for those with dementia who may feel agitated in unfamiliar surroundings.
Many research projects have been undertaken to determine the effect that familiarity of environment will have on memory decline. Research suggests that living in a familiar environment or having familiar objects can help with memory recall, making daily activities easier and safer.
Home care offers flexible and tailored support, so the individual gets the correct level of support they need.
Services can include:
Personal hygiene assistance,
Medication reminders,
Meal preparation,
Mobility support,
Befriending or companionship services.
Care at home solutions can adapt as needs change which can make it a good long-term solution for older adults.
Aging at home allows families or the Circle of Care to stay involved and connected with their loved ones.
Benefits include:
Regular visits without restrictions,
Direct communication with caregivers,
Shared decision-making,
The ability to be proactive or spot potential concerns faster.
This creates better outcomes, stronger relationships and ultimately can have a major impact on the individual's emotional wellbeing.
5. Cost-Effective Care Option
Residential care can be an expensive option for long-term care. The benefits of having a care at home package, alongside making it possible for older adults to age in place incudes:
Tailored packages, to only pay for required services,
Flexible care hours,
Funding and grants to help support families seeking care at home packages.
Care at home can also have wider economic impacts, helping to alleviate pressure on the health service and care homes while ensuring the individual receives a high-quality of care.
There’s a wide range of care at home support services available that benefit from the advances in technology.
These include:
Remote health monitoring or vital sign monitoring
These services make aging in place more practical than ever and in many circumstances can leverage technology to deliver proactive healthcare from the comfort of home.
Aging in place works best when:
The individual feels seen and heard and their safety and comfort are prioritised,
The home has been adapted to be safe for the individual,
Families and the wider Circle of Care are all supportive of the chosen decision of care.
In some cases, residential care may still be required but a professional assessment will be able to help families decide what’s the best option for their loved one.
As Ireland’s population continues to age, the demand for flexible, home-based care solutions will keep growing. Aging in place offers a practical and person-centred approach that respects dignity while adapting to changing care needs.
HaloCare’s mission is to empower people of all ages to live quality, independent lives in their own homes, supported by the latest technology and the Care Hub team.