As with any coming of age phase, independence is a value held in high regard. Teenagers seek freedom with new friends. Adults branch out from their parents to form their own families. And, interestingly, seniors want to age in their own homes, not in hospices or nursing homes.
Recent research shows Americans aged 50 and older want to “age in place,” meaning they don’t want to be uprooted to a new locale. Even if certain challenges to independence present themselves, such as chronic health problems, frailty, or even the ability to climb the stairs, there are ways to achieve aging in place that conveniently solves those problems.
One of these is called shared housing services. It’s similar to getting housemates, long-term ones, to bear the joys and burdens of your senior years.
While a relatively new concept, there are several pros to consider when making this decision. Below are some attractive health benefits of shared living spaces:
Housemates Relieve Financial Burdens With You
For starters, a shared living space equals lesser rental costs for all involved. Let’s say your house rent costs between $100 to $500 a month for one person. Having at least one other senior in your living space cuts the rental fee by 50%!
Likewise, having four roommates divides the cost by the number of people living with you!
Housemates Are Emotional Support Systems
Not only is the financial burden lightened. So is the emotional toll of old age. Older adults, especially empty nesters, are at risk of isolation and loneliness. This is especially true for those who live in the suburbs and rural areas.
Isolation increases the risks of memory decline, depression, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and stress. Conversely, shared housing services mean having up to several housemates in one location. These could possibly decrease these risks for you and everyone else as you all have an emotional support system.
Housemates Are Physical Helpmates, Too
Having trouble doing chores, dealing with emergencies like a stroke, or need help with basic tasks such as dressing up or driving to the store? The presence of housemates helps with that. You no longer have to do all those yourself.
All of you have a partner to count on when it comes to those activities. You can even prepare a daily schedule with assignments for each housemate to divide the work and accomplish more together for efficiency!
Just be sure to meet with everyone involved and discuss each others’ boundaries. Set ground rules based on your personality (extrovert or introvert). Discuss which chores you prefer doing and which ones you need help with to avoid misunderstandings.
They Lighten The Burdens of Adult Children
Some adult children may end up paying for their elderly parents’ nursing home expenses when the time comes. This is due to the round-the-clock care required for senior patients. These fees reach up to $93,075 for semi-private rooms and $105,850 for private rooms.
Similar to the first benefit, introducing elderly parents to shared housing services reduces the costs the or children might be paying. Since they are a community, they will help each other with menial tasks and emergencies, meaning finances are diverted only to the rent and other basic needs. As an option, children can give love gifts to their parents’ housemates who have consistently provided much-needed aid.
Final Thoughts: Ready to Share Space?
Though risky at first glance, the value of shared housing services is hard to understate. They provide financial, emotional, and physical support to the elderly at reduced costs while maintaining their sense of purpose and community.
To know more about the benefits, contact us for an appointment! Stayhaven Homes is a community of sharing houses in Modesto that offer properties and services that are safe, affordable, and inclusive. We look forward to hearing from you!