As the year ends, your business can make a meaningful impact by supporting seniors aging in place by choice or circumstance. By partnering with aging-in-place non-profit organizations, your business can empower these seniors to thrive in their homes and neighborhoods.

The Landscape of Aging in Place

The aging-in-place landscape is rapidly changing as more seniors are choosing, by choice or circumstance, to remain in their homes as long as possible.

Several factors are driving this trend. Seniors live longer and healthier lives than ever and want to maintain their independence and autonomy for as long as possible. In addition, the cost of long-term care facilities can be prohibitive, making aging in place a more affordable option for many seniors.

The following are just some of the key statistics for aging in place:

• 92% of seniors prefer to age in place
• 40% say “Independence” is the biggest reason to age in place, with “Happiness” ranking as the second most prevalent response, accounting for 25%. (CHOICE)
• 43% of adults are not confident they could afford assisted living expenses if needed. (CIRCUMSTANCE)
• The estimated median cost of assisted living in 2023 is $4,774 per month in the U.S.

*NOTE: Original Medicare or Medicaid does not typically cover assisted living room and board. However, these insurance programs may cover some costs related to medical care provided in an assisted living community.

The Barriers to Aging in Place: Aging-in-Place Organizations Breaking Them Down

While aging in place offers many benefits, such as more independence and comfort, maintaining lifelong connections with family and friends, and the possibility of saving money on long-term care costs, there are also barriers that seniors may face.

These barriers can include isolation and loneliness, financial constraints, limited access to services, the need for home modifications, insufficient support for family and caregivers, and more.

Aging-in-place organizations play a vital role in helping seniors break down these barriers and live their best lives at home.

For example:

• Isolation and loneliness: Aging-in-place organizations offer a variety of social engagement programs and activities for seniors, such as senior centers, day programs, intergenerational programs, community meals, and more.
• Financial constraints: Through volunteer programs supporting their community programs, transportation, home modification, and transportation to medical appointments, some of the costs of staying at home can be mitigated.
• Limited or inaccessible social programs: Help navigate and locate social programs and services by providing information and referral services. In addition, local aging-in-place organizations advocate for seniors and ensure they have access to the necessary resources.
• Insufficient support for family and caregivers: Provide support to family caregivers by offering respite care, support groups, and daily check-in calls and visits.
• Unsafe housing for aging in place: Help use local volunteers and companies specializing in construction to provide repairs and modifications, such as installing grab bars and ramps.

Businesses Supporting Their Local Seniors: A Roots-Based Approach to Aging-in-Place

While large national organizations play an essential role in supporting aging-in-place organizations, i.e., Meals on Wheels, it is necessary to recognize the significance of local non-profit organizations deeply embedded in communities.

These organizations, smaller in scale, understand the unique needs and challenges seniors face in their area. They maintain relationships with local healthcare providers, social service agencies, and community groups, enabling them to provide tailored support that addresses the specific needs of their senior neighbors.

When business leaders and owners like you support local aging-in-place non-profit organizations, you directly invest in seniors’ well-being in the community where you do business and your employees live.

Your contributions help seniors access essential services like home care, transportation assistance, social engagement programs, health education, and more. These services enable seniors to maintain independence, manage their health, and remain connected to their communities.

WHY to Support Aging-in-Place Organizations with Year-End Giving

According to NP Source, 30% of annual giving occurs in December, and 10% occurs on the last three days of the year.

For businesses like yours, year-end giving is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on your community and the seniors living there. There are strategic advantages to giving this time of year:

• Support your community — By donating to aging-in-place organizations, your business can help ensure seniors have the essential services and support they need at home.
• Foster employee engagement — Encouraging employees to participate in year-end giving through matching donations and volunteer time can lead to a more engaged and productive team.
• Build business brand and value — Demonstrating your business’ commitment to social responsibility through community engagement and “partnership” can attract new customers and retain existing ones. In addition, year-end giving promotes a positive image and can strengthen their reputation in the community.
• Generate tax deductions — Donating with year-end contributions can be a cost-effective way to support their community.

*NOTE — Discuss with your tax expert how a year-end donation will affect your business.

For aging-in-place non-profits, year-end giving can support important annual goals:

• Meeting year-end goals
• Having the financial resources to continue their mission-driven work for seniors at home.
• Build their brand awareness in the community through more significant marketing and outreach programs.
• Start the new year with money to support the beginning of the year plans.

Year-end giving is a relationship between businesses and non-profits looking to positively impact seniors in their communities who are aging in place.

This positive impact allows your business to demonstrate its commitment through community engagement, and non-profits receive financial support that will enable them to continue to support those who need it most.

HOW Your Business Can Support Aging-in-Place Services with Year-End Giving

Year-end giving represents a critical time for local aging-in-place non-profit organizations. Many of these organizations rely heavily on year-end donations to fund their programs and services throughout the year.

A generous year-end donation from your business can transform the organization’s ability to serve its seniors and their families.

Your business can support local on-the-ground non-profit aging-in-place organizations in a variety of ways, including:

• Monetary Donations: Financial contributions are the most welcome and provide much-needed support for the organization’s programs and services.
• In-Kind Donations: Non-profit organizations appreciate in-kind donations, such as non-perishable food items, toiletries, medical supplies, transportation vouchers, and gift cards to local grocery stores or pharmacies.*Always check with the organization in your area to find out what they need.
• Volunteering: Your business can encourage its employees to volunteer their time and skills to the non-profit organization, providing valuable assistance in various areas, such as administrative tasks, event planning, and community outreach.
• Sponsoring Fundraising Events: Your business can support local fundraising events organized by the aging-in-place non-profit organization, raising awareness about its mission and generating additional funds for its programs.
• Promoting the Organization: Your business can use its communication channels, such as social media, newsletters, and employee communications, to promote the aging-in-place non-profit organization and encourage its communities to support its work.
• Championing the Cause: As a business leader, you can become an advocate for aging-in-place issues, raising awareness about the challenges faced by seniors and encouraging others to support local non-profit organizations that are making a difference.

A Final Thought

As we approach the end of the year, it is a time to find gratitude and give back to our communities. One way to do this is to support aging-in-place organizations that help seniors age with dignity and independence in their homes and neighborhoods.

Aging-in-place organizations provide essential services such as health and wellness education, home modification, volunteer visits and check-ins, social engagement programs, community partnerships, and more.

By making a year-end donation, your business can help ensure seniors have access to the support they need to age in place with dignity and independence while fostering employee engagement and building brand awareness and value.

To find out more about how you can foster connections and support seniors in your community this holiday season, contact us for information and opportunities.