If you want to remain in your home while you age, you’re far from alone; 93 percent of adults 55 and older want to stay in their homes for the long term, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Senior living organizations like WesleyLife recognize that moving to a senior living community isn’t the best option for everyone. And yet, historically, remaining at home meant foregoing the valuable services and amenities you could otherwise access as a senior living community member.
Some organizations are addressing that issue and filling a gap in the market through continuing care at home.
What Is Continuing Care at Home?
Continuing care at home refers to programs designed to bring senior living services to individuals who choose to remain in their homes. These programs can take different forms but share the goal of allowing older adults to enjoy the benefits of senior living without requiring them to move. For example, they may be able to benefit from:
- In-home healthcare
- Home accessibility modifications
- Light housekeeping
- Prepared meals
- Fitness center passes and classes
- Personal training and wellness coaching
- Communication and community with peers
- And more!
Continuing care at home programs follow a membership model that not only provides for members’ current needs but also ensures future needs will be met, even if those needs evolve considerably.
What Does Continuing Care at Home Look Like at WesleyLife?
WesleyLife offers a variety of services to individuals who live outside of our community campuses. Our continuing care at home program is known as WellAhead — A WesleyLife Well-Being Experience.
This program allows members to take charge of their health and well-being through a variety of wellness services, including those offered in their homes and hosted at nearby senior living community campuses. For example, members can attend fitness classes at a WesleyLife wellness center and take advantage of in-home services such as light housekeeping and pet care. Members also gain access to a wellness coach who is there to advocate for their needs and support their well-being goals.
The biggest advantage of this program is that it provides security and peace of mind for the future. If a member’s needs ever change, their WellAhead membership guarantees they’ll receive the care they need, whether that means a different level of care in their home or an apartment home in one of our communities.
Who Can Benefit from Continuing Care at Home?
Any active older adult who wants to remain in their home long term should consider continuing care at home programs. These programs can greatly enrich a person’s day-to-day life and provide the extra support they need to fully enjoy independence at home.
That said, continuing care at home isn’t always the best fit. These programs are aimed at helping a person thrive at home for as long as possible, so they may not be the ideal choice for someone in a community lifestyle. These individuals should begin learning more about community options instead. Moving to a senior living community can offer its own perks, including access to a maintenance-free lifestyle, more amenities, and a vibrant community of peers.
Depending on your needs and your personal preferences, you can find the senior living option that’s perfect for you. For many, that will be a continuing care at home program. If you’re committed to staying at home but also want to plan for an uncertain future, WesleyLife shares your commitment, and we’re here to support you through WellAhead.
How to Begin
Many active older adults prefer to remain at home, but that shouldn’t mean missing out on all the benefits of senior living and wellness services. If you’re interested in learning more about continuing care at home, take a moment to explore our WellAhead program. You can benefit from a variety of wellness-enhancing services and plan for your future. It’s a win-win!
