Aging in Place

According to a Fannie Mae survey, a majority of homeowners over age 60 would prefer to stay in their current home as they get older. Choosing to stay safely in one’s own home as they get older is known as aging in place. There are many reasons why this may be a good option, from the financial to the practical to the emotional. It’s important to consider one's specific circumstances and preferences when thinking about where to spend later years.

If you or a loved one intends to age in place, planning and preparation can help make it safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.

Note: Your situation may be unique and different from those discussed in this article. We recommend consulting with financial and other professional advisors to ensure the best guidance for your specific needs.

Things to consider

Deciding whether to stay in your current home as you age or move elsewhere is an extremely personal choice.

Make sure to consider the many factors that could impact your quality of life, such as:

Personal preference

What do you want and need from your living space and broader living environment?

Health and mobility

What type of outside assistance do you need — or might you need soon — to continue living comfortably in your home? What are the potential costs of this in-home assistance?

Finances

Is remaining in your home long term financially realistic? Consider the cost of any modifications needed to make your home safer and more accessible.

Involvement of loved ones

Can your family or friends provide support? If so, coordinate with loved ones to be sure you’ll have the assistance you need.

Community resources

Are local programs or services available that could assist with your home modifications or other needs?

If you decide to stay in your home as you age, you’ll want your home to be set up and equipped to support you. You may need to make updates or modifications for safety, mobility and accessibility, health concerns, and more. AARP offers the following recommendations to prepare your home.

Tip

If it makes financial sense, consider hiring a professional to conduct a home safety check to identify potential hazards and provide recommendations.

Getting older can make it more challenging to move like you used to. Consider making changes in your home so you can get around as easily as possible.

Entryways: Entry with no steps or with a ramp, if needed.
Doorways: Wide enough for wheelchairs or walkers, doors with easy-to-turn handles.
Walkways: Clear, well-lit, with non-slip flooring.
Bathroom: Grab bars for the tub and toilet, raised toilet, walk-in shower, non-slip mat.
Kitchen: Lower countertops, pull-out drawers, accessible appliances.
Lighting: Plenty of lighting throughout the house, including night-lights, for increased visibility.

You may want to take additional steps to stay safe while aging in your home. One thing you can do is install alert systems for dangers, such as fires, and easy access to contact emergency services.

Personal emergency response system: A medical alert button to call for help in emergencies.
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms: Remember to test regularly.

Technology can provide additional assistance by automating tasks, monitoring for emergencies, and simplifying the things you do every day.

Smart home devices: Voice-activated lighting, thermostats, and appliances.
Medical alert systems: Wearable devices to monitor health and call for help, if needed.

When it comes to home preparation, don’t forget about the exterior. There are ways to make it easier to continue enjoying your outdoor space.

Easier entry: Ramps to entryways, if needed.
Pathways: Clear, well-lit, safe access to the yard and garage, if applicable.
Raised garden beds: Making gardening more accessible.

Health and safety professionals can provide additional insight on how to accommodate your needs.

Medical evaluation: Your doctor can help assess your current health conditions and mobility limitations.
Home safety audit: A professional evaluation can help identify potential hazards before they become an issue.

Home preparation checklist

Keep track of tasks as you get your home ready for more comfortable and safe aging in place. Our helpful checklist can be easily downloaded or printed for reference.

View checklist

Age at home with confidence

Taking proactive steps to plan where and how you want to live as you age could provide more clarity, control, and peace of mind — for yourself and for your loved ones. Prepare ahead of time to more confidently age in place.

Checklist: Prepare your home to support your needs as you age

As you or a loved one consider aging in place, it’s important to make sure your home is as safe, comfortable, and accessible as possible. This checklist is based on information from AARP. Although it is not comprehensive, the list provides an overview of the major adjustments you can consider making to different areas of your home.

You may not need to make every addition or modification in this list. Consider your individual mobility and safety needs right now and how they may change as you age. Then decide what will work best to support your independence and enhance your daily life.

Bathroom

Install a walk-in shower.
Use a shower chair and handheld showerhead.
If you have a tub, add grab bars and a non-slip mat.
Raise the height of the toilet seat.
Install lever-style faucets.

Kitchen

Get a stove that alerts you if burners are left on.
Move appliances to more convenient locations, if possible.
Replace refrigerator and other appliances with more accessible models, if needed.
Add slide-out drawers for easier access.

Bedroom

Move your bedroom downstairs, if needed.
Ensure your bed is easily accessible or invest in an adjustable bed.

Living areas

Declutter and get rid of unneeded items taking up space.
Choose chairs with armrests for easier sitting and standing.
Purchase a lift chair, if needed.

Stairs

Make sure railings are sturdy and secure.
Add carpet or other non-slip material to steps.
Install an electric stair lift, if needed.

Flooring

Replace shaggy carpeting with short-pile carpets for easier mobility.
Secure area rugs to avoid tripping.
Consider covering hard flooring with short-pile carpet to reduce injuries from falls.