Aging In Place Benefits
Most Americans want to stay in their own home as they age. AARP’s Home and Community
Preferences Survey actually sites 77% of those 50 and older wish to stay in their homes long
term.
Instead of purchasing a new home, effective modifications may increase your home's value. You will also benefit from the neighborhood relationships you've built over the years allowing for social interaction, familiarity with local amenities, shopping, recreation areas, your established medical providers and the feeling of privacy, comfort and safety being in the home you created over a number of years.
Living in your own home long term can also be less expensive than moving to a retirement
community. According to Genworth's 2022 Cost of Care Survey, in the Boston, Massachusetts area the median cost of assisted living is $6,750 per month, adult day health care median cost is $2,643 per month, in home care health aide median cost is $7,436 per month and nursing homes median price for a semi private room is $14,144, private room is $15,345. These cost vary depending on services, amenities, lifestyle and location but are more significant than the average costs to age in your own home.
Aging in place may also mean lower healthcare costs to those using their own primary care network and medical service providers rather than paying for the healthcare and services provided a la carte at a senior community. Purchasing groceries and preparing your own food will mean lower food costs and receiving personal care services in your home or local community may well be less than those provided by a retirement community.
According to the US Census, by 2030, 20% of the US population will be 65 and older, totaling
more than 77 million adults. At this level, we will have a “Super Aged Society,” as defined by the
United Nations. Between 2020 and 2023, according to the National Association of Home Builders, 76% of home remodelers saw an increase in requests for aging in place modifications. The
Aging in Place trend in home design will continue to grow, helping to create safety and ease of living for all.
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It is becoming increasingly popular and necessary to create additional living spaces within your home, such as "in-law suites" with or without private entrances that allow for a bathroom, kitchenette and living room to provide older family members or adult children with the independence and privacy they desire while maintaining proximity to their family.
Integrating safety and accessibility features such as no-step entryways, wide doorways, well lit halls, bathrooms designed with walk-in or curbless showers, comfort height toilets, grab bars and no slip flooring ensures that the home is safe and convenient for older family members or those with disabilities, promoting independence and reducing the risk of falls and accidents.
I recently helped clients list their home in Westwood, Ma with a legal in-law suite which included a bedroom, living room, small kitchen, laundry room and bath with shower which was accessed through the main house. The main house offered plenty of living space for all to gather but the suite offered the addition of independence and privacy.. We had many visitors through who were there because of their interest in the in-law suite. The home was under agreement at a price over asking within 4 days, showing the growing demand for multi-generational housing and corresponding increase in market value.
Accessory dwellings are popping up in communities everywhere! These separate units or converted spaces offer their own amenities, additional privacy and independence while still being close to the main family home. Accommodating varying needs across different generations, they provide flexibility, autonomy and affordability while increasing the value of the property. We will be seeing more and more of these being built as the need for multi-generational living increases
Focusing on creating comfortable and accessible outdoor living spaces, such as patios, gardens, and decks, offers additional places for relaxation, enjoying family activities and a daily dose of essential sunshine.
Integrating smart home technology, such as programmable thermostats and smart home amenities, enhances safety, convenience and comfort for all family members. Technology is continually evolving to allow for independent connectivity while supporting the diverse interests and needs of a multi-generational household.
Focusing on designing modifications that are attractive as well as functional or adding an accessory dwelling or in-law suite to your home, multi-generational family households have the opportunity to create a safe and comfortable lifestyle while strengthening family bonds.
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