Aging in Place: How Long Island Home Upgrades Outpace Care Facilities

Kim Kuester, president of 101 Mobility Long Island, oversaw the installation of a ramp, stairlift, and bathroom grab bars to restore the couple's independence. As a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, Kuester emphasizes that these critical adjustments often cost around $10,000—a one-time expense that pales in comparison to the average $3,000 monthly fee for retirement facilities. Her team services households across Nassau and Suffolk counties, typically completing safety installations in a single visit.

Data from AARP suggests that 75 percent of older Americans prefer to age in their own homes rather than relocate. Kuester argues that families often mistakenly equate accessibility with invasive, high-cost renovations. By focusing on targeted equipment like vertical platform lifts and patient lifts, homeowners can bridge the gap between doing nothing and leaving their lifelong residences. The company offers free in-home assessments to determine which modifications are necessary to make a living space workable again.