Most seniors want to stay in their own homes as they age—but today’s system makes it difficult and expensive. We’re collecting stories from seniors, loved ones, and caregivers to show what aging in place really looks like, why companionship matters, and how outdated rules make it harder for families to provide safe, affordable in-home support.

Across America, families are struggling to support aging parents and grandparents who want to remain in their homes—the place where they feel safe, connected, and dignified. But skyrocketing caregiving costs and restrictive regulations have made in-home support nearly impossible for many families.

  • Seniors who only need light help or companionship cannot find help that makes sense for them. 
  • Adult children juggling careers, kids, and distance cannot be there as much as they want.
  • Many families turn to “under-the-table” arrangements because legal options are either unaffordable or unworkable.
  • Seniors face loneliness, which harms health as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
  • Millions of older adults are forced into facilities they don’t want or need because at-home support is unaffordable and inaccessible.

It’s time for policymakers to cut back on the red tape that makes in-home companionship needlessly costly and bureaucratic. We believe it’s time to explore safe, compassionate, affordable solutions—like live-in companion programs modeled after the au pair system—that connect seniors with carefully vetted companions who provide support, friendship, and help with daily tasks.

To highlight what families are facing today, we are collecting stories from seniors, adult children, caregivers, and working parents navigating both childcare and elder care.

I am a/an:(Required)
*HELPFUL QUESTIONS TO GET YOUR STARTED: Why is aging at home important to you or your loved one? What challenges have you faced in trying to support an aging parent or loved one? What would companionship, light help, or in-home support mean for you​ and your family? How have rising care costs or limited options impacted your family’s situation? Have you ever been forced to consider “under-the-table” arrangements because legal options were unaffordable or unavailable? What do you wish people understood about caring for an aging parent or about aging alone? What’s one moment or experience that captures your family’s eldercare journey? How would having a safe, live-in companion or helper change your or your loved one’s life?
Max. file size: 200 MB.