Aging In Place
Aging in Place:
A Smart, Practical, Surprisingly Strategic Plan for Maintaining Your Home And Staying Longer
So, no surprise but at some point, as things change, we get to decide how we’re going to live as we get older.
Eventually life presents us with challenges that are too many and living life normally becomes potentially dangerous and uncomfortable and hard to maintain.
“Aging in place” might be described like it’s a warm, sentimental choice—staying in the home where the memories live, the neighbor’s wave, and the coffee mug is always in the correct cabinet… and this is all possibly real 😊
But the smartest way to think about aging in place is more strategy:
How do we preserve independence, safety, and quality of life—without forcing a sudden move after a fall, a diagnosis, or a stressful “we need to decide by Friday” moment?
The best crisis intervention in my experience is crisis prevention
For many seniors (and their families), aging in place can be a great answer. For others, it’s a great phase—a bridge to a later move that’s planned, not panicked. Low stress, you know. Either way, the goal is the same: more control, more dignity, and fewer preventable crises.
What “Aging in Place” Actually Means (Beyond the Buzzword)
Aging in place means being able to live safely and comfortably in your home and community as you age, with the right supports in place—whether that’s home modifications, caregiving help, transportation alternatives, or a housing layout that doesn’t require Olympic-level balance.
It’s not one-size-fits-all. It can mean:
Staying in the same house with a few upgrades
Moving once into a more suitable “forever” layout (single level, fewer stairs)
Living in an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) near family
Downsizing into a condo where maintenance is handled
Creating a multigenerational setup that keeps family support close—but not too close 😊
Aging in place isn’t “never move.” It’s don’t get forced into a move by preventable problems.
The Real Drivers of Independence: Daily Function (Not Just Motivation)
One reason aging in place planning matters: independence is often limited by small, everyday tasks—not big dramatic events.
Healthcare and aging professionals often talk about Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):
Basic ADLs: bathing, toileting, dressing, eating, getting in/out of bed or chairs
Instrumental ADLs: cooking, cleaning, shopping, managing medications, transportation, finances
This is where the rubber hits the road. When these get harder, it affects safety, confidence, and mental health. And here’s the important housing connection:
The “Mismatch Problem”
What happens is, many seniors don’t lose independence overnight—they lose it when the home stops fitting their needs. It’s gradual and frustrating but it’s a sign of things to come.
Common culprits:
dim hallways and stairs
slippery tubs
tight bathrooms and hallways
a single handrail that wobbles like it’s morally opposed to stability
trip hazards (thresholds, rugs, uneven flooring)
difficulty accessing outdoors easily
‘Aging in place’ works best when the home is treated like an extension of the occupant. A partner, —not an obstacle course. 🙆♀️
Jeremy 425.894.4316