It's become an unspoken assumption in recent times that "aging in place" is the best option for all of us as we get older. You might find it surprising to know that we at Legacy Care Home agree. Keeping an elderly loved one in their home can offer familiarity, comfort, and independence.

But it's not the best option for everyone. Most of us eventually reach a "tipping point" at which we should consider the relative costs and benefits of staying in our homes versus moving into a facility where we can receive professional care.

As we age, we eventually encounter increasing medical needs and mobility challenges. As a result, the older we get, the more we need to modify our homes to keep them safe. These costs rise as our abilities decline. Initially, family caregivers can provide regular check-ins and periodic support, but as our needs increase, we will likely require a professional caregiver. Most people will eventually need some form of in-home care, which can be quite expensive. On top of these costs are material costs of making modifications to the home environment.

If you have an aging loved one whose needs are increasing, here are some costs to consider as you consider your options in the days ahead. Planning for these costs can help you determine when it might be time to consider a care home like ours. At some point along their journey, we think you'll find that we can offer a safer environment with more social engagement, assistance with activities of daily living, and easy access to healthcare — all of which can improve their overall well-being and quality of life.

In this spirit, here's a general overview of the typical expenses you might incur keeping a home safe for a loved one:

Accessibility & Safety Modifications

• Grab Bars & Handrails – $100–$500 per bar installed
• Ramps for Entryways – $1,000–$6,000
• Widening Doorways for Wheelchair Access – $500–$2,500 per doorway
• Lowering Light Switches & Raising Outlets – $50–$150 per switch/outlet
• Automatic Door Opener: $1,500–$3,000
• Stair Lifts – $2,500–$10,000, depending on the type and length of stairs
• Elevators – $25,000–$50,000 if needed for multiple floors

Bathroom Safety

• Walk-In Tub or Roll-In Shower – $3,000–$20,000
• Non-Slip Flooring – $2,000–$6,000
• Toilet Height Adjustments or Bidets – $200–$800

Kitchen Modifications

• Lowering Countertops & Cabinets – $1,500–$5,000
• Pull-Down Shelving – $100–$500 per unit
• Anti-Scald Devices for Faucets – $50–$300

Safety, Security & Emergency Systems

• Medical Alert System – $20–$50/month
• Security Cameras & Smart Locks – $200–$1,000
• Voice-Activated Smart Assistants (Alexa, Google Home) – $50–$300

General Improvements

• Improved Lighting (Motion Sensor or LED Installations) – $200–$1,500
• Slip-Resistant Flooring Throughout the Home – $3,000–$8,000
• HVAC System Upgrade for Improved Air Quality – $3,000–$7,000
• Hallway widening: $800 to $1,400 (without structural changes), or $30,000 to $40,000 (with structural changes)

Home Cleaning & Maintenance

• Housekeeping & Maintenance Services – $100–$500/month
• In-Home Caregiver (if needed) – $20–$30/hour or $4,000–$6,000/month for full-time care

The bottom line is that you can expect basic initial modifications to cost in the range of $2,000 to $20,000. More comprehensive modifications that may be required as your loved one ages and requires larger structural changes and more advanced care will typically cost $25,000 to well over $100,000. Keep in mind that costs will vary depending on the home's layout, labor rates in your area, and the level of modifications required. This means that costs in urban and suburban areas will likely be higher.

As with all things related to those we love, your decisions will be guided by more than financial considerations, and the value of high-quality care, social engagement, and an overall quality of life is difficult to estimate. We would be happy to help you develop a more thorough cost-benefit analysis tailored to your own situation. Please contact us to schedule a visit.