Why Home is so Important?
The fact that we all want to stay living at home is a truth universally acknowledged, and I have been reflecting over this Christmas why this is so and how Home Instead can ensure your loved ones continue to live healthily and happily at home. Home is where the heart is but there is so much more!
Home is often an extension of our identity with our belongings providing clues and anchors ourselves. It is also a sanctuary for memories full of our personal “priceless souvenirs and
precious memories.” It is place of “reflective memories” where we can remember happy times and relive moments from each stage of our lives, and the physical objects and layout of rooms reminds us of these precious recollections. Home also gives us the freedom to be ourselves without interference or rules; eating sleeping as we want too free of institutional settings.
Finally, it provides a preservation of dignity linked to independence and self-pride. The prospect of leaving home is a threat to all this. Not surprising then that nearly all cling to what we
love most after our family. and that the loss of this impacts us. But again, what is the impact to individuals who lose their home.
Research suggests it has a direct effect on physical health and longevity. Home based support shows a reduction in mortality (odds ratio of 0.76) suggesting a significant extension to life. This can simply relate to reduced falls due to familiarity with home layouts or reduced infection risk when in longer term care facilities. However, there is the emotional impact that looms larger over well-being at home. Our mental function is preserved in a familiar environment and maintaining daily routines. Agitation and disorientation and loss of memory can be accelerated by a move away from home. Higher levels of life satisfaction and lower rates of depression and anxiety are reported compared to similar people in nursing homes. Being at home gives us a strong sense of purpose in life. In maintaining the house and local social roles. This is associated with stress regulation and lower inflammation contributing to a longer life.
There is also the benefit of autonomy and social Integration being at home and managing gives a sense of self-esteem and a sense of mastery as physical faculties decline. Living in an
established neighbourhood even for brief verbal exchanges with neighbours combat loneliness a known predictor of heart disease and stroke. It is often cheaper as well which helps relieve any money worries.
So “Home is definitely Where the Heart is”. So, if you want to discuss your care options or request a copy of our What’s On Where (WOW) guide? Contact us today — we’re here to help.
