Aging in Place

Staying Home as You Grow Older

When Margaret turned 72, her daughter gently suggested, “Mom, maybe it’s time to think about moving into a senior community.” Margaret smiled, but deep down she knew—she wasn’t ready to leave the house where she raised her kids, planted her lilac bush, and hosted Sunday dinners.

That dream of staying home as you grow older is what experts call aging in place: living in your home and community safely, independently, and comfortably as you age.¹

But making that dream real takes planning and support. In New York State, the Office for the Aging has built programs to help older adults like Margaret stay home longer. That includes non-medical help with chores and meals, community models like NORCs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities), and in-home services through EISEP (Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly).² ³ Every county has its own local office that connects people to these services.⁴

What Makes Aging in Place Work

- Support network & case management: A caseworker checked in monthly to connect her with services.
- Home modifications & adaptations: Her son added brighter lights and non-slip mats.
- Access to help with daily tasks: A volunteer from her church dropped off groceries once a week.
- Health care linkages: She kept up with her doctor and got her medications delivered.
- Social & mental health supports: Margaret joined her community center’s walking group.
- Planning ahead: She updated her health proxy and made a financial plan with her daughter.

Challenges & Barriers

- Cost of modifications – Even small changes like grab bars can add up.
- Fragmented services – Different programs don’t always “talk” to each other.
- Health decline – Sometimes, even with help, medical issues make staying home harder.
- Geography & access – In rural New York, distance and transportation can be a big barrier.
- Awareness – Seniors may not know what programs are out there or how to apply.

Steps Seniors & Families Can Take

- Contact your local Office for the Aging for in-home services and community supports.⁴
- Assess your home for safety modifications (see the next article on home safety).
- Start small: add lighting, remove clutter, install grab bars.
- Build a help network: neighbors, family, volunteers, local agencies.
- Stay on top of medical care: therapy, doctor visits, rehab supports.
- Plan early: set up advance directives, wills, and durable power of attorney.

Margaret still wakes up in her own bedroom, tends her lilacs every spring, and waves at the same neighbors she’s known for decades. With the right supports in place, she’s proof that aging in place in New York isn’t just a policy term—it’s a way to keep living the life you love.

This article shares general information and resources. Every person’s situation is unique, so it’s wise to consult with your doctor, financial advisor, or local Office for the Aging before making major decisions.

References

1. Aging in Place. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aging_in_place
2. New York State Office for the Aging – Healthy Aging Programs. https://aging.ny.gov/programs/healthy-aging
3. New York State Office for the Aging – Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP). https://aging.ny.gov/expanded-home-services-elderly-eisep
4. New York State Office for the Aging – Local Offices for the Aging. https://aging.ny.gov/local-offices