Aging in place services help older adults stay in their own homes safely. They span five categories: home modifications, in-home care, home health care, transportation, and legal and financial planning. This guide covers what each does, what it costs, and how to find help in your city.
Aging in place services are professional and community services that help older adults remain in their own homes rather than moving to a facility. The phrase covers a broad range — from a handyman installing a grab bar to a home health nurse managing medications after a hospital discharge. Most families do not use all of these at once; they start with the most pressing need and add services as circumstances change.
According to the National Institute on Aging, planning ahead is key: the best time to make home modifications is before a crisis, not after a fall or a hospital stay. A home that is easy to navigate at 70 may become difficult at 80, and small changes made early cost less than emergency modifications made under pressure.
Physical changes to the home that make it safer and easier to navigate. This is the category our directory focuses on. Common modifications include:
These jobs are done by handymen for small items, licensed contractors or CAPS specialists for larger projects, and stairlift dealers for stairlifts.
Non-medical help with daily activities: bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, and companionship. Provided by home care agencies or privately hired aides. Typical cost is $25 to $35 per hour, with variation by region and agency model. Some agencies require minimum visit lengths (typically 2 to 4 hours). See our daily living assistance guide for more detail.
Home care is usually private-pay. Long-term care insurance may cover it if the policy includes it. Medicaid HCBS waivers may cover personal care for eligible beneficiaries. Original Medicare does not cover ongoing custodial care.
Medical care delivered at home by a licensed nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, or home health aide. Used after a hospital discharge, a surgery, or when a chronic condition requires skilled management. May include wound care, medication management, therapy, and patient education. See our healthcare at home guide for more.
Home health care may be covered by Medicare or insurance when prescribed by a doctor and the patient meets program rules. A home health aide through a Medicare-certified agency is different from a private home care aide — the former requires a plan of care ordered by a physician.
When driving is no longer safe, transportation services help with medical appointments, errands, and social activities. Options include volunteer driver programs through Area Agencies on Aging, paratransit services, ride-share programs for seniors, and public transit. Many are free or low-cost. See our senior transportation guide.
Estate planning, advance directives, power of attorney, Medicaid planning, and benefits counseling. An elder-law attorney can help structure finances to qualify for Medicaid long-term care if needed. A benefits counselor at your Area Agency on Aging can help you understand Medicare, Medicaid, and VA benefits. See our financial and legal guide.
| Service | Typical cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Grab bar installation | $200–$350 per bar | Angi, 2026 |
| Walk-in shower conversion | $1,500–$15,000 | Angi, 2026 |
| Wheelchair ramp | $1,100–$5,500 | HomeAdvisor, 2026 |
| Stairlift (straight) | $2,000–$9,000 | Angi, 2026 |
| In-home care aide | $25–$35 per hour | Genworth, 2024 |
| OT home assessment | $150–$400 | AOTA, 2026 |
Costs vary; get 3 quotes.
Verify current eligibility and covered services directly with the program before starting work.
Browse our city-specific aging-in-place contractor directories, grouped by state.
Aging in place services are professional services that help older adults remain in their own homes safely and independently. They include home modifications (grab bars, walk-in showers, ramps), in-home care (personal care, meal preparation, medication management), transportation, home health care, legal and financial planning, and community programs like senior centers and meal delivery.
Costs vary widely by service type. Home modifications like grab bars cost $200 to $350 per bar. A walk-in shower conversion costs $1,500 to $15,000. A wheelchair ramp costs $1,100 to $5,500. In-home care runs $25 to $35 per hour for a home care aide. A stairlift costs $2,300 to $24,000 installed. Get written quotes for each service.
Original Medicare may cover skilled home health care (nursing, therapy) when prescribed and when the patient meets program rules. It generally does not cover home modifications, ongoing custodial care, or handyman services. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer supplemental home-safety benefits. Medicaid HCBS waivers may cover modifications and personal care for eligible beneficiaries.
Home care (also called custodial or personal care) provides help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and housekeeping. It is usually private-pay. Home health care is skilled, prescribed care from a licensed nurse or therapist and may be covered by Medicare or insurance when medically necessary.
Start with the Eldercare Locator at eldercare.acl.gov to find your local Area Agency on Aging. Search our city directories for aging-in-place contractors. For in-home care, ask your AAA for a list of licensed agencies. For home modifications, use the NAHB CAPS directory at nahb.org to find certified specialists.
Start with a home safety assessment. Walk through each room and note trip hazards, difficult steps, narrow doorways, and bathroom safety issues. Consider an occupational therapist assessment ($150 to $400) if mobility is changing. Prioritize the bathroom (falls, water, transfers) and the entry (stairs, thresholds). Then get quotes for the top three modifications.
Key claims were checked against the following primary or authoritative resources. Program rules, coverage, prices, and local availability can change; verify current details before acting.
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