What is aging in place?

Aging in Place

Allowing seniors to age in the comfort & safety of their own homes

Vintage photo of a baby in a garden with flowers and a wooden fence in the background.

We’ve worked so hard for that fenced in yard for the family, but fail to plan for our own aging needs when it comes to basic living spaces.

Illnesses, injuries, and falls force seniors into the difficult decision to unsafely remain alone or relocate with family or into facilities.

This can be difficult, stressful, and expensive.

Why not remain at home where there are more memories and comfort?

A black and white photo of six elderly people sitting together on a porch, with brick and siding on the building in the background.
A man and woman affectionately embracing in a grassy outdoor setting, with trees and a garden structure in the background. The man is holding a hat.

Home

Home

Logo of the National Association of Home Builders with the acronym CAPS inside a house silhouette.

  • Aging-in-Place is a specialty certification is offered by the National Association of Home Builders and the program requires completion of live courses and requires up to date continuing education to maintain certification and accreditation.

    Certified professionals help identify barriers, assess improvement areas, and provide modification options to accommodate the needs of individuals of all abilities.

A black and white photo of a smiling man and woman sitting close together in front of an old car, outdoors with trees in the background.

    • Widened entry ways for increased accessibility

    • Pattern, color, and style design recommendations for low vision or chronic disease progression

    • Fully accessible and functional curb appeal

    • Grab bar placement for safer transitions in bathrooms and showers

    • Door-knob to door-lever style replacements for easier grip opening

    • Improved lighting for safer navigation and tasks in living spaces

    • Stair lifts, ramps, and elevator needs

    • Adjustable height countertops, sinks, and stoves

    • Spacious and functional floor plans to increase safety

    • Non-skid or non-slip grips on stairs or railing additions

    • Accessibility designs for live-in caregiver quarters

    • Developmentally appropriate play spaces

    • Weather-proof safety designs for outdoor living spaces

Close-up of an elderly person's hand gripping a silver grab bar in a home bathroom, with a pink floral gown visible.
Logo of the American Occupational Therapy Association, featuring the acronym AOTA and the text "Proud Member."

  • Occupational Therapists help facilitate independence with those everyday tasks and invest in how you want to occupy your time.

    From dressing, grooming, and bathing, to maintaining the home and family, driving, working, and enjoying recreational activities, Occupational Therapists (OT) work to develop tailored plans to increase independence, enhance participation, and enrich lives through meaningful activities.

    Occupational Therapists are in schools, hospitals, mental and physical rehabilitation units. When specialized, you can find them in driving rehabilitation centers, community outreach programs, vision rehabilitation, corporate ergonomic assessors, and outdoor adaptive sports programs. They work in homes, clinics, hospitals, schools, and even penitentiaries. Therapists work integrating individuals and groups into communities and build healthy support systems. They are highly educated in neurological, musculoskeletal, mental health, human development, community living, and educational needs. They work in teams and find collaboration key to success.

    These are the ones that help you put all the puzzle pieces together and they love what they do.

    Working with an OT allows more detailed assessments, specific cognitive and mobility considerations, and function-based planning for everyone.

    While CAPS programs were originally designed to meet the needs of aging seniors, Occupational Therapists are able to offer a unique perspective to meet the needs of any client at any age-despite their ability. Life can be hard enough, it’s time to make your environment finally work for you!

Close-up of an elderly person knitting with red yarn, wearing a gold watch, a bracelet, and an orange and white patterned shirt, sitting on a red chair outside.

Healthy Aging Resources

Johns Hopkins University
Mayo Clinic
An elderly woman and man sitting on a striped sofa in a living room, the woman is wearing a light-colored dress with buttons and glasses, and the man is wearing a dark suit with a tie, both looking at the camera.
Center for Disease Control
National Institute of Health