Aging in place has its benefits. Here are some modifications worth making so a home becomes more senior-friendly.
For many seniors, aging in place is preferable to moving to a care facility. And the reasons are as emotional as they are financial.
In 2021, on a national level, the median annual cost of an assisted living facility was $54,000, according to aging financial solution firm Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey. Meanwhile, the median cost of a shared nursing home room was $94,900, and the median cost of a private nursing home room was $108,405.
But it’s not just money that motivates many seniors and their families to advocate for aging in place. Nicole Hernandez, DPT, a writer and physical therapist who has written extensively for the National Council on Aging, says that when it comes to making these types of decisions, “we have to think about the social health and the mental health of the person, too.”
As Hernandez explains, many seniors prefer to age in their own homes because that allows them to stay in their comfort zone. It also helps them stay connected to their communities.
“It’s important for people to maintain their routines,” Hernandez says. Many seniors struggle with mental health issues as their physical health deteriorates. So keeping them in their preferred environment is key.
That said, you may need to make some adjustments to your loved one’s home if their goal is to age in place. Here are some investments worth making.
