Aging in Place and Senior Care Costs
Aging in place means changing the house so it keeps working for the person who lives in it. The calculators here cover the bathtub and the stairs, from a stair lift on a straight staircase to a home elevator.
Home changes for aging in place
The home accessibility calculators price the bathroom and the stairs: walk-in tubs, stair lifts for straight, curved and outdoor stairs, and home elevators from platform lifts to hydraulic and pneumatic models.
Who pays
Original Medicare does not cover home modifications, according to a CMS coverage article. Some private Advantage plans offer a home-safety allowance. The VA's HISA grant pays up to a lifetime cap for veterans, higher for a service-connected disability or a rating of at least 50%, though it excludes some equipment, including stair glides. IRS Publication 502 lets medically needed changes count as medical expenses, with rules that differ for lifts and elevators.
Comparing senior care cost options
A home change is a one-time cost, while care outside the home is paid every month. When you compare them, compare the change against how long it lets someone stay in the house, and include upkeep: stair lifts and elevators carry yearly maintenance plans on top of the purchase price.