For many seniors in Vancouver, the dream is simple: to stay in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible. Aging in Place offers familiarity, independence, and emotional stability — but it also requires thoughtful planning, especially with the realities of 2025’s housing, healthcare, and cost-of-living landscape in the Lower Mainland.

If you’re considering whether Aging in Place is the right path for your parent or loved one, here are the key factors Vancouver families should take into account.

1. Home Modifications: Small Changes Make a Big Difference

Even well-maintained Vancouver homes often need safety upgrades as seniors age. Many older houses in areas like East Vancouver, Burnaby, and Richmond were not designed with accessibility in mind.

Common modifications include:

• Improved lighting for long, dark Vancouver winters

• Grab bars in bathrooms and non-slip flooring

• Railings on both sides of stairs (important in many older homes)

• Removing tripping hazards like raised tile edges or thick carpets

• Step-free entry adjustments, especially in houses with high exterior steps

These updates help reduce falls — one of the most common reasons seniors leave the home earlier than planned.

2. Support Services: The Key to Maintaining Independence

Aging in Place works best when seniors receive the right level of support.

Families in Vancouver often rely on:

• Home-care aides for bathing, medication reminders, or mobility help

• Meal delivery services for safe nutrition

• Housekeeping and laundry help

• Transportation assistance for medical appointments and errands

• Community programs through Vancouver Coastal Health

The availability of support is what makes Aging in Place sustainable — not just the home itself.

3. A Safety Checklist for Daily Living

Before deciding whether Aging in Place is feasible, families should assess daily living needs, such as:

• Can the senior move safely around the home?

• Are they forgetting medications or meals?

• Do they have easy access to medical care?

• Are they at risk of isolation or loneliness?

• Is emergency help easily reachable?

If several of these areas raise concerns, Aging in Place may require more structure — or a transition plan for the near future.

Need Personalized Guidance for Your Family? I Can Help.

Every senior’s situation is unique, and decisions like these can feel overwhelming.
If you’d like help assessing your parent’s home, planning next steps, or understanding Vancouver’s senior housing options, feel free to contact me anytime.

And if you want a deeper breakdown of all senior housing choices — Aging in Place, Independent Living, Assisted Living, and more — download my free resource:

Free Guidebook: Housing Options for Seniors in BC