When discussing living options for older adults, people tend to default to thoughts of assisted living. Nursing homes, senior living communities, and retirement communities are the options most people are familiar with. 

However, there are two big problems with this thinking. 

First, there is another significant option that people often overlook: aging in place. Aging in place doesn’t mean crossing your fingers and hoping you can live at home for as long as possible. It means strategically preparing your home to support you for possible changes to your mobility and health. Simple aging-in-place design updates can extend your ability to live at home in your later years.

Second, people often wait far too long to compare the benefits of aging in place with those of assisted living. Aging-in-place design for the home involves remodeling, which can be a time-consuming process. Often, when someone’s health takes a sudden turn, there isn’t time to modify a home; as a result, there is little choice left but to pursue assisted living.

It’s a pretty natural thing to avoid thinking about these issues. None of us wants to think about getting older (or admit that we are). However, much like life insurance and other measures we take to prepare for the unexpected, thinking ahead about your living arrangements in your later years is crucial. 

Below, you’ll find a primer for understanding the difference between aging in place and assisted living, and we hope you’ll find it useful in starting this discussion with your loved ones. 

What Is Assisted Living for Seniors?

When people hear “assisted living,” their mind often conjures up stereotyped images of nursing homes. They think of frightening images from when they were children, of older loved ones living in sterile, hospital-like rooms, with little freedom and the need for an intense level of care.

However, this is not the only kind of assisted living out there. 

Assisted Living Communities 

While nursing homes do fall under the assisted living umbrella, assisted living in senior communities is a very different experience.

Assisted living is one level of care offered within many senior living communities. It’s designed for individuals who need help with daily tasks but still want to live independently and enjoy a vibrant community setting.

Senior living communities typically offer a more condo or apartment-style living arrangement with medical and practical assistance available when needed (the assisted living level). They also offer another benefit that tips the scales for many decision makers - the community.

There’s a built-in social aspect to this model, a chance to make friends and share experiences with others. Beyond the natural proximity to other residents, there are classes to take, gatherings to attend, and other kinds of programming that help people connect.

So, people choose to enter senior communities with assisted living for a number of reasons, whether they’re no longer able to comfortably cook and clean themselves, or they just want to be surrounded by friends every day.

However, there is one thing these communities can never offer. They’re not the home you live in now.

What Is Aging In Place?

Some people may embrace the idea of enjoying less work and responsibility by moving into an assisted living facility, while others prefer to maintain their full independence by staying in their own homes. This is called aging in place (also sometimes referred to as independent living). 

On the surface, aging in place is a simple idea. You’re thinking ahead and preparing your home for the unexpected things that happen as you age. 

However, aging in place is also a specialized field within home remodeling. Professionals in this area often hold a CAPS certification (Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist) from the National Association of Home Builders. These experts are trained to design and install safety features that not only meet your needs but also comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

Aging-in-Place Design with CAPS

One of the things that delights homeowners about professionally certified aging-in-place design is the fact that it balances function and form in a beautiful way. In other words, you can incorporate aging-in-place features into a remodeling project without compromising on your dream home design. A true expert in aging-in-place design helps you create a home that’s both accessible and attractive.

Typical aging-in-place design safety features include solutions like walk-in showers, slip-resistant floors, motion-controlled lighting, or open floor plans that provide ease of movement throughout the home. These can all blend seamlessly into the background of a well-planned design. The colors, materials, appliances, and furnishings you choose remain the stars of your home.

When to Start Aging-in-Place Remodeling

As mentioned above, timing is important with aging-in-place design. You’ll want to make changes far in advance of the need for them, and there might be a natural opportunity to do so on the horizon. 

For example, if you’re considering a dream home remodel after the kids have gone to college, now is the time to incorporate aging-in-place features into your project. Even though your “golden” years seem far away, you’ll be prepared. 

Or, if you’re retired and moving to a new home that’s closer to your family but needs remodeling, now is a great time to incorporate aging-in-place design. In either scenario, you avoid the need for a messy, disruptive renovation project in the future. 

Ultimately, aging-in-place remodeling is designed to help you live comfortably and age gracefully at home for as long as possible. 

The Benefits of Assisted Living

When assisted living is needed due to health or mobility concerns, it often makes sense to move into a community. But assisted living communities can be a great option for anyone looking to enjoy their later years.

1. No Maintenance

A big upside to assisted living is that residents don't have to worry about maintaining a home. The living facility itself, as well as laundry, meals, and medications, are all handled by the management.

2. Professional Support and Care

On-site nursing care and other medical support from registered nurses is another great benefit of assisted living. Medical staff can provide support from physical and mental health to memory care and just about everything in between.

3. Safety

Emergency response systems and trained staff ensure a quick response to illness or accident and even help reduce the risks involved.

4. Socialization

Assisted living communities encourage social interaction between residents with welcoming common areas and a variety of daily activities.

The Benefits of Aging in Place

With all the pluses of community living, one wonders, why do seniors want to stay in their homes instead of releasing the responsibility of homeownership? 

1. Maintaining Autonomy and Independence

While assisted living facilities encourage residents to stay active, aging in place allows people to maintain their established routines and make individual choices without having to depend on others.

2. Familiarity

As lovely as any assisted living community may be, many will never truly feel at home anywhere but in their own, familiar environments. 

3. Mental and Emotional Health

Uprooting your life and (most likely) drastically downsizing can be incredibly stressful. Aging in place ensures seniors avoid the stress of a new environment and continue to have familiar support systems from family, friends, and neighbors.

4. Concerns about Cost

Quality assisted living facilities can be very expensive, and it may be difficult to ensure you’ve saved enough to afford it. Aging in place, on the other hand, allows you to plan out and budget projects. Additionally, it’s a one-time project cost, unlike the recurring expenses in assisted living facilities. 

As an added benefit, aging-in-place improvements often increase the value and marketability of your home, making them a smart investment both for your future comfort and your property’s resale potential.

Find Expert Guidance for Aging-in-Place Design 

Choosing whether to move into assisted living or stay in your own home to age in place is an incredibly personal decision. There is no right or wrong answer, and with the right team in your corner, concerns about safety and accessibility don’t have to make the decision for you.

Taylor Made Custom Contracting is your go-to expert for transforming homes into the most beautiful, safe spaces for aging in place in the Baltimore, MD area.

With our award-winning services, we transform accessibility requirements into design opportunities, creating spaces that exceed compliance standards while maintaining elegant aesthetics. Our clients can rest assured that our decades of experience in the industry make us uniquely qualified to handle any challenge. 

To schedule a consultation for your dream remodeling project, contact us today or give us a call at (410) 557-0322. Let us help you create the safe and happy home of your dreams!