Frequently Asked Questions
What does Aging in Place mean?
“Aging in place” is a popular decision-making term that Seniors use when they have decided to remain in their home as long as possible.
What does “as long as possible” mean?
It means something different for every senior. Seniors want to remain independent AND not have their families worry about them.Seniors realize that aging has challenges which they might not be able to handle themselves. So, think of it as "Aging in place For Now". That's how long!
What housing options do seniors have as they age?
Great question. Most seniors do a lot of research on the cost of Life Care Communities and Home Care for when they can no longer care for themselves. Some seniors have long-term care policies which they purchased many years ago which may cover the cost of 24 hr. care for a couple of years. Seniors do a lot of research on the cost of Lifecare Communities and Home Care for when they can no longer care for themselves. Uprooting themselves and leaving a familiar environment for something new at a time of your life when you need your existing friends, family, neighbors, Doctors. and Hospitals can be traumatizing. so… They plan for and hope for the ability to stay in their homes forever or at least to the point when it’s no longer safe because of an illness or injury.
What do seniors need to stay in their homes safely?
Well, to start with it would be good to have a home with a first-floor master and full bath. This is important because they might experience injuries from time to time and it’s easier to recuperate. If they currently don’t have a first-floor master and are considering aging in place, they should modify their home so they can live on their main level safely and conveniently. Home Modifications to consider would be a chairlift on a staircase, an elevator to all floors, showers instead of tubs, grab bars in bathrooms, wide doorways for wheelchairs, roll in showers, raised toilets, ramps from garage to the house are some good things to consider. Have a Handy Man they can call instead of trying to fix things themselves.
Why wouldn’t seniors just want to move to lifecare communities? They seem so friendly, nice and they cook for you.
Seniors are very money conscious. Making sure you have enough money for the rest of your life can be an overwhelming task. Sometimes they live on a tight budget because they do not want to spend their children and grandchildren’s inheritance. Family is so important and Seniors feel like they are spending their grandchildren's money. So, they become overly thriftly and forget that they saved all their lives to be comfortable in retirement.
Moving into a comfortable life care community with less than half less the square footage you have now will cost, in Norther Virginia, between $700,000-$1 million entry fee for two people and another $9000 a month to live there. You can get a 1600sqft. two-bedroom apartment for maybe an entry fee of 500,000 but then you will have not be able to take your treasures and memories . In addition, the waiting list to get into life care communities in Northern Virginia can be 3 to 10 years, depending on what kind of accommodations you’re looking for, and it even cost money to get on a waitlist.
How can the communities charge that kind of money?
Well, they can charge it because they can get it. The population of seniors is escalating quickly, and the supply and demand is driving up the pricing of Lifecare Communities. We haven’t talked about rental communities for seniors, which is an option if the entry fees are not feasible. There are communities in Northern Virginia where people in their early 60's are putting their names on waitlists for Lifecare Communities because the wait time is so long.
Well, if the seniors remain in their own homes, won’t they be lonely?
Absolutely, they will be lonely. That’s where the community has to step up and offer socialization. It’s very easy to become isolated quickly if you’re struggling to walk and just move around. Communities which support seniors who wished to Agent in place offer events for them to socialize with each other and make sure they have at least one hot meal meals a day through a meal delivery service or at a nearby restaurant. Neighbors should offer to walk with seniors so they can get exercise and aren’t afraid of falling. Neighbors can also help with their outside gardening and such which is a big concern for seniors who cannot get outside and do not want their property to look unkept.
Well, where can seniors get help with all the things that they need as they’re aging?
Well specifically in Loudoun County, the Area Agency On Aging and several nonprofits like Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers offer free services for seniors who are Aging in Place such as transportation and meals, etc. So, it’s very important that you reach out to the Area Agency On Aging in your local area and ask them what’s available for things that you need.
Are there specific services that upcoming Seniors should make themselves aware of?
I have found the best way to know what is happening in your County is to Volunteer. Put yourself out there. There are many nonprofits who are looking for Volunteers. Maybe work one day a week for one and one day a week for another. The Senior Centers need Volunteers and AAA (Area Agency on Aging) needs help with delivery meals etc. Volunteering in the county is very rewarding and you learn about available county services. If Volunteering is not an option check out www.loudoun.gov/1104/Adults-55 and you will be amazed what the county does to support Senior Independence. Loudoun citizens are very lucky to have all Nonprofits and county's support.
How does River Creek Aging in Place Network take advantage of all that the County offers:
After retiring in 2018, Fran Kormann, went right into Volunteering in Loudoun. She had a lot of energy after working hard for 40 years as a Realtor. She dipped her toes into all that the County offers to satisfy her curious mind. Fran encourages socialization, education and technology training in River Creek. She has learned through volunteering with Seniors that these 3 subjects are critical for Seniors who wish to age in place and in touch. She offers all her knowledge to the Network and encourages participation, socialization, and communication
Where did the idea for River Creek Aging in Place Network come from?
After losing 2 sisters and a best friend within 90 days in 2025, she and her husband started searching for a place of peace and comfort. On the recommendations of a grieving family member , they started looking at Life Care and Life Plan Communities in Northern Virginia and south to Richmond. They have lived in River Creek for 21 years and were looking for a similar environment and type of housing. They found several beautiful places with outrageous Entry Fees, long waitlist and escalating monthly fees. They were almost accepting of these terms but then realized that nothing could match their home in River Creek. So, Fran decided there must be others in River Creek who feel the same way. She was very surprised to find that many neighbors were also shopping for alternative living but did not want to leave. Fran researched other options for Seniors and found the Village-to-Village Network in March 2026. VTVN is a nonprofit helping seniors for 25 years in 400 villages nationwide, who wish to Age in Place in their existing communities. Fran joined VTVN and has been encouraged and mentored in building a "village" in River Creek for Seniors who wish to age in River Creek. On May 1 2026 she launched the River Creek Aging in Place Network and in one month went from 10 members to 68 members who are like minded river creek residents who wish to age in River Creek. River Creek Aging in Place Network is not a Nonprofit like other villages but could grow into one which would give them many more opportunities. So.. We shall see.
Yet, how do families cope with the concern for a parent or grandparent who is determined to age in place independently?
Such an important question. It is critical that everyone is accepting and supportive of their Senior family member Aging in their own home. The more family support and confidence Seniors received, the better they do and the longer they do it. The key is living in a socially accepting neighborhood where Aging is a beautiful part of life - not a scary life style. Homes are modified according to a Senior's needs and socialization is a nourishing remedy. Imagine how grateful the family feels when a Senior speaks to them about going out to dinner with 10 friends or walking every day on the walking path or preparing for a trip to the Smithsonian. You will know it's working by the smiles on the Seniors faces. Look for the smiles.