This June, nonprofits, assisted living facilities, and government agencies joined together to celebrate Elder Abuse Awareness Month. That’s just one of the unique challenges faced by older Americans, a fast growing demographic.

As Americans age, we know that many of our neighbors struggle with a heartbreaking decision — whether to move a loved one from their familiar home or help them move to assisted living in Chattanooga, TN. Senior care experts know that 87% of seniors want to stay in their home as they age, but too often that independence comes at a high price. Adult children and family members worry about their health and well being, while seniors sometimes struggle with loneliness and depression.

No one can make this decision for your family, but if you’re struggling to choose between assisted living in Chattanooga, TN or living at home, consider this:

• Be Aware Of Elder Abuse: Elder abuse takes many forms — financial abuse, physical abuse, and neglect. Sadly, senior care experts warn that as many as one in three nursing homes have been cited for abuse. Of course, seniors who live at home are also at risk. Fortunately, there are tons of resources for preventing and reporting elder abuse, so please don’t hesitate to speak up.
• You Aren’t Alone: Three in ten adult children with aging parents say they worry about whether their parents need help caring for themselves, and only 69% were confident their parents could remain independent.
• Not Everyone Will Ask For Help: According to the most recent surveys, 87-90% of seniors want to stay in their own homes, sometimes called “aging in place.” But remember: this desire to “age in place” sometimes makes older Americans reluctant to ask family members for the help they need, while others are simply too proud to ask for help finding assisted living. Not everyone feels comfortable admitting they need help. If you feel anxiety about an aging parent, don’t assume they’re doing fine, even if that’s what they tell you.
• Alternatives To Assisted Living In Chattanooga TN: For many, retirement homes are a welcome change, but they’re not the right choice for everyone. Senior home care services provide companionship and help around the house. If you don’t need full-time medical workers, then home care helps seniors maintain their quality of life while still “aging in place.” Senior home care services help with everything from dressing, bathing and grooming, to handling housework and pet care. They can also help with travel, picking up medications, and regaining a healthy, active lifestyle.
• Safety First: One in three older Americans will suffer a fall this year, and for people living alone, it can sometimes take days for help to arrive. If you can’t regularly visit with a senior relative, then perhaps it’s time to consider the best assisted living or elder care Chattanooga can provide.

Longer lifespans and aging baby boomers will cause the number of Americans over the age of 65 to double in the next 25 years to 72 million. By 2030, elder care experts say U.S. seniors will make up at least 20% of the population.

That means more families choosing between a comfortable, independent lifestyle and retirement homes. But no family should settle for making a loved one merely comfortable. Whether you choose assisted living or not, your family deserves the best elder care available.