🏡 Aging in Place:
What It Really Means — and How to Do It Successfully
“A while ago, a friend of mine asked, “So, are you planning to move, or are you aging in place?””
At first, I’ll admit — I wasn’t even sure what that phrase meant.
Over the years, I’ve heard it tossed around by doctors, adult children, and home contractors alike. But here’s what I’ve learned — aging in place isn’t about simply staying put. It’s about living safely, comfortably, and independently — right where you are — for as long as possible.
It’s a mindset and a plan, not just a wish.
And it can be done beautifully, especially with a little foresight and the right kind of professional support.
💭 What “Aging in Place” Really Means
When people hear the phrase, many imagine refusing to leave their home no matter what — but that’s not what successful aging in place looks like.
It’s about adapting your surroundings and your habits to your season of life. It means giving yourself the gift of safety, comfort, and easy independence so that your home continues to fit you, even as your needs change.
“It’s not about staying the same,” I often say, “it’s about letting your home grow with you.”
🏠 What an Older Adult Can Do to Prepare
If you’re thinking, “I’d love to stay in my home, but where would I start?” — here’s how aging in place really happens, step by step:
1. Take an Honest Look Around Your Home
Walk through your home as if you were visiting it for the first time. Notice where things might be difficult — steep stairs, low lighting, slippery bathtubs, or rugs that shift underfoot.
For many of us, the changes start simple: adding grab bars, better lighting, non-slip flooring, or sturdy railings.
2. Think About Tomorrow’s You — Not Just Today’s
You may be moving just fine today, but what about five or ten years from now? Aging in place works best when you plan early, not react late. That’s when you can make smart, low-stress updates instead of rushed, expensive ones.
Maybe that means converting a first-floor den into a bedroom, widening a doorway for easier mobility, or rearranging the kitchen so dishes are at arm level. Tiny changes now can make a world of difference down the road.
3. Build Your Support Circle
No one truly “ages in place” on their own.
Build your team now — family, neighbors, local community services, and professionals who specialize in aging-friendly living. A supportive network is what keeps independence secure.
🤝 How a Certified Senior Advisor and Aging-in-Place Specialist Can Help
This is where having the right advisor makes everything easier and safer.
A Certified Senior Advisor (CSA®) who’s also an Aging-in-Place Specialist blends compassion with expertise. They don’t just talk about real estate or finances — they understand the whole life picture of aging well at home. Here’s how they can help:
Home Safety Assessments — They can evaluate your living space and suggest age-friendly modifications that improve mobility, safety, and comfort.
Resource Coordination — They connect you with trusted local professionals — from licensed contractors and occupational therapists to caregivers, movers, or financial planners — ensuring you’re never navigating this transition alone.
Long-Term Planning — They help you consider not just your current comfort, but your future needs: health, accessibility, finances, community support, and maintenance.
Family Communication — Often, advisors help bridge conversations with your loved ones. It’s not about convincing anyone — it’s about building a realistic plan everyone can feel good about.
Most importantly, a CSA/aging-in-place specialist works from a place of ethics and empathy. They walk beside you, never ahead of you, helping you make informed choices — not just about your house, but about your life.
🌷 What Aging in Place Feels Like
When it’s done right, aging in place doesn’t feel like “staying behind.” It feels like staying true.
It’s the peace of knowing you’ve prepared wisely — that your home supports your comfort, safety, and daily joy. It’s hearing the same creak in the hallway wood floor and smiling because, even after all these years, it’s still your hallway.
Aging in place isn’t about resisting change.
It’s about welcoming it — in ways that keep you right where your memories, routines, and heart already belong.
Warm regards,
Jeremy Hickling / CSA®, Broker, CAPS
Certified Senior Advisor & Real Estate Transition Specialist
📞 425.894.4316
🌐 HeartWiseAllies.com
P.S. Here are the top 10 contractor-requested modifications for seniors:
Grab Bars & Backer Boards: In bathrooms, installed with secure backing for stability during showering/bathing.
Curbless/Roll-in Showers: Eliminate tripping hazards and allow for walker/wheelchair access, often with benches.
Wider Doorways & Hallways: For easier maneuverability with walkers or wheelchairs, often aiming for 36-inch widths.
Non-Slip Flooring: Textured tile, luxury vinyl, or engineered wood to prevent falls, with continuous flooring between rooms.
Lever Handles & Touchless Fixtures: Replaces round knobs and standard faucets for easier use with limited hand strength.
Improved Lighting & Rocker Switches: Brighter, glare-free lighting and easy-to-press rocker light switches (or smart controls).
Ramps & Stair Lifts/Railings: Add ramps for entryways and install sturdy handrails or chair lifts for stair navigation.
Kitchen Accessibility: Lowered or adjustable cabinets, pull-out shelves, and accessible appliance placement.
Smart Home Technology: Voice-activated controls, automated lighting, video doorbells, and fall detection for enhanced safety.
Universal Design Principles: Overall open floor plans and subtle, stylish modifications that work for everyone, not just seniors.