The definition of "aging in place" refers to older adults remaining in their own homes safely, independently, and comfortably for as long as possible before having to find an assisted living solution.
Aging is place is a decision that the family of the senior often helps make in order to keep a senior in their home with the help of a caregiver and even a personal trainer or physical therapist. The goal is to ensure the aging parent has enough functional strength and wherewithal to live independently and not run the risk of a catastrophic fall.
In short, ensuring the continuity of their stay in a long-time family owned home or an apartment near family matters as much as having 24/7 professional care at close hand.
For seniors, it offers the comfort of familiarity and the dignity of independence. For their adult children, it can mean avoiding the high costs, limited availability, and inconsistency of institutional care.
Cost of Assisted Living Jumps 10%
One of the strongest motivations behind aging in place is cost. According to the 2023 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the national median for assisted living is about $4,774 per month, or nearly $54,000 a year. From 2023 to 2024, median annual costs jumped from ~$64,200 to ~$70,800—a nearly 10% increase in just one year. Research also shows that assisted living costs have been rising at a rate 31% faster than general inflation since 2004.
For many families in the “sandwich generation” who are caring for their own kids while also supporting aging parents, those numbers can feel daunting. The financial strain makes delaying or avoiding a move to assisted living especially appealing.
Limited Supply and Staffing Challenges
Even when families can afford it, assisted living isn’t always available. The U.S. has more than 30,500 assisted living communities with roughly 800,000 residents and an occupancy rate of 83.2%. High demand in desirable areas often leads to long waitlists.
Beyond availability, staffing has become a critical challenge. Nearly 96% of assisted living providers report staffing shortages, according to the American Health Care Association. Turnover rates are high, with about 41% of staff leaving annually, and nearly half of personal care aides exiting each year. These shortages can result in inconsistent care and frequent changes in caregivers, which undermine trust and stability for residents.
How Seniors Can Age in Place Safely
Fortunately, there are strategies families can put in place to help a parent age in place successfully:
- Part-time caregivers or home health aides: assist with activities of daily living such as cooking, bathing, or errands.
- Family support: children or relatives visiting regularly to help with meals, cleaning, and companionship to fill in the care gaps.
- In-home fitness care: regular visits of senior-focused personal trainers are one of the most effective yet overlooked caregiving solutions that help seniors age in place.
The Bottom Line
Aging in place means more than staying at home, it’s about thriving at home. While the rising costs and challenges of assisted living make institutional care increasingly difficult, proactive support like caregiving and senior-focused fitness can help seniors stay independent.
If you want to preserve your parent’s independence and ensure they are as healthy and happy as possible, a certfied personal trainer from ElderFIT is a great way to go.
Our in-home personal trainers specialize in helping seniors “train and regain” their strength, balance, and confidence so your loved one can age in place with dignity and joy.