“Aging in Place” is a similar, but different idea from universal design. This approach focuses on removing barriers, keeping the 7 principles of universal design in mind, but with the ultimate goal of having older adults stay in their homes for as long as possible. Aging in Place also encompasses more holistic features to remain in the home, such as considering arrangements for personal care, household chores, meals, etc. However there is an emphasis within this to adapt the design of your housing to make it “easier and safer” to live in (National Institute on Aging, 2017). This would include adding a ramp at the front door, grab bars in the bathroom, nonskid floors or altering the handles on doors and faucets.
Some local municipalities offer funding programs to help support civilians in making these adaptions to their home and to further age in place. This type of funding program would have required policy to guide the direction of this.
References:
National Institute on Aging (2017). Aging in place: Growing older at home. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place-growing-older-home
Mental Health Policy for Older Adults 