The Washington Public Employee Advantage: Aging in Place

"I love my home, but I'm worried about those stairs in ten years."
This concern is one I hear regularly from Washington public employees approaching retirement. It's a valid concern—our homes that served us well during our working years may present challenges as we age.
What many Washington state and local government employees don't realize, however, is that their unique benefits package provides significant advantages when planning to age in place. Here's what public servants in Washington need to know about staying in the home you love.

The Financial Reality of Long-Term Care
Let's start with some sobering numbers: The average cost of assisted living in Washington now exceeds $6,000 per month, with nursing homes over $12,000 monthly [1]. That translates to more than $70,000 per year just for basic care.
But here's the advantage Washington public employees have: Your pension through DRS provides guaranteed lifetime income with cost-of-living adjustments. Whether you're covered under PERS, TRS, LEOFF, PSERS, or another plan, this stable foundation—combined with your DCP savings and PEBB retiree healthcare benefits—creates a financial advantage many private sector workers simply don't have.
This guaranteed income stream can make it financially feasible to invest in home modifications rather than being forced to consider institutional care options.

The Pacific Northwest Challenge
Our region presents unique aging-in-place challenges. Between our rain, occasional snow, and hilly terrain, standard home modification advice doesn't always apply in Washington. Here are modifications that address our specific regional challenges:

The Outside-In Strategy
An effective approach begins with adapting your home's exterior to our unique climate:

• Replace steep driveways with gentler grades that remain manageable in wet conditions
• Install covered walkways to protect against Pacific Northwest rain
• Add motion-sensor lighting that activates earlier during our dark winter months
• Convert steps to properly-drained ramps with non-slip surfaces [2]

These modifications are particularly important in Washington, where wet conditions and early darkness can create hazards much of the year.

Inside Modifications for Northwest Homes
Beyond the standard grab bars and lever handles, consider these adaptations particularly relevant to homes in our region:

• Create wider doorways and hallways while maintaining proper weatherization (crucial in our climate)
• Ensure adequate lighting throughout the home, with particular attention to our region's dark winter days
• Install proper ventilation systems to prevent moisture-related hazards common in Washington
• Add smart home features that enhance both comfort and safety [3]

The Washington Public Employee Benefit Advantage
Here's something many financial advisors miss: Your position as a public employee in Washington provides several unique advantages when funding home modifications:

• DCP funds can be withdrawn penalty-free after separation from service (still subject to income tax if pre-tax contributions were made)
• PEBB retiree benefits may cover certain medical equipment needs that complement home modifications
• The Washington State Housing Finance Commission offers special programs for seniors
• Some modifications may be partially covered through Medicare Advantage plans available to PEBB retirees [4]

Understanding these benefits and how to leverage them can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket costs of aging in place.

A Three-Phase Implementation Strategy
For Washington public employees planning to age in place, this phased approach can be particularly effective:

Phase 1: Pre-Retirement (1-3 years before)

• Complete a comprehensive home assessment with a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)
• Address major structural modifications while still employed and earning
• Begin gathering quotes and building your modification budget
• Review your DCP balance and consider increased contributions

Phase 2: Early Retirement (Years 1-3)

• Integrate smart home technology systems
• Complete additional accessibility modifications based on actual needs
• Install comfort-focused improvements
• Evaluate and adjust your plan as needed

Phase 3: Ongoing Enhancements

• Add adaptive equipment as needs evolve
• Enhance existing safety features
• Make specialized modifications based on changing requirements
• Regularly reassess needs and effectiveness

Room-by-Room Priorities

Bathroom Safety
Bathrooms present the highest fall risk in homes. Consider these modifications particularly important:

• Install curbless, walk-in showers with built-in seating
• Add comfort-height toilets with adequate space for transfers
• Ensure proper ventilation to prevent the moisture-related hazards common in our climate
• Install non-slip flooring throughout
• Plan for potential caregiver assistance with proper space design [6]

Kitchen Accessibility
Create a kitchen that remains functional as mobility and strength changes occur:

• Install pull-down shelving in upper cabinets
• Add under-cabinet lighting for better task visibility
• Position appliances at accessible heights
• Create counters with varying heights for different needs
• Add pull-out shelves in base cabinets [7]

Bedroom Considerations
Make your bedroom work for the long term:

• Relocate the primary bedroom to the main floor if possible
• Ensure adequate clearance around the bed
• Install proper lighting controls within reach
• Create clear pathways to the bathroom
• Add adequate electrical outlets for potential medical equipment [8]

Smart Technology Solutions
The technology landscape for aging in place has evolved significantly. Consider these options:

• Voice-controlled systems for lighting, temperature, and security
• Video doorbells and security cameras with mobile monitoring
• Medical alert systems with fall detection and GPS tracking
• Automated medication reminders and dispensers
• Motion-activated guidance lighting for nighttime navigation [5]

Your Action Plan: Next Steps

1. This Week: Schedule a retirement planning appointment with DRS to understand your full benefit picture
2. This Month: Review your DCP account and consider whether to increase contributions to build additional savings for modifications
3. This Quarter: Consult with a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) for a comprehensive home assessment
4. This Year: Create a phased modification plan aligned with your retirement timeline and benefit availability

As a Washington public employee, you have a financial foundation that makes aging in place more achievable than for many others. Your pension provides guaranteed income that grows with cost-of-living adjustments, while your retirement savings and healthcare benefits offer flexibility many don't have.
With thoughtful planning, you can create a home environment that supports your independence and quality of life throughout retirement, while protecting your hard-earned benefits from being drained by institutional care costs.

​Sources
[1] Genworth Cost of Care Survey, 2025
[2] National Association of Home Builders Aging-in-Place Remodeling Report
[3] AARP Home Modification Guidelines
[4] Washington State Housing Finance Commission Senior Programs Guide
[5] Smart Home Technology for Aging in Place Study, 2025
[6] CDC Home Safety for Older Adults Report
[7] Universal Design Living Laboratory Research Study
[8] National Institute on Aging Housing Report, 2025

-Seth Deal