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Welcome to
Aging with Aurora
My name is Dawn Heiderscheidt. I am a Home Accessibility Consultant in the Philadelphia Region.
I help you increase your knowledge and access to accessibility information to reach your goal to remain in Home Sweet Home.
Working with primarily older adults, their caregivers, and those with chronic conditions, I have learned that our homes need to accommodate us at any stage of life, instead of us changing because our homes aren't ready.

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From Uncertainty at Home to Hope
This recent project began with uncertainty and fear but became a powerful example of what’s possible when healthcare insight, design collaboration, and empathy work together.
Nov 64 min read


Aging in Place: The Shift Toward Highly Personalized Solutions
Personalized aging-in-place planning is about seeing each person as more than their physical abilities or limitations. It’s about recognizing emotional connections, personal routines, and the rhythms of daily life.
Oct 282 min read


How Smart Home Technology Is Changing the Way We Age in Place
Aging in place is easier than ever thanks to technology that works with people, not just around them. From voice-activated lights to fall sensors, the right tools can make home safer, simpler, and more empowering.
Oct 82 min read


Preparing Your Home for an Elderly Parent Returning from the Hospital: Why Occupational Therapy Matters
Many middle-aged adults find themselves balancing careers, children, and caregiving. Involving an OT not only ensures your parent’s safety but also relieves some of the burden from your shoulders. You don’t have to guess what changes are necessary or worry if you’ve overlooked something important—an OT brings clinical expertise to guide you.
Sep 292 min read


Full Renovation vs. Targeted Adaptations: Finding the Right Fit for Aging in Place
When planning to age in place, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to pursue a full home renovation or opt for targeted...
Aug 53 min read


Designing Spaces That Truly Work: Universal, Inclusive, and Human-Centered Design for Your Home
Imagine walking into your bathroom first thing in the morning. The space is calm and safe. You can reach everything you need without...
Jul 294 min read


What Does Fall Prevention Really Look Like?
We think it's exercises and weights with sweat in places we don't want to think about. But it really looks like twenty older adults...
Jun 262 min read


Beating the Heat at Home: Real Strategies for Real People
This past Monday, I woke up in a panic. I didn’t hear the hum of my air conditioner and immediately thought, “Did we lose power...
Jun 263 min read


Minimalism vs. Accessibility: Why Less is More for Aging in Place
When you hear “minimalism,” you might think of trendy magazines or fancy homes with barely a chair in them. But for those of us who want...
May 142 min read


Designing for the Senses: How Sound, Smell & Touch Influence Aging in Place
When people think about “aging in place,” they often picture ramps, grab bars, or wider doorways. While those features are important,...
Apr 143 min read


Designing for the Senses: How Sound, Smell & Touch Influence Aging in Place
When we think about making a home accessible for aging in place, we often picture things like ramps, grab bars, and wide doorways. But...
Mar 173 min read


The Future of Aging in Place: What We Can Learn from Smart Cities & Universal Design
Aging in place used to be about grab bars and wider doorways—but as technology, urban planning, and home design evolve, so should our...
Feb 172 min read


Timeless Living with Expert Tips for Aging in Place
As the population ages, the concept of "aging in place" has gained significant attention in the realm of home design. The idea is to...
Jan 143 min read


🎉Heading into the New Year- 5 years🎉
Aurora Independence didn’t begin with a grand opening or a big launch. It started as a slow burn, born from a simple yet pivotal moment...
Dec 31, 20242 min read


Future Proofing Your Home for Aging in Place
Think forward for the future of your home!
Dec 16, 20242 min read


Designing a Kitchen for Aging in Place: Easy Tips to Stay Safe and Independent
As we get older, our needs change, and our homes should change too! The idea of "aging in place" means staying in your home as you age,...
Nov 14, 20242 min read


Designing a Home for Aging in Place: Comfortable and Adaptable Furniture
These quick furniture tips are great for aging in place and improving adaptability!
Oct 16, 20243 min read


Enhancing Home Safety: Practical, Low-Cost Solutions for Fall Prevention
As we recognize Falls Prevention Month, it’s a great opportunity time to share some practical solutions that make a big difference in the...
Sep 13, 20244 min read


Technology Integration: How Smart Home Technology Can Help Older Adults
As people get older, daily tasks can become more challenging. However, smart home technology is making it easier for older adults to live...
Aug 14, 20243 min read


Open Floor Plans: A Key to Aging in Place Comfortably
As people age, the desire to remain in their own homes, known as aging in place, becomes a priority. Designing a home that accommodates...
Jul 15, 20243 min read
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