Empowering Independence, Comfort, and Community

The Aging In Place Hub

Aging in place means living safely and comfortably in your own home as you grow older. This hub provides resources, tips, and tools to help individuals and families plan for a secure, supported, and fulfilling life in a familiar environment.

A wooden ramp for wheelchairs provides access to the house, increasing its ease of use for people with mobility problems.

Table of Contents

Key Things To Know

Aging in place means staying in your own home safely, independently, and comfortably as you grow older, and it takes a little planning to make that a long-term reality.

  • Assess your current living space: Look for hazards or barriers that could impact mobility, safety, or comfort as your needs change.
  • Plan for home modifications: Small changes like grab bars, improved lighting, or step-free entries can increase safety and ease of movement.
  • Consider future mobility needs: Think ahead about whether stairs, narrow doorways, or bathroom layouts will still work for you later.
  • Evaluate your support system: Know who can help with transportation, errands, meals, or personal care if needed.
  • Understand the cost of staying home: Compare the expenses of home modifications, in-home care, and maintenance with other options.
  • Look into local services and programs: Many communities offer resources like home-delivered meals, transportation, or home health aides.
  • Plan for health care access at home: Consider how you'll manage prescriptions, appointments, and possible home-based medical care.
  • Review safety and emergency preparedness: Have a plan for falls, power outages, medical alerts, or home security concerns.
  • Talk with your family or care team: Share your goals and make sure everyone understands your priorities for staying at home.
  • Reassess your plan regularly: Your needs and resources may change, so check in on your setup every year or after major life events.

Resources

You shouldn't have to figure out how to age in place on your own. Fortunately, we have resources that can help.

Holiday Questions Checklist For Aging Parents

The holidays are here! Here are some helpful conversation starters.
Get The Checklist

Daily Care Checklist

A checklist for caregivers to ensure their loved one’s needs are met.
Get The Checklist

Listen Up!

We've assembled a list of podcasts for you to help you age in place gracefully.

View The Podcast Directory
A wooden ramp for wheelchairs provides access to the house, increasing its ease of use for people with mobility problems.

Staying Social While Aging in Place: Combatting Loneliness

A wooden ramp for wheelchairs provides access to the house, increasing its ease of use for people with mobility problems.

Financial Tips for Planning to Age in Place

A wooden ramp for wheelchairs provides access to the house, increasing its ease of use for people with mobility problems.

Top 10 Home Modifications for Aging in Place

Shower Railing

How to Make Your Parents’ Home Safer as They Age

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aging in Place

Aging in place is the concept of living in your own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably as you age, rather than moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home.

Aging in place allows older adults to maintain their independence, stay in a familiar setting, and remain connected to their community, which can improve mental health and overall quality of life.

Key considerations include home modifications for safety (like grab bars or stairlifts), access to healthcare services, transportation options, social support, and financial planning.

Home modifications can include installing non-slip flooring, widening doorways for wheelchairs, adding grab bars in bathrooms, improving lighting, and using smart home technology to monitor safety and provide assistance.

Many communities offer senior centers, home-delivered meals, transportation services, visiting nurses, and social activities to support aging in place. Check with local agencies on aging for more information.

Smart home technology, like voice-controlled assistants, fall detection systems, medication reminders, and remote monitoring devices, can enhance safety and simplify daily living for older adults.

The costs of aging in place depend on factors like home modifications, in-home care, and healthcare needs. Financial planning, including insurance and savings, is key to ensuring affordability.

Family members can assist by helping with home safety, coordinating healthcare services, staying in regular communication, and being involved in emergency planning.

If living at home becomes unsafe due to health or mobility challenges, it’s important to consider alternative options like assisted living or in-home caregiving to ensure safety and well-being.

Begin by assessing your current living situation, identifying potential modifications, researching local resources, and creating a plan with input from family, friends, and professionals.

Information Hub Feedback & Suggestions

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website and by Buried in Work is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney or subject matter expert for advice specific to your situation.