What Percentage of People Want In-Home Care as They Age?

As the population of older adults grows, preferences for aging and care are shifting significantly. One of the clearest findings in recent research is that a substantial majority of people approaching or in later life prefer to remain in their own homes and communities — rather than move to institutional care settings like nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

How Many People Prefer In-Home Care?

Majority Want to Stay in Their Homes

Multiple surveys and studies indicate that a strong majority of older adults express a preference for aging in place — that is, remaining in their current home and receiving care there if needed. For example:

• 75 percent of adults aged 50 and older say they want to remain in their current homes as they age, according to the 2024 AARP Home and Community Preferences Survey.

• Similarly, 73 percent of adults aged 50 and older want to stay in their current communities.

These preferences hold across broad segments of the population, although they vary slightly by age, health status, and household situation.

Even Higher Estimates from Other Surveys

Other surveys suggest that the desire to age in place may be even stronger among older cohorts:

• A Point survey found that 84 percent of older Americans say aging in place is a priority, with 58 percent rating it as “extremely important.”

• Another recent survey reported that 89 percent of Americans age 55 and older wish to age in place in their current homes.

• Past research has even reported figures near 90 percent of adults over age 50 wanting to remain at home as they age.

These higher numbers often reflect broader definitions of aging in place — including preferences for receiving some form of in-home support rather than relocating to institutional settings.

Why Do Most People Prefer In-Home Care?

Several factors explain why such a high percentage of older adults prefer in-home care and aging in place:

• Independence. Remaining in a familiar environment fosters a sense of control and autonomy that many older adults value.

• Emotional comfort. Being in one’s own home is associated with routines, comfort, and psychological stability.

• Cost considerations. In many cases, home-based care (even with professional support) can be less expensive than assisted living or long-term nursing care.

• Family connections. Staying close to family, friends, and community networks remains a priority for many.

Implications for Families and Caregivers

The preference for in-home care does not mean that older adults will necessarily be able to stay home without support. In fact:

• Many individuals who want to age in place will need some level of professional home care or caregiving assistance over time — whether from paid aides, visiting nurses, or family caregivers.

• Housing accessibility and safety adaptations (such as ramps, grab bars, and no-step entries) are essential for many people to remain safely at home.

• Policy and community infrastructure (such as accessible housing, transportation, and health services) often lag behind demand.

What This Means for the Future

The preference to age in place — and by extension to rely on in-home care rather than institutional care — is not only a strong sentiment but a persistent demographic trend. As the U.S. and other countries continue to see rising proportions of older adults:

• The home care industry will play a central role in meeting future eldercare needs.

• Workforce challenges and cost pressures in home care will require strategic planning from policymakers, providers, and families.

• There is increasing demand for innovative care models that support aging in place while maintaining quality, safety, and affordability.