More seniors are living safely in their homes instead of going to assisted living facilities. The practice is known as aging in place. 

Home improvements, and in some cases remodeling, can be needed to make it happen. 

It can all be a lot for family caregivers - emotionally, physically and financially. Many say it's worth it. 

"It was very difficult watching the deterioration"

In Franklin Lakes, N.J., 96-year-old Fay is coping with Alzheimer's as best she can. She lives with her son Steve Sfugaras and daughter-in-law Pam, who is also a cancer survivor. 

"She was always a very independent woman herself. It was very difficult watching the deterioration," Steve Sfugaras said. 

"We don't have to go someplace to visit her once a week, or maybe once a year," Pam said. 

Steve and Pam remodeled their home to include a senior suite, and a fall-proof plan in every room. 

Linda Pollock owns North Jersey Home Maintenance Group, which specializes in aging in place renovations and disability home services. She described some of the changes made to the home, including replacing the front door to make it wheelchair accessible, adding handrails where needed, and placing a pull-down seat in the shower. 

Pollock said she's been getting more calls for older adult modifications. 

"They really do not want to leave their homes. All their memories are there, and they cherish their surroundings," Pollock said. 

"I think my mom is comfortable. She knows Pam and I are here, and I think that's very important," Steve said. 

The couple says being a caregiver to Fay, working and making time for their own children and grandchildren can be tough. 

"It's a big decision, and one that should not be taken lightly," Pam said. 

They cited a loss of privacy, and said coordinating medications and doctors visits can be very stressful and draining, but it's making all the difference. 

"Seeing her when we have a party, or a birthday, and she's with all the family and the kids, I could see she's very happy," Steve said. 

"It might make it easier when the end comes that we have no regrets," Pam said. 

Falls are a top concern for those aging in place at home

According to New York's Office for the Aging, 81% of older adults live at home. Realtors say more multi-family homes are being built with a senior suite so aging adults can live with their children. Modifications, big or small, are recommended as soon as seniors start to show any sign of daily struggle. 

According to the National Institute on Aging, falls are leading cause of injury for seniors, especially at night between the bedroom and bathroom. 

"It's so scary because, everything is so hard in the bathroom - the tiles, the sink, the tub. So when you fall, you hurt yourself," 86-year-old Sheri Miller said. "I like my apartment. I love where I live." 

Miller lives alone in her New York City apartment. She contacted Health Advocates For Older People after she fell. The organization told her she was eligible for free grab bars in her bathroom and helped her get them installed. 

"The grab bars were a godsend. I don't even think about it now. It's part of my daily living," Miller said. 

Simple repairs can cost a few hundred dollars, while other accessibility modifications can cost in the thousands. The costs have "always been an issue," Josh Krasner of HAFOP said. 

Older adult advocates say there is partial financing available through tax incentives, state Medicaid programs, private insurance and veterans benefits that can help offset costs that are deemed medically necessary. 

In New York City, organizations also coordinate equipment that's no longer needed by some families to help out other families in need.