Most seniors want to stay in their own homes as long as possible—and with the right support, many can. But aging in place isn't right for everyone. This guide helps you compare home care options with assisted living to find the best solution for your family.
What Is Aging in Place?
Aging in place means staying in your own home (or a family member's home) as you grow older, using home modifications and in-home care to maintain independence and safety. It's the preference of most seniors—about 90% say they want to age in their current home.
Successful aging in place typically requires:
- A safe, accessible home (or willingness to modify it)
- In-home care support for daily tasks
- Transportation solutions
- Social connections to prevent isolation
- Family support and involvement
- Sufficient financial resources
Aging in Place vs. Assisted Living: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Aging in Place | Assisted Living |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (moderate care) | $4,500-$7,000/mo | $4,500-$6,500/mo |
| Cost (high care) | $12,000-$20,000/mo | $6,500-$9,000/mo |
| 24/7 care available | Yes, but expensive | Yes, included |
| Social opportunities | Limited | Built-in |
| Meals provided | Need to arrange | 3 meals/day |
| Home maintenance | Your responsibility | Included |
| Transportation | Need to arrange | Often included |
| Familiar environment | Yes | No (adjustment period) |
Home Care Options for Aging in Place
Non-Medical Home Care (Companion/Personal Care)
Help with daily activities and companionship:
- Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming)
- Meal preparation and feeding assistance
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Medication reminders
- Companionship and social engagement
- Transportation to appointments
- Errands and shopping
Cost in Douglas County: $27-$35/hour
Home Health Care (Skilled/Medical)
Medical care provided in the home by licensed professionals:
- Skilled nursing care
- Physical, occupational, speech therapy
- Wound care and injections
- Monitoring vital signs and health conditions
- IV therapy and medication management
Cost: Often covered by Medicare when ordered by a physician for a specific condition
Adult Day Programs
Daytime programs that provide supervision, activities, and socialization while family caregivers work or take a break:
- Social activities and engagement
- Meals and snacks
- Some health monitoring
- Respite for family caregivers
Cost: $60-$100/day
Sample Aging in Place Costs
- Home care: $3,200/mo
- Meals (Meals on Wheels): $200/mo
- Transportation: $150/mo
- Total: ~$3,550/mo
- Home care: $6,500/mo
- Meals: $200/mo
- Transportation: $150/mo
- Total: ~$6,850/mo
Add home modifications ($5,000-$20,000 one-time), home maintenance, and property taxes. Compare to assisted living at $4,500-$6,500/month all-inclusive.
Home Modifications for Safe Aging
Making a home safer and more accessible is essential for aging in place. Common modifications include:
Bathroom Safety
- Grab bars near toilet and in shower/tub
- Walk-in shower or tub-to-shower conversion
- Raised toilet seat or comfort-height toilet
- Non-slip flooring and mats
- Handheld showerhead
Mobility & Access
- Ramps at entrances
- Stair lifts or platform lifts
- Handrails on both sides of stairs
- Widened doorways for wheelchairs
- Lever-style door handles (easier than knobs)
General Safety
- Improved lighting throughout
- Motion-sensor lights
- Medical alert systems
- Smart home devices (voice-controlled lights, thermostats)
- Security cameras for remote check-ins
When Aging in Place May Not Work
Despite best intentions, aging in place isn't always the safest or most practical option. Consider assisted living if you see:
- Frequent falls: Even with home modifications, some homes aren't safe for mobility-impaired seniors
- Isolation and depression: Limited social contact, withdrawal from activities, signs of loneliness
- Caregiver burnout: Family caregivers are exhausted, stressed, or neglecting their own health
- 24-hour supervision needed: Home care for 24/7 coverage costs $15,000-$20,000/month—far more than assisted living
- Significant cognitive decline: Wandering, getting lost, forgetting to turn off appliances, safety risks
- Declining nutrition: Not eating properly, losing weight, forgetting meals
- Medication mismanagement: Missing doses, taking wrong amounts, confusion about medications
Learn more in our guide: When Is It Time for Assisted Living?
Hybrid Approaches
You don't have to choose one or the other permanently. Many families use a combination:
- Home care + respite stays: Age in place with regular respite stays in assisted living to give family caregivers breaks
- Adult day program + home care: Day program provides socialization and daytime supervision; home care covers evenings and personal care
- Trial stay: Try assisted living for 2-4 weeks (respite care) to see if it's a good fit before committing
- Independent living: For more active seniors, independent living communities offer social amenities without full assisted living care
Learn about short-term options: Respite Care Guide
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Is the home safe, or can it be reasonably modified?
- How much care is needed now? What about in 1-2 years?
- Is there reliable family support nearby?
- Can you afford the cost of adequate home care?
- Is isolation or loneliness affecting quality of life?
- Are family caregivers showing signs of burnout?
- What does your loved one want? Are their wishes realistic?
Douglas County Home Care Resources
If you decide to pursue aging in place, Douglas County has several home care agencies and resources. If assisted living becomes the better choice, explore our Douglas County communities:
Related Resources
Need Help Deciding?
Whether you're exploring home care or considering assisted living, we can help you evaluate your options in Douglas County. Free consultation, no obligation.
Call 720-819-5667 for Free Consultation