Plan for Aging in Place: 5 Key Steps and How Center-Based Care Supports Each One

Aging in place—the ability to live independently and comfortably in one’s own home—is a priority for millions of families. According to Kiplinger, 75% of adults over 50 prefer to avoid institutional care (Kiplinger).

At A Plus Home Health, we’ve guided countless families through the complex decisions surrounding aging in place. From personal experience, we know it’s not just about keeping someone at home—it’s about creating a safe, vibrant, and sustainable environment that supports independence while offering professional care when needed.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the five critical steps families should take to plan for aging in place, and show how center-based support services enhance every aspect of the process.

Step 1: Home Modifications – Creating a Safe, Accessible Environment

Aging in place begins at home. Even minor physical limitations can make everyday activities like bathing, cooking, or climbing stairs risky. Research shows that only 10% of U.S. homes are considered aging-friendly, highlighting the need for thoughtful home modifications (Kiplinger).

Essential Home Modifications Include:

• Bathroom Safety: Walk-in showers, non-slip flooring, and strategically placed grab bars can dramatically reduce fall risk.

• Kitchen Adjustments: Lowering countertops, pull-out shelves, and reachable appliances prevent strain and injuries.

• Lighting Upgrades: Motion-activated lighting in hallways and stairways improves visibility and prevents accidents.

• Entryway Accessibility: Widening doors and installing ramps make it easier to navigate with walkers or wheelchairs.

• Smart Home Technology: Devices like medical alert systems, automated lighting, and voice-activated assistants increase safety and independence.

At A Plus Home Health, our care coordinators work with families to identify high-impact modifications and connect them with trusted contractors who specialize in aging-in-place renovations. From personal experience, we’ve seen how even small adjustments transform the daily experience of older adults—giving families peace of mind and confidence in their loved one’s independence.

Step 2: Building a Support Network – Family, Friends, and Professionals

Even with a safe home, no one should navigate aging alone. A robust support network is essential for maintaining independence, providing emotional well-being, and ensuring timely interventions when challenges arise.

Creating a Support Network Includes:

• Assessing Daily Needs: Identify which activities may require assistance, such as medication management, personal care, or transportation.

• Engaging Family and Friends: Delegate responsibilities, share updates, and maintain open communication about care priorities.

• Hiring Professionals: In-home aides, nurses, or therapists can supplement family care, providing expertise and reliability.

• Leveraging Community Resources: Local aging agencies, volunteer programs, and nonprofit organizations offer additional support and social engagement opportunities (Area Agencies on Aging).

Center-based care programs complement home support beautifully. By participating in adult day services, older adults gain access to skilled nursing, therapy, and structured social activities, while families receive much-needed respite. From our experience, this combination of home care plus center-based support reduces caregiver burnout and ensures consistency in care—even when family members are at work or traveling.

Step 3: Exploring Community Resources – Connecting Beyond the Home

Aging in place isn’t just about the home—it’s about staying engaged and connected in the community. Participation in social and recreational activities, access to healthcare services, and reliable transportation significantly improve quality of life.

Key Community Resources:

• Transportation Services: Local shuttle programs, senior transit services, and ride-sharing for medical appointments prevent isolation.

• Healthcare Access: Clinics, pharmacies, and therapy centers that offer coordinated care are vital for chronic condition management.

• Social & Recreational Programs: Senior centers, volunteer opportunities, and hobby clubs support mental stimulation and social connections.

• Educational Resources: Workshops on health, nutrition, and technology help seniors remain independent and engaged.

Our center-based care model acts as a hub for community integration. Participants receive transportation, meals, and therapy in a structured environment while connecting with peers and professionals. In our experience, families report that older adults attending our centers are more socially active, confident, and happier, which directly supports aging-in-place goals (National Institute on Aging: Aging in Place).

Step 4: Developing a Contingency Plan – Preparing for the Unexpected

Even with careful planning, emergencies and health changes can occur. A comprehensive contingency plan ensures that aging in place remains sustainable and safe.

Contingency Planning Essentials:

• Advance Directives: Legal documents outlining healthcare preferences.

• Emergency Contacts: Updated lists of family, friends, and local healthcare providers.

• Alternative Care Options: Identify respite or temporary care settings if home care becomes insufficient.

• Financial Safeguards: Savings or insurance options to cover unexpected expenses.

Center-based care can serve as a critical contingency solution. For example, if a caregiver is unavailable or a medical event occurs, the senior can attend a center for temporary care, ensuring safety, structured support, and access to professionals. Our experience shows that families who incorporate flexible center-based options feel more confident in their long-term aging-in-place strategy.

Step 5: Financial Planning – Making Aging in Place Sustainable

Cost considerations are often the most overlooked aspect of aging in place. Expenses can include home modifications, professional care, medical equipment, transportation, and center-based services.

Financial Planning Strategies:

• Budgeting: Outline expected and unexpected costs.

• Insurance: Review long-term care insurance, Medicare supplemental coverage, or Medicaid eligibility (Medicare.gov).

• Savings & Investments: Dedicated funds for aging-in-place expenses can prevent financial stress.

• Payment Flexibility: Center-based care programs often offer sliding scales or accept insurance to offset costs.

At A Plus Home Health, we help families align budgets with care plans, ensuring that aging in place is not only possible but financially manageable. Our clients often find that center-based services are a cost-effective alternative to full-time residential care, providing professional oversight at a fraction of the cost.

Integrating Center-Based Support: The Secret to Success

Through years of experience, we’ve observed that families who integrate center-based care with home support achieve the most sustainable and fulfilling outcomes. Center-based services provide:

• Consistent access to skilled professionals: Nurses, therapists, and social workers are available daily.

• Safe social engagement: Structured activities prevent isolation and cognitive decline.

• Respite for caregivers: Families can balance work, personal responsibilities, and self-care.

• Emergency readiness: Centers act as a buffer during health crises.

By combining these services with home modifications, strong support networks, community engagement, contingency plans, and financial planning, families create a holistic aging-in-place strategy that prioritizes independence, safety, and quality of life.

Final Thoughts: Aging in Place with Confidence

Aging in place is not just a preference—it’s a lifestyle that requires strategic planning, professional support, and family collaboration. At A Plus Home Health, we help families navigate each step of the process, providing center-based care solutions that enhance safety, social engagement, and peace of mind.

If you’re considering aging in place for yourself or a loved one, start today by evaluating your home, building a support network, and exploring local resources. With thoughtful planning and professional guidance, aging in place can be a safe, enriching, and empowering choice.