Aging in Place

Promoting Independence in the Home

In the past, if someone had difficulty living by themselves, it was a signal that now was time to move in with family or go to a nursing home. But, for most people, that no longer is the case. Today, you can live on your own for many years, even as you grow older and start needing help with everyday tasks. This is called “aging in place.”

When you develop a chronic health condition, like diabetes, arthritis, or Alzheimer’s disease, aging in place means more that just staying put. You need a place to live that is safe and fits with your abilities. As driving becomes more difficult, it is important to access reliable and affordable transportation. A wide range of paid services may be available in your community. You may also want extra funds for family caregivers or for home modifications (such as a ramp or lift) that can extend the time you can live at home.

Americans of all ages value their ability to live independently. But without a plan for aging in place, it can be hard to stay in control of your life. Knowing your health risks and financial options can make a big difference in your ability to stay in a familiar place.

Information courtesy of National Aging in Place Council

Making Your Home Senior Friendly

The Home Maintenance Club offers advice and tips on how to make your home safe and more accessible through remodeling entry ways, bathrooms/bedrooms, kitchens, lighting, and in the yard. Accidents in the home can be avoided by preparing your home as you grow older. Remodeling can provide more space in the places you spend the most time in your home creating a more comfortable and safe environment to live.

What makes it a "reverse" mortgage?

Reverse MortgageA reverse mortgage is exactly what its name implies — a loan whose features make it essentially the reverse of a traditional "forward" mortgage. Instead of making monthly payments, you can choose to receive them. That’s the “reverse” part of a reverse mortgage. Instead of turning your income into equity, you turn your equity into readily accessible funds.

That last feature — the ability to turn your equity into readily accessible funds — is what most distinguishes a reverse mortgage from other loans, and it's what can make it valuable to senior homeowners. Having spent years repaying the mortgage that allowed you to buy your home, you can now tap into that investment to help you achieve your goals later in life. However you plan to use your equity — whether paying medical expenses, improving your home, or just adding a bit of cushion to your monthly budget — you'll have a golden opportunity to put your nest egg to work for you.

Aging in Place Remodeling Services

  • Attached Garage
  • Garage Door Opener
  • Lever-Handle/Door Knobs
  • Wider Doors (32-in. Clearance)
  • Full Bath on Entry Level
  • Wider Hallways
  • Storage Space
  • Front or Back Porch
  • Bigger Bathrooms
  • Washer and Dryer in Home/Unit
  • Eating Counter in Kitchen
  • Separate Shower and Bathtub
  • Private Patio
  • Easily Usable Climate Control (Thermostat)
  • Kitchen Cabinets with Roll-Out Trays and Lazy Susans
  • Windows That Can Open Easily
  • Higher Toilets
  • Extra Lighting
  • Master Bedroom on 1st Floor in Two-Story Home
  • Central Island in Kitchen
  • No Steps at Entrance
  • Grab Bars in Bathroom
  • Smaller Lot (Less Than 9,000 sq. ft.)
  • Compartmentalized Toilet
  • Sunroom
  • Shower without Doors
  • Seating in Bathroom
  • Electrical Outlets Higher
  • Non-Slip Floors
  • Large Medicine Cabinet
  • Electrical Switches Lower
  • Elevator
  • Wood-Burning Fireplace
  • Kitchen Cabinets a Little Lower
  • Emergency Call Button
  • Round Vanities in the Bathroom