Episode 2 - Tips for Aging in Place – Simple Steps for a Safer, More Comfortable Home

Did you know that 80% of falls happen right at home? For many of us, staying in the home we love is the goal as we age, but without the right changes, our homes can become unsafe.

Hi, I’m Jewell, and I’ve spent the last 10 years helping seniors and serving as a caregiver myself. In this post, I’m sharing practical Tips for Aging in Place—simple steps you can take to make your home safer, more comfortable, and ready for the future.

If you prefer watching instead of reading, check out my latest YouTube episode here

Why Is Aging in Place Important?

Aging in place means staying in your home as you grow older, where you’re most comfortable and independent. However, as our needs change, our homes need to change with us to reduce risks like falls and make daily life easier.

3 Key Focus Areas for Aging in Place

To successfully age in place, focus on these three areas:

Make Your Home Safe
Plan for Financial Costs
Get the Support You Need

Let’s break these down into practical tips you can start implementing today.

1. Make Your Home Safe

Creating a safe physical space is the first step to aging in place. Here’s how to make key rooms in your home safer:

Bathroom Safety

Install grab bars near the toilet and shower.
Use non-slip mats or adhesive strips in the shower.
Switch to a walk-in shower or use a shower chair.

Kitchen Accessibility

Keep frequently used items in easy-to-reach cabinets.
Install pull-out shelves to avoid bending or reaching.
Use anti-fatigue mats where you stand most often.

Living Areas and Bedroom

Remove trip hazards like loose rugs and cords.
Brighten rooms with better lighting.
Add nightlights to bedrooms to improve nighttime visibility.

2. Plan for Financial Costs

Many people assume insurance will cover the costs of aging in place, but that’s not always the case. Here are the costs to plan for:

Home Modifications: $3,000–$50,000+ (e.g., grab bars, ramps, walk-in showers).
In-Home Care:
- Hourly care: $18–$36 per hour.
- 24/7 care: Up to $25,920 per month.
Medical Equipment:
- Grab bars: $75–$300
- Adjustable beds: $500–$5,000
- Stair lifts: $3,000–$10,000

How to Pay:

Reverse mortgages
Long-term care insurance
Medicaid waivers and veterans’ benefits
Personal savings

3. Get the Support You Need

Even with a safe home, support is essential to aging in place.

Caregiving Support

Talk to family about caregiving roles.
Hire professional caregivers for additional help.

Technology to Simplify Care

Medical Alert Systems: Devices that call for help during emergencies.
Smart Home Sensors: Detect falls or unusual inactivity.
Voice-Controlled Assistants: Tools like Alexa or Google that help with tasks like turning on lights or calling for help.

Download Your Free Resources

To help you get started on this exciting journey toward achieving your goals, I’ve created a comprehensive guide that includes a wealth of information and resources designed to support you in every step of the process:

Home Safety Checklist

Home Safety Checklist to guide you room by room.