It’s a problem. Less than 10% of all homes are aging-ready. That’s why “where you live” is important. Aging isn’t an isolated event, it’s an ongoing process that unfolds over years. If you manage it ad hoc like an event, it’s likely to be less safe and cost more.

If you elect to plan for the process, there are several parts, and all change. What kind of care? When and how long before it changes? What physical support is needed? Where will it happen, their house, yours, or both? If care isn’t solely a family effort who will provide it and what do they need?

Safety for a frail, well-functioning elder requires simple steps, particularly if it is on one floor. Remove obstacles and rugs, add non-slip surfaces, grab bars, and handrails as needed in living areas and entryways. For someone with mobility issues, add a wheelchair, accessibility ramps, and lifts for transfer from bed to bath or car. For an elder with a chronic condition, add an adjustable bed, monitoring, and medical equipment. If it’s dementia, add a level of security.

It starts with simple help but can lead to full-blown hospital-level care operating inside the home. That changes the space, equipment, and medical care team. It’s also the context for comfort, safety and security.

Even a bed can change multiple times. You can get a comfortable, adjustable, and movable bed up front, or resort to a Medicare bed and upgrade multiple times. Monitoring can mean a simple fall detector or hospital-level care delivered virtually. If sufficient infrastructure (space, plumbing, electrical wiring, and bandwidth) is available it’s manageable, if not it’s expensive.

Safety happens best when an elder has the control they need to feel secure whenever they are helped. If not, they’ll get agitated, increasing the risk of accidents.