As people age, they tend to feel a stronger desire to stay close to the things they know and love. Therefore, many seniors feel connected to the homes where they raised their children and entertained their grandchildren. When a senior chooses to live at home rather than move into an assisted living or skilled nursing facility, the term is “aging in place.” Yet living independently can present health and safety risks for older adults, such as an increased risk of a dangerous fall or other event.

If you have an elderly loved one who wants to live at home, you might find yourself wondering how to manage these risks while listening to their desires. Thankfully, today’s seniors have a number of resources available to help them age in place safely. In this guide, we discuss how to determine whether aging in place is a good idea for your loved one, as well as what programs, services, and support channels are available to help you care for them as they get older.

Is Aging in Place right for you information graphic

What Is Aging In Place?

Aging in place entails living independently and safely in your own home, no matter how old you get or how much money you make. Importantly, caregivers can be hired, home modifications can be made, and friends and family can help – it still counts as aging in place if they can live at home successfully and safely. Over 90% of seniors desire to age in place, so anyone caregiving for an aging loved one should prepare for this conversation.

Importantly, they aren’t wrong to desire this. According to AARP studies, aging in place promotes a higher quality of life, better mental health, and improved self-esteem compared to assisted living communities and other situations. In addition to contributing to a loss of independence, paid facilities can be expensive to use full-time.

Aging in place may not always be possible for the reasons listed below. However, unless the safety of the senior is compromised, continuing to live in our homes as we age has been proven to be mentally and physically beneficial, so it’s worth it to try everything you can to make it happen for the loved one in your care.


When Is Aging in Place a Good Solution?

Before you decide that aging in place is the right solution for your loved one, you should consider three key factors: your loved one’s capabilities, the home’s condition, and the support network available. Aging in place makes sense only when all three of these factors support the decision.

First, you must consider the person. Most people will indicate a desire to stay in their homes as they age, but some seniors simply can’t do so safely. This goes along with their home’s condition, including whether it is a manageable size for them and if its setup helps or hinders their ability to walk and do daily tasks. Finally, your loved one needs a strong support network to provide aid and care when needed.

Here’s what having all three factors in place might look like:

  • A senior lives in a one-story house and knows their neighbors well.
  • An adult child moves into the home next to their parent, so they’re able to provide support on a regular basis.
  • A two-story home is modified so the senior can live on the main floor without the need to go up and down the stairs, and a caregiver comes in regularly to help with housekeeping and personal care.

When Aging in Place Doesn’t Make Sense

For many seniors, the desire to live independently doesn’t align with their physical or cognitive state. Here are some situations when aging in place may not be the right choice:

  • You and other potential family caregivers live far away or work full-time.
  • Your loved one lacks friends in the community who can help.
  • You can’t build a network of caregivers who live close to your loved one.
  • An overnight caregiver is needed, but the home can’t accommodate one.
  • The senior needs medical equipment or supplies, but the home isn’t large enough for them.
  • Your loved one is wheelchair-bound and the home has narrow doorways or hallways.
  • The senior isn’t comfortable having paid caregivers in their home whom they don’t know.
  • Your family can’t afford a caregiver but doesn’t have time to provide caregiving services.
  • You believe your loved one feels isolated or lonely at home.
  • Your loved one can’t drive, and public or senior-friendly transportation options aren’t accessible.

If you’re the caregiver for a senior who desires to continue living at home, but you feel that aging in place is a bad idea due to any of these factors, consider the alternatives listed below.

How Much Does It Cost To Age In Place?

Aging in place entails multiple financial obligations, including potentially paying a caregiver. The cost of in-home care services varies depending on the type and amount of care provided, but the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey found that the average cost for home care in the United States was $4,957-$5,148 per month.

This was slightly more than the annual cost of living in an assisted facility, yet far less than the cost of renting a semi-private or fully private room in a nursing home. Remember that this is just the cost of the caregiver – home modifications, transportation costs, medical and security devices, and more can increase the practical cost of aging in place.

Thankfully, payment services can help cover some or all of the cost of aging in place, depending on your loved one’s eligibility. Continue reading for resources that can help your loved one age in place, including links to some of these financial aid resources.

Resources To Help You Age In Place

A network of support services can make aging in place possible. These supports can range from socialization and home care to transportation and home-delivered meals. Continue reading to learn what resources are available in your area that can meet your loved one’s specific needs.

There are several organizations in the United States that help seniors age in place. These include:

  • Area Agencies on Aging: Local AAAs coordinate a number of services for older adults, many of which can help seniors who are aging at home.
  • National Aging in Place Council: The NAIPC has chapters in many major cities throughout the United States. This organization helps connect seniors and their families with service providers who can assist with aging safely at home.
  • The Center for Aging in Place: The Center for Aging in Place assists communities with putting local resources in place that can help seniors continue living safely in their own homes.

In addition to these resource suggestions, other factors you may need to consider when helping a loved one age in place include the type of in-home care they need, as well as the payment assistance, food preparation assistance, and transportation assistance resources available in your area.

In-Home Care

Home Care Options

Many families provide care for their senior loved ones on their own, but not everyone can quit their job and become full-time caregivers. Without a network of other family members and friends who can step in, you may need outside help. Here are three types of in-home care you might draw on in this situation.

Care Type

Services Provided

Care (or elder) companions

Companions provide company for older adults who live alone, especially those who are shut-ins because of frailty or dementia. Companions might spend time chatting, playing cards, or reading aloud to the seniors in their care.

In-home caregivers

Caregivers help seniors with the activities of daily living, such as shopping, meal prep, grooming, or personal care like toileting and bathing. However, while caregivers may provide medication reminders, they are not allowed to administer medication or medical care. They are also not housecleaners, though they often do some light housekeeping.

Home health care

Unlike in-home care, home health care can only be arranged under a physician’s order. This short-term skilled medical care is delivered or supervised by nurses and therapists (physical, occupational, and speech). It’s typically provided while someone is recovering from a serious illness, accident, or surgery.

To determine which level of care your loved one requires, take some time to evaluate their abilities and needs. Keep in mind that the care level may change with time. At first, you may just need a care companion, but as your loved one ages, they may require additional personal or health care services.

Finding a Caregiver

If you decide to hire someone to help with senior care, you’ll want to make the decision carefully. Though you should feel confident that the caregiver you choose is going to deliver a high level of care, screening them isn’t always easy.

Thankfully, an in-home care agency can help you find the right caregiver. These agencies take care of hiring and training individual caregivers, as well as performing background checks on them. They’ll handle things like payroll taxes and scheduling too so you’re free to focus on other aspects of your loved one’s care.

Another option is to use your personal network to locate an independent caregiver. If you know someone who’s used a senior caregiver in the past and had a good experience, you can ask for a reference. Putting a post on social media may also give you some leads. If you choose this route, be prepared to do background checks on your own. You may also want to provide the caregiver with insurance coverage in the event of a workplace accident or injury.

Visit our In-Home Care Directory to learn more about in-home senior care options near you.

Payment Assistance

According to the same Genworth data, in-home care costs more on average than assisted living. Thankfully, seniors who want to age in place have options to cover the cost of these services. Long-term care insurance policies, according to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, can cover in-home care in addition to the cost of living in a retirement community or nursing home.

Additionally, government programs may pay for home health care. According to Alicia Sheerin of Amada Senior Care in Philadelphia, “When a low-income senior qualifies for a skilled nursing facility (i.e., a nursing home) but wants services provided at home, they can be eligible for several programs that can help … These programs go by different titles in each state, but they are all part of what’s known as 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services Waivers.”

Seniors who qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, or veterans’ benefits may also be able to obtain coverage for in-home care through these programs. However, eligibility for HCBS waivers is based on income and asset limits. In some states, Medicaid or VA Veteran-Directed Care programs can pay family members to serve as in-home caregivers.

Adult Day Care Programs

If you can’t afford an in-home caregiver, adult day care programs provide supervision and socialization during the day while allowing the senior to return home at night when you are free to help with caregiving. The staff at adult daycare centers are trained to supervise seniors who are physically frail or have dementia. These programs may operate with local hospitals, care facilities, churches, or senior centers, or they may operate on their own.

Adult daycare programs usually provide a meal and planned programs such as games, fitness sessions, and classes to help improve cognition and social engagement. Adult daycare centers also usually offer door-to-door transportation options. According to the AARP, there are around 4,600 adult daycare centers in the United States serving over 286,000 seniors.

According to Genworth, the average nationwide cost for adult daycare services is $1,690 per month. However, your location and the services provided can affect the cost. But remember that if your loved one qualifies, state and local services, private insurance plans, Medicaid, or the Veterans’ Administration may help cover the cost.

To find a program near you, search by zip code in the Caring.com Adult Day Directory.

Food and Meal Preparation Services

Proper nutrition is a critical concern for seniors living at home. Your loved one may not be able to shop for groceries or prepare healthy meals as easily as they used to, especially if their cognitive abilities have declined.

“Providing nutritional meals for seniors is a huge issue on many different levels,” says Lynette Whiteman, executive director of Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey, a nonprofit that helps older adults remain independent.

“Not only are many homebound seniors unable to get themselves to the grocery store, but some of them also have dietary restrictions or even problems chewing and swallowing,” she says. “When we’re younger we take it for granted that we just go to the store and get food, but for older people, it can be a real struggle and something they worry about all the time.”

Thankfully, many organizations can help address this need, including senior centers, Meals on Wheels, and local food banks. These organizations may deliver meals to seniors’ homes or offer nutritional counseling to seniors and their families. The best way to find these services in your area is to contact your local Area Agency on Aging.

The Risks of Poor Nutrition

Poor nutrition can lead to a number of health problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. These include:

  • Weakened immunity
  • Muscular weakness
  • Decreased bone mass
  • Increased fall risk
  • Increased hospitalization risk
  • Increased risk of premature death

Inadequate nutrition is a serious issue for today’s seniors. The National Council on Aging found that 7.3 million older Americans faced the threat of hunger in 2018. If you notice any of the signs of malnutrition in your loved one, such as unplanned weight loss or unexplained tiredness, contact the organizations listed above for more information.

Transportation Assistance

One of the biggest challenges your loved one may face while aging at home is the inability to drive. When it becomes clear that your loved one is no longer safe behind the wheel, you will need to find alternate transportation options to get them to medical appointments and necessary shopping trips.

Consider these resources to find the transportation options that work for you and your loved one:

  • Ask relatives and neighbors to help.
  • Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to find alternative transportation options, including reduced senior rates on public transit programs or door-to-door transportation services. 
  • Search your community service organizations for offices of the National Volunteer Transportation Center, which operates hundreds of volunteer transportation systems across the country.
  • Consider ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, for occasional trips. Both have specialized services for seniors that you can book without using a smartphone, such as Uber’s UberAssist vehicles. Seniors can use third-party programs such as Go Go Grandparent or Common Courtesy Rides’ Joy Ride program to connect with these ride-sharing options.
  • Research charities through your local AAA or senior center to find even more carpooling and transportation services for seniors.

Helpful Home Modifications for Aging in Place

helpful home modifications

Helpful Home Modifications for Aging in Place

As people age, they often discover that many homes aren’t designed to help older adults who use mobility aids or are at a high risk of falling. Hallways that are less than 36 inches wide, slippery flooring in a kitchen or bathroom, and even transitions between carpet and hard flooring can all pose safety risks. If your senior loved one wishes to age in place, you can complete some helpful modifications to make their home safer.

Long-term care insurance policies and certain government programs can help pay seniors for home modifications. Each program has its own eligibility requirements, so you should start by contacting the senior’s private insurance agent to learn more about HUD Home Improvement Loans and VA Aid and Attendance benefits.

Stairlifts

Stairs are hard for older adults to navigate. Sore joints and balance issues can make them a safety risk as well. Yet moving to a one-story home negates some of the benefits of aging in place.

Stairlifts make it safer for seniors to navigate staircases. A stairlift has a seat or platform that attaches to the banister or wall of the staircase with a lifting mechanism that carries a seated person up the stairs. Many have joysticks that allow the individual to control the speed at which they ascend.

Walk-in Tubs

Walk-in tubs allow seniors to bathe without having to step over a high tub edge. They have a swinging door as well as a seat to allow for a seated bath or shower. This limits the risk of a bathroom fall if a senior trips over the edge of the tub.

When a senior is wheelchair-bound or has trouble walking well, a walk-in tub is necessary for bathing at home. Even with home care help, having to step over the tub edge is an unnecessary hazard.

Simple Home Modifications

Your loved one may not need major home modifications such as a stairlift or walk-in tub. Some smaller changes may suffice to make their home safer with less of a financial commitment, including:

  • Declutter: Address potential trip hazards, such as trailing extension cords or clutter. Consider placing a container in each room for items that don’t have a place, rather than leaving them on the floor.
  • Anti-slip mats: Slippery floors can be a hazard, especially in the bathroom where water increases the fall risk. Add anti-slip mats on the bathroom floor, as a backing on throw rugs, and in the shower or tub.
  • Handrails: Handrails and grab bars in the bathroom and in hallways can protect against falls. They also make it easier for your loved one to navigate their home independently.
  • Lighting: As seniors age, their eyesight diminishes. Make sure there’s ample lighting in the home, particularly in normally dark places like hallways, and install light switches in convenient areas or use motion sensors that turn the lights on automatically when someone enters the room.
  • Furniture: Sharp furniture edges increase the risk of injury when a senior falls, so place clear bumpers over the edges. Make sure all chairs are steady.
  • Special knobs and window pulls: Arthritis or muscle weakness can make it difficult for seniors to turn doorknobs or operate window pulls. Replace these with lever handles or chains that are easier to use.
  • Accessible shelving: Add shelving in pantries and closets so your loved one doesn’t have to bend over or reach for stored items. 
  • Ramps: Consider adding a ramp so your loved one doesn’t have to navigate steps to enter or exit their home.
  • Bathroom: A bathroom has numerous potential hazards. To enhance safety, add anti-slip mats, grab bars, and anti-scalding devices on the faucets.

How Technology Can Help a Loved One Age in Place

technology help with aging in place

There’s no doubt about it, caregiving is a high-stress job. Fortunately, there’s an ever-increasing slew of gadgets and tools that can make it easier to help older adults age in place. Here’s a look at some helpful tech solutions.

Smart homes

Investing in a smart home, which contains seamlessly embedded sensors, could help your loved one age in place. Smart home technology includes appliances like smart stoves that automatically shut off as well as sensors that control climate, detect fires and floods, and check carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide levels.

Many smart homes contain motion sensors that automatically turn on lights. However, they can also alert caregivers if the resident has stopped moving for long periods. Some smart sensors can even use “remote activity monitoring” to identify the progression of dementia by tracking a senior’s behavior and alerting caregivers of anything unusual. For example, if wandering is a concern for someone with dementia who is living alone, the system could automatically alert a family member or caregiver if an exterior door opens during certain hours.

With the need for elder caregivers expected to rise precipitously in the coming years, this type of technology will be in high demand. Smart home technology can be more reliable than a personal emergency response system (PERS) because it operates in the background and requires no input from the user, who may be reluctant to ask for help.

Emergency Response Systems

For many older adults living alone, a PERS can be a lifeline, ensuring they get help in the event of a fall, slip, or other medical emergency.

PERS, which have been around for decades, come in the form of lightweight pendants or wristbands that your loved one can wear while going about their daily routine. With some units, seniors must press a button to contact emergency services. Other systems automatically activate when a fall is detected. This AARP report also notes that some newer technology even includes fitness trackers, movement sensors, and more.

Regardless of any extra features, an operator at an emergency response center will respond to a PERS alert, diagnose the seriousness of the situation, and decide whether to call an ambulance or a designated caregiver to check on the senior.

If you buy a PERS, you’ll have to pay an installation fee and a monthly monitoring charge. Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance companies typically don’t pay for the equipment, though you may be able to get a subsidy if your income is low.

For more information about PERS, visit our guide to the Best Medical Alert Systems for Seniors.

Wearables

As an alternative, wearable devices like watches, smart activity trackers, and smart clothes can record vitals like heart rate and blood pressure and automatically alert patients, family members, or doctors if any numbers get dangerously low or high. Additionally, sensors that emit ultrasound waves to detect objects can be clipped to clothing or woven into vests to help people with poor vision move around safely.

Another benefit of wearables is that they can allow you to remotely monitor your loved one without being intrusive, for instance, by inserting Smart Soles, an orthotic with a GPS tracker, into their shoes.

Virtual Medicine

Keeping as healthy as possible is vital for anyone aging in place. With telemedicine, patients can communicate with healthcare providers from home using two-way video calling equipment.

This eliminates traveling to clinics or medical offices, making it easier for seniors and their caregivers to take care of their health.

Medication Reminders

Like many older adults, your loved one may have a pharmacopoeia of prescription medicines. Taking a plethora of different pills at different times of the day can be confusing for anyone, let alone someone suffering from dementia.

Medication reminders can make this process simpler by notifying them and/or you when it’s time to take medication and keeping track of missed doses. Options include a dedicated set-up, such as a pillbox that vibrates when it’s time to take meds, or one of the many smartphone apps that send out digital reminders when the next med is due.

Aging in place is challenging but not impossible. If you build the right network of support around your senior loved one and make some modifications to improve the safety of their living environment, you can help them age at home with independence and good health. By utilizing the resources in this guide, you can lessen the risks of aging in place while maximizing the benefits.

Find Senior Resources in Your State

Click on your state on the map below to learn about your state’s senior resource department and view its contact information. These government organizations provide resources and services for seniors such as health and nutrition programs, personal care assistance, transportation, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I age in place?

You should age in place if being at home near your friends, in your community, or simply in the house you are familiar with makes you feel happy, safe, and independent. You should not age in place if you cannot do so without endangering your safety, the safety of others, or your family’s financial situation.

How can I make my home more appealing for aging in place?

Depending on your physical condition, your home may be too large or too unsafe for you to age in place successfully. Simple home modifications could potentially make the process easier, but not every home is a good candidate for aging in place.

What are the drawbacks to aging in place?

Aging in place can be expensive, with home care services steadily rising in price post-pandemic. Home modifications, transportation costs, medical devices, and more can also raise the long-term cost of aging in place. While desirable, aging in place cannot always be accomplished safely or within your budget, though certain programs can help.

What are the benefits of aging in place?

Studies show that remaining in your home as you age can improve your mental and physical well-being, as well as keep you close to the friends and family you love. Despite this, aging in place only reaps these benefits if you can do so safely and mostly independently.

How can I age in place by myself?

You can age in place by yourself by establishing the right support network, making the proper home modifications, and planning ahead in case you need a home caregiver. Your support network should include doctors, friends, family, your local senior center, your local Veterans Affairs office, if applicable, and any connections you have with caregiving organizations. Even if you live by yourself, you do not have to age in place alone.

Is aging in place a good idea?

Aging in place could be a good idea for some seniors. Those who are able to establish a support network, make the necessary modifications, and afford any eventual care services may be able to age in place safely and independently. However, depending on the senior’s physical condition, mental state, or financial situation, aging in place may not be a viable option and others should be explored.

Works Cited

“Keep on Your Feet – Preventing Older Adult Falls”. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 December 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/older-adult-falls/index.html. Accessed 14 July 2021.

Binette, Joanne and Kerri Vasold, “2018 Home and Community Preferences: A National Survey of Adults Ages 18-Plus”. AARP, July 2019, https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/community/info-2018/2018-home-community-preference.html?CMP=RDRCT-PRI-OTHER-LIVABLECOMMUNITIES-032218. Accessed 14 July 2021.

“2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey”. Genworth, 12 February 2021, https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care.html. Accessed 14 July 2021.

“The Ability to Remain in Your Own Home Is One of the Greatest Benefits of Owning Long-Term Care Insurance”. American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, n.d., https://www.aaltci.org/long-term-care-insurance/learning-center/home-health-care.php. Accessed 15 July 2021.

“Home and Community Based Services”. Medicaid.gov, n.d., https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/home-community-based-services/home-community-based-services-authorities/home-community-based-services-1915c/index.html. Accessed 15 July 2021.

“Can I Get Paid to Be a Caregiver for a Family Member?” AARP, 1 July 2021, https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/info-2017/you-can-get-paid-as-a-family-caregiver.html. Accessed 15 July 2021.

“What Is Veteran Directed Care?” U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, n.d., https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/pages/Veteran-Directed_Care.asp. Accessed 15 July 2021.

“Adult Day Care”. AARP, 2012, https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/home-care/info-2017/adult-day-care.html. Accessed 15 July 2021.

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Senior Health: How to Prevent and Detect Malnutrition”. Mayo Clinic, 17 September 2019, https://nchlibrary.org/person-group-concept/age-concept/adult/45-to-64-middle/art-20044699/. Accessed 15 July 2021.

“Getting the Facts on SNAP and Senior Hunger”. National Council on Aging, 15 February 2021, https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-snap-and-senior-hunger. Accessed 15 July 2021.