Want to keep living at home as you age? Key things to consider

Most older adults prefer to stay in the home they live in: 93% of people 65 and older say they currently live in their own home or apartment and would rather age there. Still, people in that age group face a 69% chance of needing some type of care as they grow older, and costs for paid help can be steep — non-medical home services average $35 an hour (about $80,000 a year) while skilled nursing runs roughly $90 an hour (nearly $206,000 a year).

Start by defining what ageing in place means for you. Consider proximity to family and services, your likely health trajectory, and whether you have support nearby. Experts urge assembling legal and care documents early — healthcare proxy, power of attorney and a named care team — and reviewing them regularly so wishes are clear if circumstances change.

Assess the house from top to bottom for safety and accessibility. Fewer stairs and wider doorways help if walkers or wheelchairs become necessary; walk-in showers, grab bars, task lighting and non-slip flooring reduce fall risk.

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