When considering future living arrangements when aging, Canada’s elderly view staying in their own homes and paying for home care as the best option. An RBC survey, as reported by CBC News (Posted online: Oct 24, 2013) found that 83 percent would choose to stay at home with care as needed. They far preferred that option to:

• Living in a retirement residence with care provided (50 percent).
• Living with a family who could assist with home care (24 percent).
• Receiving care in a long-term care facility (14 percent).

About 91 percent said they want to stay in their home or in their neighborhood and live independently as long as possible. And, why is this the overwhelming choice for Seniors? Some of the reasons include:

1. THE PHYSICAL STRESS OF MOVING

For many seniors, moving out of a family home means sorting through decades of keepsakes and possessions. Even if families hire a moving service, friends and family will still need to go through these items and arrange for an estate sale or storage options.

2. THE FEAR OF LOSING INDEPENDENCE

It’s a common misconception that moving to senior living means a loss of independence. Today’s senior living communities have evolved from care facilities to places that encourage and empower residents, but it can be hard to change existing perceptions.

3. ANXIETY OVER LEAVING A COMMUNITY

A move to senior living may mean changing decades-old routines, and some seniors may worry that a move will further isolate them from friendships that have lasted their entire life.

4. EMOTIONAL TIES TO THE FAMILY HOME

A house is just a house, but a home is something to be cherished. Leaving a physical structure that has encapsulated decades worth of memories and is the backdrop to family holidays and reunions can be emotional.

5. THE FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN

More than anything else, the fear of the unknown can keep seniors in their homes and often in an unsafe environment. Seniors just don’t know if a move to senior living will be worth the physical and emotional stress of it all. They worry about losing valuable relationships, safety and feeling left out of future family functions and friendly gatherings.

6. FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY

Staying in your own home may simply be more affordable as it may avoid significant monthly payments for accommodation, and possibly meals, which, after having paid down your mortgage, you have not been responsible for many past years.