Duncan Legal, PC | Elder Law & Estate Planning Education Series
For many of us, the idea of growing older includes a deeply rooted hope: staying in the comfort and familiarity of our own home. That desire isn’t sentimental—it reflects the reality for a strong majority of older adults. According to AARP’s 2024 Home & Community Preferences Survey, 75% of adults age 50 and older want to remain in their current home as they age.
At Duncan Legal, PC, we understand why aging at home matters. It represents independence, dignity, and the ability to live life on your own terms. But with the population shifting rapidly and care systems under strain, making that hope a reality requires thoughtful planning.
The Silver Tsunami Has Arrived
The demographic shift underway is historic. Baby boomers have been turning 65 at a rate of about 10,000 people per day, and by 2030, the entire generation will be 65 or older. That wave will put unprecedented pressure on long-term care services, especially home-based care.
At the same time, the high cost of institutional care is driving more families to consider aging at home. National median cost estimates for 2024 show:
- $77,800/year for in-home care with a home health aide
- $70,800/year for assisted living
- $127,750/year for a private room in a nursing home
These numbers make it clear why home-based care is often the preferred—and sometimes the only feasible—option.
Yet even as demand grows, the workforce that provides home care is stretched thin. While jobs in home health and personal care are projected to grow rapidly, experts still warn of significant shortages that will affect availability and cost.
What Aging at Home Can Look Like
There is no single approach to aging in place. The best plan depends on health needs, finances, and local support. Options include:
Home Modifications
Simple changes—grab bars, curbless showers, improved lighting, ramps, stair-lifts, or converting to first-floor living—can dramatically increase safety and reduce fall risk. Many families find it helpful to invest in changes proactively rather than waiting for a crisis.
Paid In-Home Support
Home health aides, personal care assistants, and skilled nursing services can provide help ranging from a few hours a week to 24-hour care. Costs vary widely by location, and many families combine paid help with family caregiving.
Adult Day Programs
These offer daytime supervision, structured activities, and medical oversight, especially helpful for families who work outside the home.
PACE and Community-Based Integrated Programs
PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) provides coordinated medical and social support for those who qualify.
Assisted Living & Nursing Facilities
When 24/7 personal or medical care is needed, facility-based care remains essential—but often expensive and limited in availability.
The Challenges Families Face
Even when aging at home is the goal, obstacles are common:
- Medicare typically does not cover long-term custodial care.
- Medicaid may help, but many states have long waiting lists for Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS).
- Most homes were not designed for aging and may require adaptation.
- Home-care workers may be difficult to find as demand increases.
- Family caregivers provide most long-term care in the U.S., often without sufficient support—leading to burnout, health issues, and financial strain.
The earlier planning begins, the better protected families are from crisis-driven decisions.
Where Estate & Elder Law Planning Fits In
You may be wondering: What does aging at home have to do with legal planning?
In reality—everything.
A successful aging-at-home plan requires:
- Legal authority to arrange care and make decisions
- Access to financial resources to pay for home-based support
- A plan for protecting assets
- Powers in place before they are needed
At Duncan Legal, PC, we encourage families to ensure they have strong foundational documents, including:
- Durable Financial Power of Attorney
- Medical Power of Attorney
- HIPAA Authorization
- Trusts (when appropriate)
- Provisions that permit digital access, telehealth authority, and management of financial transactions related to care and home modifications
Without these, even well-intentioned loved ones can face delays and legal barriers.
Practical Steps to Take Now
- Begin conversations early about priorities, preferences, and acceptable trade-offs
- Assess your home and budget for aging-in-place planning
- Explore public benefits including Medicaid HCBS waivers, VA Aid & Attendance (for eligible veterans), and PACE
- Compare renovation costs with long-term facility alternatives
- Review your estate and elder law documents to ensure they support your goals
The Bottom Line
Aging at home is the preferred—and often most realistic—choice for many older adults, especially as care costs rise and demand outpaces resources. But it doesn’t happen automatically. It requires advance planning, flexibility, financial preparation, and legal protections that empower the right people to help when needed.
At Duncan Legal, PC, we believe that preparing early is an act of love—one that protects independence, family harmony, and peace of mind.
