September 27, 2025 • 7 mins
Discover why most adults 50+ want to age at home but only 10% are prepared. Learn essential modifications, smart technology solutions, and cost comparisons that make aging in place both practical and affordable for your independence. Website: https://www.boomersmagic.com
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:05):
Welcome back to the show. Today, we're talking about something
that affects millions of us, aging in place. Did you
know that research consistently shows around three quarters of adults
aged fifty and over want to remain in their homes
as they age, but fewer than ten percent have actually
prepared their homes for it. That's a pretty significant gap.
(00:26):
I'm here with an expert who's going to help us
understand what it really takes to age safely and comfortably
in our own homes.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Thanks for having me. That's exactly what we see all
the time. People have this dream of staying in their
beloved homes, but they just haven't taken the steps to
make it practical or safe. The good news is, with
proper planning and some strategic modifications, most homes can be
transformed into supportive environments that evolve with our changing needs.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
So let's get practical here. When someone's thinking about age
in place, where should they actually start. What are the
most important modifications to consider? First?
Speaker 2 (01:06):
Bathroom modifications are hands down the number one priority. The
CDC reports that falls are a leading cause of injury
among older adults, and many of these incidents happen in
bathrooms due to wet surfaces and tight spaces. We're talking
about properly installed grab bars near toilets and in shower areas.
These need to be anchored into wall studs and meet
(01:27):
safety standards for adequate support walk in showers, Comfort height toilets,
and non slip flooring materials make a huge difference.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
M hmm makes perfect sense. What about other areas of
the home. I imagine the kitchen and entryways are important.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
Too, Exactly. Universal design principles work throughout the home. Things
like zero step entries to eliminate tripping hazards, lever styled
door handles that work with limited grip strength, and wider
doorways of at least thirty two inches for easier navigation.
In kitchens, we often see pull out shelves in lower cabinets,
adjustable height countertops, and improved lighting. The key is that
(02:06):
these modifications don't make your home look like a medical facility.
They blend naturally with your existing style. You know. I
joke with my clients that good aging in place design
is like good makeup. If it's done right, nobody notices it.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
That point about blending modifications naturally sets up our next piece,
the financial side of this decision. But first, a quick
word from our sponsor.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
Are you one of the many adults over fifty who
want to age in your own home? At Boomer's Magic,
We understand because we're walking this path alongside you. Find
detailed guides on home modifications, safety upgrades, and smart technology solutions.
Compare costs, review financing options, and learn from peer tested
advice based on real world experience. Visit Boomersmagic dot com
(02:56):
to discover practical solutions that help you create the perfect
aiding in place environment in your cherished home.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
Picking up on blending modifications naturally, how do you handle
the cost concerns? People often worry these changes will break
the bank.
Speaker 2 (03:12):
Here's where the numbers really tell the story. Assisted living
facilities can range significantly by location and care needs, but
recent reports show averages around five thousand dollars to six
thousand dollars monthly. That's typically six thousand dollars to seventy
two thousand dollars annually. In contrast, even extensive home modifications
typically range from two thout thousand to thirty five thousand
(03:35):
dollars for major accessibility upgrades, so you're looking at less
than a single year of assisted living costs for modifications
that can last decades.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
Right, And those modifications actually add value to your home,
don't they Unlike those monthly assisted living fees that just disappear.
Speaker 2 (03:53):
Absolutely, Unlike assisted living fees, home modifications preserve and often
increase property value. They create equity that can be passed
to airs, and they often prevent costly medical treatments and
hospitalizations down the road. For veterans with service connected disabilities,
there are substantial benefits available. The VA offers various grant
(04:14):
programs for housing adaptations, with amounts that can reach significant
levels for major modifications.
Speaker 1 (04:20):
What about the technology side of things. A lot of
our listeners might feel intimidated by smart home devices.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
You know, I totally get that. The key is starting
small and building confidence. Voice controlled systems like smart speakers
have really changed the game for aging adults. You can
adjust lights, set temperature preferences, lock doors, play music, set
medication reminders, even make emergency calls, all through simple voice commands.
(04:50):
It's perfect for those with arthritis or limited mobility because
there's no fumbling with buttons or switches. Smart home technology
really transforms how we live at home.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
I see very practical now, when should people actually start
planning for this? Have you found there's an ideal time?
Speaker 2 (05:08):
I generally recommend starting planning while you're still healthy and mobile.
Many experts suggest considering this in your fifties or early sixties,
though individual circumstances certainly vary. Early planning allows for thoughtful
decision making without time pressure. You can phase implementation of
modifications over time and better integrate support systems. I had
(05:30):
one client who started planning at fifty eight. By the
time she needed the modifications at seventy two, everything was
already in place and she didn't have to make any
rush decisions during a health crisis.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
That's smart thinking ahead. For people who want professional help,
what should they look for?
Speaker 2 (05:47):
Look for Certified Aging in Place Specialists CAPS professionals. These
are contractors who've completed specialized training through the National Association
of Homebuilders. They understand aging in place design principles, building codes,
and accessibility standards. Always verify their current certification, check references,
(06:07):
and make sure they're licensed and insured. Some occupational therapists
also have CAP certification, which gives you that medical expertise
combined with home modification knowledge.
Speaker 1 (06:18):
So to everyone listening, have you started thinking about how
your current home might need to change as you age.
The message here seems to be that with proper planning,
most of us can successfully age in the homes we love.
It's really about being proactive rather than reactive, isn't it.
Speaker 2 (06:34):
That's exactly right. Success depends on taking those proactive steps
before health crises occur. When you plan ahead, you get
thoughtful decision making, better integration of support systems, and reduce
stress during health transitions. Remember, even major modifications often cost
significantly less than assisted living and their investments in your
(06:55):
independence and quality of life.
Speaker 1 (06:58):
This has been incredibly helpful. For more detailed information on
aging in place, modifications, costs, and planning strategies, check out
Boomersmagic dot com. Thanks for joining us today, and remember,
your home can truly be your haven for life with
the right preparation.
Welcome back to the show. Today, we're talking about something
that affects millions of us, aging in place. Did you
know that research consistently shows around three quarters of adults
aged fifty and over want to remain in their homes
as they age, but fewer than ten percent have actually
prepared their homes for it. That's a pretty significant gap.
(00:26):
I'm here with an expert who's going to help us
understand what it really takes to age safely and comfortably
in our own homes.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Thanks for having me. That's exactly what we see all
the time. People have this dream of staying in their
beloved homes, but they just haven't taken the steps to
make it practical or safe. The good news is, with
proper planning and some strategic modifications, most homes can be
transformed into supportive environments that evolve with our changing needs.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
So let's get practical here. When someone's thinking about age
in place, where should they actually start. What are the
most important modifications to consider? First?
Speaker 2 (01:06):
Bathroom modifications are hands down the number one priority. The
CDC reports that falls are a leading cause of injury
among older adults, and many of these incidents happen in
bathrooms due to wet surfaces and tight spaces. We're talking
about properly installed grab bars near toilets and in shower areas.
These need to be anchored into wall studs and meet
(01:27):
safety standards for adequate support walk in showers, Comfort height toilets,
and non slip flooring materials make a huge difference.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
M hmm makes perfect sense. What about other areas of
the home. I imagine the kitchen and entryways are important.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
Too, Exactly. Universal design principles work throughout the home. Things
like zero step entries to eliminate tripping hazards, lever styled
door handles that work with limited grip strength, and wider
doorways of at least thirty two inches for easier navigation.
In kitchens, we often see pull out shelves in lower cabinets,
adjustable height countertops, and improved lighting. The key is that
(02:06):
these modifications don't make your home look like a medical facility.
They blend naturally with your existing style. You know. I
joke with my clients that good aging in place design
is like good makeup. If it's done right, nobody notices it.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
That point about blending modifications naturally sets up our next piece,
the financial side of this decision. But first, a quick
word from our sponsor.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
Are you one of the many adults over fifty who
want to age in your own home? At Boomer's Magic,
We understand because we're walking this path alongside you. Find
detailed guides on home modifications, safety upgrades, and smart technology solutions.
Compare costs, review financing options, and learn from peer tested
advice based on real world experience. Visit Boomersmagic dot com
(02:56):
to discover practical solutions that help you create the perfect
aiding in place environment in your cherished home.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
Picking up on blending modifications naturally, how do you handle
the cost concerns? People often worry these changes will break
the bank.
Speaker 2 (03:12):
Here's where the numbers really tell the story. Assisted living
facilities can range significantly by location and care needs, but
recent reports show averages around five thousand dollars to six
thousand dollars monthly. That's typically six thousand dollars to seventy
two thousand dollars annually. In contrast, even extensive home modifications
typically range from two thout thousand to thirty five thousand
(03:35):
dollars for major accessibility upgrades, so you're looking at less
than a single year of assisted living costs for modifications
that can last decades.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
Right, And those modifications actually add value to your home,
don't they Unlike those monthly assisted living fees that just disappear.
Speaker 2 (03:53):
Absolutely, Unlike assisted living fees, home modifications preserve and often
increase property value. They create equity that can be passed
to airs, and they often prevent costly medical treatments and
hospitalizations down the road. For veterans with service connected disabilities,
there are substantial benefits available. The VA offers various grant
(04:14):
programs for housing adaptations, with amounts that can reach significant
levels for major modifications.
Speaker 1 (04:20):
What about the technology side of things. A lot of
our listeners might feel intimidated by smart home devices.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
You know, I totally get that. The key is starting
small and building confidence. Voice controlled systems like smart speakers
have really changed the game for aging adults. You can
adjust lights, set temperature preferences, lock doors, play music, set
medication reminders, even make emergency calls, all through simple voice commands.
(04:50):
It's perfect for those with arthritis or limited mobility because
there's no fumbling with buttons or switches. Smart home technology
really transforms how we live at home.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
I see very practical now, when should people actually start
planning for this? Have you found there's an ideal time?
Speaker 2 (05:08):
I generally recommend starting planning while you're still healthy and mobile.
Many experts suggest considering this in your fifties or early sixties,
though individual circumstances certainly vary. Early planning allows for thoughtful
decision making without time pressure. You can phase implementation of
modifications over time and better integrate support systems. I had
(05:30):
one client who started planning at fifty eight. By the
time she needed the modifications at seventy two, everything was
already in place and she didn't have to make any
rush decisions during a health crisis.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
That's smart thinking ahead. For people who want professional help,
what should they look for?
Speaker 2 (05:47):
Look for Certified Aging in Place Specialists CAPS professionals. These
are contractors who've completed specialized training through the National Association
of Homebuilders. They understand aging in place design principles, building codes,
and accessibility standards. Always verify their current certification, check references,
(06:07):
and make sure they're licensed and insured. Some occupational therapists
also have CAP certification, which gives you that medical expertise
combined with home modification knowledge.
Speaker 1 (06:18):
So to everyone listening, have you started thinking about how
your current home might need to change as you age.
The message here seems to be that with proper planning,
most of us can successfully age in the homes we love.
It's really about being proactive rather than reactive, isn't it.
Speaker 2 (06:34):
That's exactly right. Success depends on taking those proactive steps
before health crises occur. When you plan ahead, you get
thoughtful decision making, better integration of support systems, and reduce
stress during health transitions. Remember, even major modifications often cost
significantly less than assisted living and their investments in your
(06:55):
independence and quality of life.
Speaker 1 (06:58):
This has been incredibly helpful. For more detailed information on
aging in place, modifications, costs, and planning strategies, check out
Boomersmagic dot com. Thanks for joining us today, and remember,
your home can truly be your haven for life with
the right preparation.
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