There are now more than 60 million Americans 55 and older

More than 80% of adults now intend to Age in Place, a term that refers to staying in your home in your later years. Factors that impact this decision include your current physical condition, your anticipated future needs, and can your home be adapted to meet your needs as you age?

When possible, aging adults are now choosing to modify their houses instead of selling.

Plan Ahead! There will be a time that you or a loved ones mobility will be become limited, which can occur suddenly. When remodeling, always think about your current and future needs, sometimes referred to as age proofing your home.

Consult an Expert. Aging in place home improvements should not look or feel institutional in any form or fashion, and finding the right remodeler can be difficult. Consult with a reputable CAPS Builder, which means they have been certified as an Aging in Place Specialist and trained in Universal Design elements, by the National Association of Home Builders. Adding Universal Designed improvements refers to creating environments that are barrier-free, adaptive, desirable and value-enhancing.

'Adding Universal Design features to a home increases its functionality and livability. Widening hallways, adding lighting, and removing sunken rooms will add to a home's appeal', says Michael Avis, an AIP (Age in Place) Custom Builder, and owner of Avis Homes, which has been servicing homeowners since 1960. AIP (Age in Place) Custom Builders specializes in creating aesthetically pleasing aging in place home improvements.

Accessible is Desirable. By fusing innovative design techniques with the highest craftsmanship, customized aging in place renovations will incorporate your signature tastes and make your home more appealing to all. For example, revamp your bathroom to make it more open or add a no threshold spa like shower. Kitchen renovations might include increasing counter space, adjusting appliance heights, and installing rollout and sliding shelves.

Research your options. If you live in a multi-story home, can a master bedroom be added on the first floor, or can it be retrofitted with an elevator? Adding a first floor master bedroom, an elevator or even a convenient dumbwaiter is not as expensive as one might think, and studies show that they enhance home resale value.

The decision to age in place has many advantages, provided your home is designed or renovated to accommodate your changing needs as you age. Such improvements, Avis said, give you an attractive and more functional home for your later years, while increasing the value of your investment. Assisted living facilities costs $40,000 per year and up. Investing in aging in place home improvements makes financial sense, and more importantly allows you to stay in the home you love.