Aging in place refers to living in your own home, on your own terms, as long as possible. It’s no surprise that this has become a popular option for homeowners across the country. The choice is also enabled by the growing numbers of technological solutions and renovation options that make aging in place possible. But is this the right move for you or an aging family member? What exactly needs to be done? Here’s what you should know about this trend.

Aging in Place in Increasingly Common

Aging in place has become a very popular solution – and this shouldn’t be a surprise! Nursing homes and assisted living arrangements aren’t exactly a first choice for the average homeowners. Studies have shown that 9 in 10 older Americans want to live in their homes as long as possible. With an average of 10,000 people turning 65 every day, there’s a lot of interest in finding the right aging in place solutions for people! It’s estimated that by 2050, almost one-quarter of Americans will be 65 or older. That’s a lot of demand.

Options for Aging in Place

There are two very popular choices for aging in place. First, you stay in your own home (which has obvious benefits), and simply make important upgrades for safety, accessibility, and meeting new needs as you age. Technology, in particular, can help encourage this type of independence.

The other popular choice is a living situation where you live close to your children but in a separate or independent situation, such as a small “granny pod” in the back or a converted section of the house. This allows plenty of freedom but also lets your children keep an eye on your health and safety.

Aging in place has become a very popular solution – and this shouldn’t be a surprise! Nursing homes and assisted living arrangements aren’t exactly a first choice for the average homeowners. Studies have shown that 9 in 10 older Americans want to live in their homes as long as possible.

Considering Costs

What’s the most cost-effective option for retirees? This depends on the situation. Assisted living costs may be around $4,000 per month on average, according to 2018 data. Aging in place can require major upgrades to a house that depend on the size of the home and what’s involved, but they tend to be one-time renovation costs rather than ongoing expenses, and are often eligible for home loans or lines of credit and other payment options.

Getting into the Details

Watch for future blogs where we discuss important specifics of aging in place. This includes family-based “granny pods” and how they work, specific renovations that benefit aging in place, what sort of technology these choices involve, and more! Common solutions include accessibility options for bathrooms, ramps for wheelchair access, monitoring and smart health devices for the home, softer flooring to cushion potential falls, and similar projects.

Do you have further questions about aging in place? We are the top local choice for aging in place remodeling projects in the East Cobb area. Would you like to see examples of renovation projects or start planning your own changes about the home? Contact Quality Craftsmen today to learn more!