“Take your home for a test drive—use a walker or crutches for a few days and see what needs to change,”

Edward Jones, Family Caregiver Specialist

Area Agency on Aging

This simple exercise can reveal safety risks before they become emergencies and is one of the most practical ways to begin planning for aging in place.

Aging in place is achievable—but only with preparation.

The families who navigate this successfully don’t wait for a crisis. They assess their homes, build support systems, engage with their communities, and make informed decisions early.

There’s nothing complicated about the core message:

If you want to stay in your home later, you need to start planning now.

Because the longer you wait, the fewer options you’ll have—and the harder every decision becomes.

“If you make just one decision today, that’s one less decision you’ll have to make during a crisis.” In a recent conversation with Daniel Pickus of Senior Helpers of Asheville, NC, this simple but powerful reminder highlights the importance of planning early—before a fall or hospitalization—to reduce stress and support better long-term decisions

Most families don’t think about aging in place until something goes wrong. Jessie Bosshard explains what a real plan looks like—and why starting earlier changes everything.

The bigger takeaway is this: you don’t have to solve everything today. Start early, start small, and keep the focus on the life your loved one wants to keep living—right at home, with support that grows as needed.

Ask the Experts is a new educational Q&A series featuring trusted local professionals answering your real-life questions about aging and planning ahead.

Kicking off with “Aging Well at Home” from May through August, this four-part series explores what it truly takes to stay safely and comfortably in your home long-term.

While many people hope to age in place, few understand the practical steps involved. Our experts share clear, honest guidance to help you plan smarter, avoid costly missteps, and make confident decisions for the future.

Aging in Place Tip:
“Start planning before you need it—small home updates today can prevent major challenges tomorrow.”