5 Reasons Area Seniors Choose to Age in Place

Goodwin House at Home, a new aging-in-place program designed for individuals living in Northern Virginia, has launched to great demand. Membership to the program has exceeded projections during the first year of operation, validating the need for a comprehensive program that allows for outstanding care and support in the home

Goodwin House at Home is a program of Goodwin House, a faith-based, non-profit organization with two residential properties in Northern Virginia. Goodwin House at Home essentially ensures the same high quality healthcare, social engagement and daily life support as the Goodwin House communities, but in the comfort of your own home.

“For over 50 years, we have welcomed thousands of older adults to our residential properties,” stated Colleen. “Our Goodwin House residents celebrate the option of living in a community among their peers that provides the lifestyle and daily support they prefer. But we know older adults want options for their future and that’s what Goodwin House is all about…choice.”

While many Northern Virginia residents decide that moving into a new home in a retirement style community is best for them, Goodwin House at Home members are opting to remain in place based on the following:

• Familiarity: There is a sense of comfort in knowing your surroundings. Many seniors have lived in the same home much of their adult life. Being familiar with the home’s appliances, floorplan and even its quirks give peace of mind that you have more control over your environment.
• Nostalgia: Home is where the heart is. Many Goodwin House at Home members often talk about loving the home they raised their children in and all of the memories that surround them.
• Moving: Just the thought of moving can be exhausting. From packing a lifetime of memories to cleaning out the garage for the next occupants, moving can be an overwhelming task for older adults, especially if they do not have the support system often necessary to organize such a large task.
• Expense: The DC area is synonymous with high cost of living, with nursing home prices costing upwards of $120,000 a year. Thanks to the Goodwin House at Home finance structure, many Members found it to be cost effective to stay in their homes, understanding their future care needs will be covered when and if they need assistance.
• Neighborhood: For many Goodwin House at Home members, the neighborhood represents a microcosm of support and care. Their community is usually close to their doctors, church, and favorite shops. It is often the case as well that their closest friends are geographically close.

“It has been an honor getting to know the members of our program and better understanding why they are choosing to remain in their home and how they are planning to make that happen,” stated Karen Skeens, executive director of the Goodwin House at Home program. “This program enables them to live at home with just the right amount of support and care so they can continue to be safe, happy and independent at each stage of life.”

Goodwin House at Home is the first aging-in-place program of its kind in the metro area and one of only 26 programs in the country. It is designed for healthy, active adults 55 and older who want to know a comprehensive package of daily living and care services is available when needed and included at a fraction of the cost of engaging them separately. The fees stay consistent even as the need for care increases.

“Goodwin House at Home echoes the Goodwin House mission of supporting, honoring and uplifting the lives of older adults,” stated Colleen Ryan-Mallon, vice president of marketing and mission expansion with Goodwin House. “We are simply providing another option for the aging population in our area to stay in their homes with dignity and the quality care they deserve.”

For an interview with Karen Skeens, Colleen Ryan-Mallon or a Goodwin House at Home member please contact Amber McCracken at 703-599-0134 or at amber@currentcommunications.org. For more information on the program, please visit www.goodwinhouse.org/athome.