Staying at home as you age is the path many people hope to take. In fact, 94% of adults ages 60 to 92 say aging in place is an important goal, according to U.S. News & World Report. But what 

exactly does aging in place mean, and how do you prepare for it? 

We interviewed Friends Life Care Plan Counselor Joylyn Williamson to learn more about what she hears from people who want to remain in their homes as they age. In her role, Joylyn helps individuals, adult children, and loved ones understand their options, simplify the planning process, and create a personalized plan for the future. She also works alongside financial advisors and other trusted professionals to help people prepare for the financial and care coordination needs that come with aging. 

Planning for aging in place means preparing now for the possibility that your needs may change in the future. It starts with making sure your home is safe and accessible, considering the potential cost of future in-home care for seniors, supporting your overall wellness, and putting a trusted plan and support system in place before a crisis occurs. 

What Most People Don’t Realize About Aging in Place 

People who are considering aging at home and putting together a plan for their future are often surprised by how manageable the process can be with the right guidance. Many people feel overwhelmed by the number of decisions they have to make, but when the process is broken down into understandable pieces, it becomes much easier. 

About 70% of people age 65 and older will need some form of long-term care during their lifetime, yet many assume the cost of putting a plan in place will be much higher than it really is. They often hear stories about families navigating a crisis after it happens, making difficult decisions under pressure and facing unexpected expenses. Planning ahead allows you to create a personalized approach that supports your goals, helps prepare for future care needs, and provides greater peace of mind. Unlike some continuing care retirement communities, Friends Life Care does not require a large upfront entry fee, making it more affordable for many people to put a plan in place before they need it. 

When Is the Right Time to Start Planning for Aging at Home? 

Friends Life Care Plan Counselor Joylyn Williamson has spent nearly a decade helping older adults plan for the future. She also brings personal experience to her role, having cared for her father throughout his four-year journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Through both her professional and personal experiences, she’s had countless conversations with people thinking about what they want later in life and have noticed that our priorities tend to evolve with each decade. 

For people in their 40s, planning may begin for someone because of a family history of chronic or generational disease. They want to prepare while they’re still healthy, knowing that some medical diagnoses can make it more difficult to qualify for certain long-term care options later in life. 

In their 50s, many people find themselves part of the “Sandwich Generation,” balancing the responsibilities of raising children while also caring for aging parents. Watching their parents navigate aging often becomes a turning point. Many begin thinking, I don’t want my own children to have to carry the same responsibilities someday. 

By their 60s, retirement starts to feel more real, and planning conversations often becomes more intentional. This is when many people begin organizing important documents, such as powers of attorney and advance directives, while also considering what support they may need to continue living safely and independently at home in the years ahead. 

One of the biggest surprises Joylyn encounters is in conversations with people in their 70s. Many assume they’ve waited too long to start planning. In reality, many still have options available to them and are relieved to learn they can take meaningful steps to prepare for the future. 

The message Joylyn hopes everyone remembers is simple: if you’re wondering when the right time is to start planning for aging at home, that time is now. Planning ahead gives you more choices, more control over your future, and greater peace of mind for both you and your support network. “Picture your 90-year-old self-thanking you for putting something in place that they couldn’t do for themselves 10, 15, or 20 years from now.” 

Hear More from Aging in Place Specialist Joylyn Williamson