Aging in Place: Creating Your Forever Home

May 6

As people age, the desire to stay in the comfort of their own homes becomes more appealing. This is known as aging in place. It's a lifestyle choice prioritizing seniors' independence, autonomy, and quality of life. In the US alone, over 90% of people aged 55+ said that aging in place is an important goal. To help achieve this goal, we’ll cover the aspects you must consider when aging in place, like home modifications, financial decisions, and support systems. The success of aging in place lies in excellent planning and execution.

Benefits and challenges of aging in place

The choice to age in place brings advantages and obstacles that must be considered for a safe and enjoyable life.

Benefits of aging in place

One of the main benefits of aging in place is maintaining independence and autonomy. Having control over daily routines, household decisions, and lifestyle choices creates a sense of self-sufficiency that is valuable to most older adults. Staying in a familiar environment can also contribute to comfort and security.

People develop deep emotional attachments to their homes over the years. Aging in place allows you to remain in your space filled with cherished memories and personal history, promoting emotional stability and mental health.

Challenges of aging in place

Despite the desire to remain at home, aging often brings physical limitations that pose safety risks. Mobility issues, vision or hearing impairment, and assistance with daily tasks may require home modifications to ensure accessibility and prevent accidents.

Healthcare needs may increase, requiring regular medical appointments, assistance with medication management, and access to specialized care providers. Accessing these services while remaining at home may require coordination with healthcare professionals and community organizations.

Aging in place requires careful financial planning and budgeting. Maintaining a home, including property taxes, utilities, and maintenance expenses, can become burdensome, especially if you don’t have the same income as before retiring. Expenses associated with home modifications or hiring caregivers also contribute to the costs of aging in place.

Preparing your home for aging in place

Consider the modifications you’ll need to make to your home that enhance safety, accessibility, and comfort. As of 2020, only 10% of homes are suitable for aging in place. To create a space that supports your evolving needs, start with an honest assessment of your current living environment, which changes are necessary, and which are preferences.

Assessing home safety and accessibility

Here’s a list to assess your home's safety and accessibility:

Bathroom modifications: Begin by evaluating your bathroom for potential hazards and barriers. Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or bathtub to help with stability and support. Replace traditional fixtures with accessible options such as walk-in showers or raised toilets to accommodate mobility challenges.
Kitchen adaptations: Make your kitchen more user-friendly by ensuring that essential items are easily accessible. Lowering countertops and cabinets, installing pull-out shelves, and opting for lever-handled faucets can minimize strain and make daily tasks more manageable. Add non-slip flooring to reduce the risk of falls.
Installing grab bars and handrails: Place grab bars and handrails in areas where slips and falls are more likely. When assessing the space, focus on key areas such as stairwells, hallways, and entryways to provide stability and assistance. Choose sturdy, well-installed fixtures that support your weight and withstand daily use.

The cost of aging in place

Aging in place requires remodeling your home. For example, if you have a two-story home, it needs to be adapted for wheelchairs and other mobility considerations. The cost of most singular remodeling projects tends to be below $10,000. Other costs include in-home care, home services such as landscaping, cleaning and home repair, medication, and property ownership. Some of these costs can be reduced with home insurance and long-term care insurance. So, how does this compare to the costs of alternatives to aging in place?

A semi-private room in a nursing home can cost you about $7,900 a month, depending on the state and the nursing home. If you decide to stay in an assisted living facility the cost of a one-bedroom space costs about $4,500 per month. Ultimately, the choice depends on your financial capacity, preference, how much in-home care is anticipated, and the ability to adapt your home.

Let’s break down the cost of aging in place by project, according to Retirement Living:

Ramp installation: $1,110
Walk-in tub or shower: $5,000
Adjusting countertop height: $18,000
Non-slip flooring (excluding labor): $3 per square foot
Entry handrails: $900
Widen entry door and hallways with structural changes: $35,800

The national hourly rate for homemaker services is $30. This includes tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and running errands.

While aging in place may require some upfront investments, it could be more cost-effective in the long run compared to the ongoing expenses of residential care facilities.

Decluttering and organizing living spaces

Decluttering and organizing reduce stress and anxiety and increase productivity. Take the time to declutter and organize your living spaces to create a safer and more functional environment. Cluttered and overcrowded spaces increase the chances of accidents and injuries, especially for seniors with limited mobility. You also need clear, open spaces to improve accessibility for people with mobility aids, such as walkers or wheelchairs, which will facilitate independent living and mobility.

Here’s how to effectively declutter and organize your space:

Break down larger projects or areas into manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Remove excess furniture and belongings that obstruct pathways or create tripping hazards.
Categorize your belongings into keep, donate, and discard piles.
Donate or sell items you no longer need or don’t bring you joy, and dispose of any damaged or unusable items responsibly.
Use vertical storage options such as shelves, cabinets, and wall-mounted organizers to free up floor space and minimize clutter.
Choose storage containers and bins that are transparent or labeled for easy identification of contents.
Do regular decluttering sessions to maintain a tidy and organized living space.
If decluttering feels overwhelming or you're unsure where to start, consider enlisting the help of family members, friends, or professional organizers or decluttering specialists.

Technology solutions for aging in place

Technology has already shown us the many ways it can improve our lives, and we can also apply it to aging in place.

Smart home devices: Explore using smart home technology to enhance convenience and safety. Install motion-activated lighting, smart thermostats, and voice-controlled assistants to streamline daily tasks and monitor your home environment. Consider investing in smart sensors that detect falls or irregularities and alert caregivers or emergency services.
Medical alert systems: Purchase a medical alert system that provides immediate access to assistance in an emergency. Wearable devices or home-based systems with panic buttons enable you to summon help quickly, giving you and your loved ones peace of mind knowing that support is readily available.

Challenges with technology

Technology can be challenging for older adults, but with the right approach and support, it can become more accessible and user-friendly. Here are some tips and advice to overcome obstacles:

Start with simple devices: Start with user-friendly devices and applications with intuitive interfaces and minimal complexity. Devices with larger screens, clear buttons, and straightforward navigation menus will also make technology easier to use.
Ask for support: Family members or friends can patiently and encouragingly demonstrate how to use basic functions, such as making calls, sending messages, and browsing the internet.
Utilize built-in accessibility features: Take advantage of built-in accessibility features available on smartphones, tablets, and computers to customize settings and accommodate individual needs. Adjust text size, contrast, and color schemes to enhance visibility and enable voice commands or dictation for hands-free operation. Explore options for screen readers, magnification tools, and captioning to support users with hearing or vision impairments.
Learn and explore: Engage in online tutorials, classes, or workshops designed for seniors to build confidence and expand your digital skills.
Get educated on safety and security: Educate yourself about online safety practices and protecting personal information and privacy when using technology. Learn how to recognize common scams, phishing attempts, and fraudulent activities, and encourage using secure passwords and two-factor authentication methods.

Hiring contractors and professionals for renovations

Use the expertise of contractors and professionals with experience in accessible design. Work closely with architects, builders, and occupational therapists to develop a renovation plan for your needs. Ensure all modifications comply with relevant accessibility standards and regulations to maximize safety and usability.

Other considerations for aging in place

As you prepare to age in place, consider factors impacting your well-being, safety, and quality of life. Aging in place requires forming support systems, financial planning, and legal matters.

Support systems

Surrounding yourself with individuals who can provide practical assistance, emotional support, and companionship will help you maintain independence and comfort in your home. Consider the following support systems:

Family and friends: Maintain relationships with family members, friends, and neighbors who are willing and able to offer assistance when needed. Communicate your preferences, concerns, and expectations openly with your support network, and be proactive in seeking help when necessary.
Professional care providers: Explore options for professional caregivers, home health aides, or companions who can assist with daily tasks, personal care, and medical needs. Research reputable agencies or individuals with experience in elder care and consider hiring services on a part-time or as-needed basis.
Community resources: Take advantage of community-based programs, senior centers, and local organizations that offer support services, social activities, and educational opportunities for older adults. Participating in group activities, volunteer opportunities, and support groups can help you stay engaged and connected with your community.

Legal and end-of-life planning

Aging in place also means preparing for legal and end-of-life matters. Address important legal and healthcare decisions to honor your wishes and support your loved ones. Consider the following legal and end-of-life planning considerations:

Advance directives: Create advance directives, including a living will and healthcare proxy, to specify your preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care in the event of incapacity. Discuss your wishes with your designated healthcare proxy and ensure copies of your advance directives are accessible to family members, healthcare providers, and legal representatives.
Funeral and burial plans: Make arrangements for preferences, including burial or cremation, memorial services, and funeral expenses. Communicate your wishes with family members and consider pre-planning arrangements with funeral homes or burial providers to alleviate the burden on your next of kin during a difficult time.
Legal documents: Review and update important documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations, to reflect your current wishes and circumstances. Ensure that all legal documents are stored securely and that trusted individuals know their location and contents.

Home warranty when aging in place

As you consider aging in place, investing in a home warranty can relieve certain stress and provide financial protection against unexpected repairs and maintenance costs, especially considering the costs of aging in place. A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear, offering convenience and reassurance as you age in your home.

Benefits of a home warranty

Budget-friendly coverage: With a single annual premium and a nominal service call fee, you can access comprehensive coverage for a wide range of repair or replacement costs of your home systems and appliances.
Convenience: Aging in place comes with its share of challenges, and unexpected home repairs can add stress and financial strain. With a home warranty in place, you can relax knowing repairs and replacements will be handled promptly and professionally by qualified service providers. You won't have to worry about searching for reliable contractors or negotiating repair costs, allowing you to focus on enjoying your home and independence.
Predictable maintenance costs: Aging homeowners may face fixed incomes and limited resources, making it essential to manage expenses effectively. A home warranty helps you budget for predictable maintenance costs by providing coverage for eligible repairs and replacements at a predictable cost.

Choosing a home warranty

Evaluate the coverage options different home warranty providers offer to decide on a plan that meets your needs and preferences. You’ll have to choose between coverage limits, exclusions, and optional add-ons for customization.

When deciding on a provider, look at their proven track record of quality work, responsive customer service, and timely claim resolution to maximize the value of your home warranty coverage. Review the terms and conditions to understand your rights, obligations, and coverage limitations. Pay attention to coverage exclusions, pre-existing conditions, and service call fees to avoid confusion when filing claims.

Cost considerations

The cost of a home warranty typically ranges from $35 to $80 per month, depending on the coverage level, provider, and location. Higher-tier plans with more extensive coverage may have higher monthly premiums. The average cost of home repairs can vary widely depending on the type and extent of the repair needed.

HVAC system repair ranges from $100 to $1,500 or more, depending on the issue and whether parts need to be replaced.
Minor plumbing repairs such as fixing a leaky faucet may cost around $100 to $200, and bigger issues like pipe replacement can range from $500 to $1,500.
Repairing electrical wiring or replacing outlets and switches can cost anywhere from $100 to $400, while larger repairs like an electrical panel replacement can cost you $2,500.
The cost of repairing or replacing household appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, or washing machines can range from $100 to $1,000 or more per repair.

The amount you will spend on repairs depends on the age and condition of the home, the likelihood of needing repairs, and the specific coverage provided by the warranty plan. Besides the repair or replacement, a home warranty also takes away the stress of finding skilled labor.

Aging in place offers a unique opportunity for individuals to maintain independence, autonomy, and quality of life while staying connected to their homes, communities, and memories. Essential considerations for aging in place include assessing home safety and accessibility, building support systems, financial planning, and legal and end-of-life concerns. If you’re considering aging in place, look at the resources available in your community, start with planning long before you retire, and familiarize yourself with the lifestyle.

Lorena Romo