What to Know About Aging in Place: Planning, Safety and Costs

For many families, keeping an aging parent at home feels like the right choice. But aging in place often means remodeling spaces, coordinating care and managing costs along the way.

More older adults are choosing to remain in their own homes instead of moving into assisted living facilities. This is known as aging in place.

For many families, staying home offers comfort and independence, but it also requires planning, home updates, and often, caregiving support.

The National Institute on Aging says growing older at home works best when people prepare before serious health issues arise.

Planning early allows older adults to think through the kind of help they may need, get acquainted with available local services, and adjust their homes as needed. It also gives families space to discuss support, safety, and changing needs to protect their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Making the Home Safer

One of the biggest concerns of aging in place is safety. There is always the danger of falls, the leading cause of injury among older adults, especially at night during bathroom trips. Bathrooms in particular can be risky because of hard surfaces and slippery floors.

There are simple fixes to prevent injuries brought about by moving around at home. In New Jersey, Steve and Pam Sfugaras remodeled their home so Steve’s 96-year-old mother, Fay, who is living with Alzheimer’s, could move in safely.

The changes included adding handrails, installing a pull-down shower seat and replacing the front door to allow wheelchair access. “She was always a very independent woman herself. It was very difficult watching the deterioration,” Steve said.

Other updates may be more basic, such as improving lighting or securing loose railings (NIA). The NIA recommends reviewing the home room by room to identify hazards and revisiting safety needs as conditions change.

For some, help is available. Sheri Miller, 86, who lives alone in New York City, received free grab bars after contacting a local advocacy organization following a fall. “The grab bars were a godsend. I don't even think about it now. It's part of my daily living,” she said.

The Role of Caregivers

Aging in place often depends on family members.

Home-based care can include help with daily activities like bathing and dressing, managing medications, preparing meals, transportation, and handling bills.

Some support comes from relatives and friends, while other services may be provided by professionals or community programs.

For caregivers, it's a huge responsibility. Pam Sfugaras said the decision to bring her mother-in-law into their home was not easy.

“It's a big decision, and one that should not be taken lightly,” she said. The couple described juggling work, caregiving, and time with their own children and grandchildren, along with the emotional strain and loss of privacy.

Still, it is rewarding. “Seeing her when we have a party, or a birthday, and she's with all the family and the kids, I could see she's very happy,” Steve said.

Understanding the Costs

Another major factor to consider is the costs.

Modifications at home can range from a few hundred dollars for small repairs to thousands for larger accessibility upgrades.

According to the NIA, home-based services can be expensive, though in some cases they may cost less than assisted living or nursing home care.

Families often combine payment sources, including personal savings, government programs such as Medicare or Medicaid, veterans' benefits, or private insurance options.

Some states and local agencies also offer financial assistance for medically necessary changes.

Aging in place allows older adults to stay connected to familiar surroundings and routines. But experts say it works best when families plan ahead, assess safety regularly, and understand both the emotional and financial commitments involved.