The benefits of aging in place

If someone were to ask, “when did your house become your home?” — what would you say? Maybe it was the day you moved in. Or when you cooked your first family dinner. Maybe it wasn’t a single moment, but a bunch of moments over time that one day made you think “this is where I’m supposed to be.”

That feeling of home can deepen as you age. As you look at aging care options, you may consider staying in the comfort and familiarity of your home as you age — known as aging in place — instead of moving to a long-term care community  

With some careful consideration and planning, plus the right kind of in-home support, your home can continue to be the place where you're most comfortable even if your care needs increase. 

Of course, we know the aging experience comes with questions, concerns, and decisions that aren’t always easy. That’s why we’re exploring what it means to age in place and how you can make this empowering choice for yourself. 

Aging in place simply means choosing to remain in your own home instead of moving into a retirement home, assisted living community, or other long-term care environment.  

This choice allows you to maintain your existing routines and lifestyle but may require you to make modifications to your home or hire an in-home caregiver depending on your care needs. 

Whether you live in the family home where you raised your children or a cozy apartment filled with treasures from your travels, aging in place means you can continue to shape your days your way. 

There are several advantages to aging in place. Here are some of the most common reasons why more people are choosing to stay where they feel happiest. 

Independence 

When you stay in your own home, you can more easily maintain a level of independence. After all, you set the schedule, choose your meals, decide when you go out, and more. 

Being independent in these ways can boost confidence, encourage activity, and support mental sharpness. It allows you to keep making choices every day that reflect who you are and what you value. 

If your care needs increase and you need support with the activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), you may think about hiring an in-home caregiver who takes a person-centered care approach to help you maintain your independence as much as possible.

Comfort 

There’s a special kind of comfort that only your home can offer. Sometimes it’s a quirk like the spots where the floor creaks under your footsteps or the charm of your view from the kitchen window. 

Aging in place means you can keep all the comforts you’ve grown to love about your home. You also know the layout of your home, which can be especially helpful if your mobility changes over time. Familiar surroundings can help reduce confusion, stress, and accidents, especially for those living with cognitive changes.

Maintaining your routine 

For many, staying independent and comfortable means having a solid routine to prioritize your activities and hobbies. When you age in place, your routine and daily schedule can stay how you want it.

Cost savings 

The costs of aging in place can sometimes be more affordable than moving into an assisted living community or nursing home. 

These types of long-term care residences and retirement communities can offer a lot of benefits but can cost thousands of dollars a month.  

Meanwhile, staying at home may only require some home modifications and occasional in-home care. Of course, caregiving services and home updates still cost money. 

But compared to full-time residential care, many families find that aging in place offers a more manageable, flexible financial path. It depends on the type of care you require and the number of hours you would need for in-home care.

Emotional and social well-being 

There can be a lot of things about aging in place that are good for your emotional and social well-being such as staying involved with your local community and being close to family, friends, and neighbors. 

If you are starting to find it hard to get around, stay involved in your community, or perhaps your friends or favorite community members have moved away, you may want to consider transportation supports in your community such as services for older adults or ride-share apps. 

Ultimately, aging in place can be an important way to nurture positive connections and keep the heart and mind vibrant. 

To make aging in place as safe and comfortable as possible, it’s a good idea to be proactive about making modifications to your home environment. Think of it as setting up your space for long-term success.

Improve accessibility 

Creating a home that supports ease of movement is one of the first steps to successfully aging in place. Thoughtful adjustments can go a long way in promoting your safety and comfort.

Consider making the following updates to improve overall accessibility:

• Install grab bars in bathrooms and showers to provide extra support and stability during everyday routines. 

• Install a toilet seat with bars, a raised seat, or lifts. 

• Add railings along staircases and pathways, both indoors and outdoors, to reduce the risk of falls. 

• Replace traditional doorknobs with lever handles, which are easier to operate for those with arthritis or limited hand strength. 

These small changes can make your home significantly more supportive and user-friendly as your needs evolve. 

Reduce fall risks 

Preventing falls is a top priority when designing a safe home environment. By proactively addressing potential hazards, you can move with greater confidence throughout your home as you age. 

Try starting with these simple adjustments: 

• Remove tripping hazards such as loose rugs, tangled cords, and general clutter from walking paths.

• Ensure there is adequate lighting in every room, particularly in hallways, stairways, and entry points.

• Add non-slip mats in areas that are prone to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens. 

These steps can help you build a safer living space that encourages freedom of movement without sacrificing comfort. 

Create a single-level living space 

Having all essential areas like the bedroom, bathroom, and main living space on a single level can make a big difference in ease of use.  

If your home allows it, set up your most-used spaces on the same floor to limit the need for stairs. This type of layout not only increases safety but also supports independence as mobility needs change. 

Upgrade for convenience 

Convenience upgrades may seem small, but they can make everyday tasks significantly easier and more enjoyable.  

• Consider a walk-in shower with a bench for safer bathing and enhanced comfort.

• Widen doorways to allow more comfortable access with a walker, wheelchair, or mobility aid. 

• Install a stair lift if your home has multiple levels and you want to maintain access to upper floors.

These changes can help create a home that works for you, now and in the future. 

Just because you decide to age in place doesn’t mean you have to handle everything on your own. In fact, one of the smartest steps you can take for your aging-in-place journey is to set up a support network that helps you thrive.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common care options for older adults who choose to stay in their homes.

In-home caregivers 

Bringing care into the home can be a comforting and empowering choice. In-home caregivers provide personalized support tailored to your unique needs and preferences.  

This support can include assistance with everyday tasks like:¹

• Bathing 

• Dressing 

• Meal preparation 

• Light housekeeping  

• Transportation to appointments, community events, and friends 

Some caregivers are trained to offer medical support, too, such as medication reminders or help with mobility devices. 

One of the biggest advantages of in-home care is its flexibility. Whether you need a few hours of help each week or round-the-clock support, a caregiver can be scheduled based on your lifestyle and goals. Many older adults find that having consistent, trusted care allows them to stay independent longer while also giving family members greater peace of mind.

Telehealth services 

Technology is opening new doors in how we access healthcare. With telehealth services, you can stay connected to your doctors, therapists, and other specialists without having to leave your home. In particular, video calls make it easy to schedule regular check-ins or manage ongoing health concerns, all while avoiding the time and potential risks of travel.

Beyond virtual visits, many people are also using remote monitoring tools to keep tabs on important health markers. Devices that track blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate, or oxygen levels can share real-time information with your healthcare team. 

This kind of connection allows for more proactive care, promoting a healthier and safer aging journey. 

Medical services

While telehealth lets you stay connected to your healthcare providers at home, you may still need to see them in person. If you haven’t already, make sure you create a list of medical care options in your community such as: 

• Hospitals 

• Primary care doctors 

• Skilled nursing facilities 

• Respite care 

Knowing where these medical services are can help you have a plan in case your care needs increase. 

Local older adult resources 

Getting additional resources and support can sometimes be as easy as exploring what your local community has to offer. Your community may have a: 

• Local council on aging 

• Area agency on aging 

• Senior center 

• Adult day health care 

Some communities also offer programs specifically for older adults like transportation services, companionship, or food delivery. 

A great place to start your search is to see what your local city or town offers for older adult services. From there you might get connected to volunteer organizations or nonprofits nearby.

Emergency and backup planning 

While aging in place offers plenty of benefits, it’s essential to be prepared for the unexpected. Having a strong emergency plan in place ensures you’re ready if and when challenges arise.

Here’s what you’ll want to have covered: 

• Emergency contacts – Keep a printed and digital list of trusted contacts that includes family, friends, doctors, and neighbors. Post it somewhere visible and accessible. 

• Medical alert systems – Wearable devices with one-touch emergency buttons can connect you to help immediately if you fall or feel unwell. Many also detect falls automatically.

• Weather preparedness – Always stay stocked up on essentials like bottled water, shelf-stable food, flashlights, and extra medications in case of severe weather or outages. 

• Neighborhood network – Stay in touch with neighbors or a local community group. A simple check-in or shared plan can make a big difference during a crisis.

Planning ahead isn’t about expecting the worst — it’s about making sure you feel supported, informed, and ready to meet life’s surprises with confidence. 

Choosing to age in place allows you to stay in control of your life and environment, surrounded by the people, routines, and comforts that define your sense of self. With the right modifications and support systems in place, you can continue to live confidently in your home while ensuring your safety and well-being. 

Aging in place isn’t just a decision for today — it’s a long-term commitment to living independently and comfortably on your own terms. The benefits of aging in place make it a viable and empowering option, providing you with a foundation for the future that reflects your values.