Why Aging in Place Matters More Than Ever

The desire to remain at home as we age is nearly universal. According to a recent U.S. News & World Report’s survey, 94% of adults aged 60 to 92 want to age in place rather than move to a nursing home or assisted living facility.

Similarly, an earlier survey found that 93% of adults 55 and older share this goal. This preference is driven by comfort, independence, and the rising costs and limited availability of institutional care.

If you are already a Friends Life Care member, you have a plan in place to help prepare you for aging in place!  If you are not yet a member, read on to learn more about how a continuing care at home program can be a smart way to age in place.

Who Can Help Older Adults to Age in Place?

Friends Life Care has been in the business of helping older adults to age in place for decades.  In fact, Friends Life Care was the first organization in the United States to pioneer continuing care at home programs. And, as a mission-driven nonprofit organization, Friends Life Care has served over 6,000 members with more joining every month.

The goal is to help and support older adults, especially members, to successfully age in the place they call home, living independently for as long as possible.  Friends Life Care membership can be a possibility for residents of southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware who are 40 to 85 years of age.

Quaker Values: Why They’re Important

Friends Life Care was founded on and is grounded in Quaker values. These values are commonly known by the acronym SPICES:

• Simplicity
• Peace
• Integrity
• Community
• Equality
• Stewardship

These principles guide what we do and how we do it — from interacting with members to delivering on the promise of the Mission.

More About Continuing Care at Home Programs

A continuing care at home program is an innovative alternative to traditional retirement communities. Instead of moving into a facility, members receive a bundle of supports. This is part of the perfect recipe to successful aging in place.

These things are very important when it comes to remaining at home while still having access to help and care when needed.

Friends Life Care’s program includes:

• Regular check-ins with a clinical care coordinator
• Preventive and holistic wellness focus
• Concierge services for home and life
• Home accessibility reviews and recommendations to make your home safe, comfortable and aging in place ready
• Customizable financial plans that create a pool of funds for future care

Many members think of the program as a preemptive plan for peace of mind.  This is because people join before they need care, so they are better prepared for what aging may bring their way.

Who Can Join and Why Timing Matters

Membership is open to individuals ages 40 to 85 who are in reasonably good health. This is an underwritten program, meaning your health status determines eligibility and pricing. Here’s why timing matters:

• The younger you join, the lower your cost.
• Joining early may help to ensure you qualify before health challenges arise.

If someone already needs care or has been diagnosed with a cognitive impairment, they may not be eligible. But for many common health conditions, membership is still possible so it is worth speaking with a plan counselor to learn more.

The Growing Need: Baby Boomers and Gen X

The demographic shift is staggering. According to the Pew Research Center, over 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 every day. And this trend will continue for the next two decades. By 2026, Generation X will be between 46 and 61 years old, entering prime planning years.

This surge in older adults underscores the importance of planning ahead for aging in place.

Understanding Longevity Risk

One of the biggest challenges in retirement planning is longevity risk. This is the risk or chance of living longer than expected and outliving your savings. The Social Security Administration estimates that among people who reach age 65, men live to about 82 and women to about 85, meaning retirement savings must last 17–20 years on average.

But many live much longer: a couple both reaching age 65 has a 50% chance that one spouse will live to age 93. Planning for this uncertainty is essential to avoid financial strain or stress later in life.

Why Friends Life Care Is the Right Choice

Friends Life Care offers a proven, compassionate, and practical way to help members achieve the goal of aging in place. The mission of the program is to help people add certainty to uncertain times:

• Prepare financially for future care needs
• Maintain independence  and stay as healthy and safe at home as possible
• Enjoy more peace of mind knowing you have a plan in place for the future

Take the Next Step

If aging at home matters to you and you are not yet a Friends Life Care member, now is the time to explore your options.

Learn more about Friends Life Care and how our continuing care at home program can help you live the life you want—at home, for years to come.  Contact Friends Life Care for more information or a no obligation consultation.

Attend a free educational in-person seminar or an online webinar to learn more. Or get your free Aging in Place Kit today.