There’s real comfort in staying in a place that feels like home — a space filled with familiar routines, memories and the rhythm of daily life. For many older adults, remaining at home as they age feels deeply personal and important. And that desire makes perfect sense.
However, are you truly prepared for what aging at home requires — not just emotionally and logistically but also financially? Recent discussions, including those highlighted in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, are bringing these realities to light and prompting important conversations among families.
Aging at home can feel like the most comfortable and familiar option. But what’s often overlooked are the hidden costs that can come with maintaining a home and managing care over time.
According to a September 2024 article in The Wall Street Journal, approximately 11,000 people turn 65 every day, and more than 75% of them want to stay in their current homes for as long as they can. However, many of them will need help. Approximately one-fourth of people 65 and older will need significant support at some point, which can last for more than three years.
The average cost of a home health aide was $34 per hour in 2024. For those needing part-time assistance of about 20 hours per week, that can mean costs of around $2,700 a month. Those requiring full-time assistance (defined as 44 hours per week) can expect to pay nearly $6,483 per month. However, your costs may be higher — these figures are national averages and can vary by state. For example, home health care in Washington is more expensive than in Louisiana.
These are just home health care costs, which means typical expenses, such as your mortgage, property taxes, home repairs, and groceries and utilities (which can also cost thousands of dollars per month), are not included. These costs can be crushing, as The Wall Street Journal explored in its article.
Many older adults prefer aging at home, but this dream has become more difficult due to home health aide costs in addition to typical expenses. At the same time, medical advances have helped people live longer, but not always in good health. This means lifespans are increasing, but healthspans — the years lived without disease or impairment — aren’t keeping pace. As a result, more people are spending their later years managing chronic conditions, which can affect independence, quality of life and their ability to age at home.
When older adults need around-the-clock care for an extended period of time, families tend to be the ones to put in many of the care hours due to the rising cost of home health care, which increased from $20 in 2015 to $34 in 2024. This puts a huge emotional and financial strain on families, who may not have resources available to cover the cost of long-term care at home.
In addition to these challenges, finding and keeping home health aides — even though they’re in demand — can be difficult due to the emotional and physical demands of the job, which cause many aides to leave the field. This often creates additional strain on families.
To safely age in place at home, many houses need adjustments, and the costs can be significant. Beyond adding grab bars in the shower, these adjustments may include making home modifications, such as widening doorways to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs, installing stair lifts or ramps, updating bathrooms with walk-in tubs or no-step showers, replacing flooring to reduce fall risks, and installing emergency alert technology or smart home systems.
Families may also need to invest in medical equipment and supplies, such as mobility aids (including wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds and lift chairs), breathing support devices (including home oxygen and CPAP machines) and upgrades to the house to store and manage this equipment safely.
When thinking about the cost of aging at home, most families focus on large items, such as paying for medical care or hiring a home health aide. But the everyday expenses of running a household often get overlooked, even though they can add up just as quickly.
There’s often a deep emotional pull to stay in the family home — a place filled with memories of holiday gatherings, milestones and years of routines. But the financial reality of maintaining that home can be surprisingly high. In fact, AARP research found that more than half of what caregivers spend often goes toward housing costs.
That includes everything from property taxes and mortgage payments to utilities, groceries and home insurance. Regular upkeep — such as repairs, yard work or appliance replacement — adds another layer of ongoing responsibility. And beyond the basics, there are the everyday costs of transportation, social outings and entertainment, all of which contribute to overall quality of life.
While the home itself may feel familiar and comforting, it’s important to weigh those feelings alongside the hidden — and growing — financial demands.
Many families choose to take on caregiving themselves because the cost of in-home care feels out of reach, or they struggle to find caregivers they fully trust. But caregiving at home often requires more than love and good intentions — it can reshape daily life in ways few anticipate.
The time commitment alone can be staggering. Family members might find themselves taking time off work to drive to appointments, manage medications or simply be present. Some even quit their jobs, go part time, close their business or move out of their own homes — decisions that, while made out of love, can put their own financial stability at risk.
The emotional toll can be just as significant. According to an AARP study, 4 in 10 family caregivers said they rarely or never feel relaxed, and 50% reported increased emotional stress due to caregiving responsibilities. It’s not uncommon for caregivers to feel like they’ve put their own lives on hold.
When the condition became too difficult to manage at home, Hezla and Pareed, with the encouragement of their daughters, decided to move to Piedmont Gardens. They knew that the community would provide Pareed with the support he requires while also giving Hezla the opportunity to live in the independent living apartments on campus.
“At first, I didn’t think moving to a Life Plan Community would be the right fit for us, but the more we researched our options, it became apparent that this was exactly what we needed,” Hezla says. “Pareed is receiving the proper care he needs, which gives me great comfort and security. I cannot say enough good things about the support we have received from the Piedmont Gardens team members and other residents.”
Choosing to age at home may feel like the simpler path, but it’s important to consider how it can affect not just the person receiving care but also the entire family.
It’s not just about where you live but also knowing you’ll be cared for no matter what the future holds. Life Plan Communities offer a supportive alternative to aging at home, combining active, independent living with the security of on-site support should your needs ever change.
This approach can ease many of the challenges families face when trying to support family members at home, such as the emotional toll of caregiving and the financial uncertainty that can come with unexpected health needs or home expenses.
In a Life Plan Community, the support you receive evolves with you, so you can stay in a familiar environment even as your needs change. You’re moving to a welcoming and comfortable community while also giving yourself more control and confidence in your future.
Many people choose a Life Plan Community because it offers something invaluable: a sense of stability. Costs are more predictable, helping to safeguard your long-term financial security. Without the burden of home maintenance, you gain more freedom to focus on the things you enjoy most. You also have access to on-site support and care if your needs ever change while remaining in a familiar, welcoming environment.
Built-in community events and amenities make it easy to connect with others, stay active, and nurture your physical, emotional and social well-being. And in most HumanGood communities, there’s added reassurance of knowing that the benevolence fund is available to support Life Plan contracted residents who outlive their financial resources through no fault of their own, ensuring they can continue to call the community home. As a nonprofit organization, HumanGood believes everyone should have the opportunity to live with enthusiasm, confidence and security, regardless of their physical, social, or economic circumstances
As you plan for your future, it’s important to consider all of your options, including alternative options to aging at home, such as a Life Plan Community. Read our free guide to learn more about what living in a Life Plan Community can do for you.