10 Tips for Aging In Place Home Modifications

More seniors are choosing to age in place than ever before. This trend is driven in part by the rising costs of long-term care, coupled with the rapidly growing senior population as the Baby Boomer generation ages – a generation that’s enjoying a more active, vibrant lifestyle than previous generations.  Technology and wider availability of services, such as home meal delivery services, are making it easier for older adults to remain in their own homes independently, as well.

While it may not be possible for an older adult to live independently forever, there are many changes that can be made to a home to make it safer and more functional for them to remain in their own homes longer. By implementing home modifications that support aging in place, today’s seniors are able to maintain their independence, and in the long run, may save a substantial amount of money on senior living.  

Below, you’ll find 10 top tips on home modifications that support aging in place that ensure the safety of the home for older adults. Some are simple adjustments, while others are larger scale projects – but all will make a home more accommodating as a person ages.

1. Pay attention to aging needs and difficulties, particularly if an aging parent lives alone. In this situation other family members may not be aware of the struggles their loved one is having. When visiting, make it a point to observe how they are getting around the house. If you have concerns, it is probably time to consider an assessment. Look for a contractor who specializes in home modification and who will coordinate with their health care team.
   
2. While seemingly small, clearing the excess in your home can make a big difference. Any unnecessary furniture or rugs should be removed. The more space you allow in each of your rooms, the better. Make sure there are clear pathways and plenty of space to walk in without bumping into anything, especially in the rooms you spend a lot of time in.
3. Create at least one 'no-step' entry into your home. Outside, you’ll probably want a covered entry to protect you from the elements. And you need good drainage since the doorway will be level with the walking surface just outside the door. Once inside, you’ll need space for maneuvering.
4. Combine your essential rooms onto the first floor. You may not want to move out of your two-story home, but you may want to consider rearranging the room configuration. Moving downstairs helps to make a home as easy as possible to navigate. Consider moving the master bedroom downstairs. When possible, opt for open spaces over small rooms and narrow hallways.
5. Consider a universal design. Universal design has been defined as building environments that are accessible by anyone regardless of their physical limitations or disabilities. Much of the universal design concept has been codified in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  In practice, most universal designs involve retrofitting an existing space with all of its limitations rather than constructing a new space. Universal design is also a good investment for future resale of your home.
6. By age 75, most people require twice as much light as the normal recommended standard, and nearly four times as much as a 20-year-old, to see satisfactorily (Dementia Services Development Center – The Importance of Lighting). This is especially true for people with dementia. Dark spots or areas in a room can appear ominous and confusing to the brain. Providing nice, bright spaces will help ease the mind and provide a clearer understanding of surroundings.
7. Go low maintenance. When it comes time to replace exterior materials, choose products that require little or no maintenance, such as vinyl siding, metal roofing, and composite decking. These products will offer dual benefits of good looks and lasting performance. You can reduce landscape maintenance, too, by choosing native plants and installing a time-activated sprinkler system.
8. Prep a bathroom to be wheelchair ready. Install roll-in showers with multiple shower heads which are fixed, height adjustable and hand held. Make sure that the curtain is not held up by a tension rod, since grabbing it for support may result in a fall and install grab bars. Also, place rubber mats inside and outside the shower to avoid slipping and falling.
   
9. Replace kitchen cabinets with drawers and pullout shelves. Drawers and pullouts in kitchens are popular with homeowners of all ages because they make it easier to see and retrieve items without bending down and peering into a dark cabinet. These changes bring the contents of the cabinet out into the light rather than you getting into the cabinet. Glass doors on upper cabinets help you remember what is in them, too. When choosing knobs and pulls, move away from the small round knobs and choose something that's easier to grab.
10. Consider refinancing. If you have substantial equity in your home, you have multiple ways to pay for improvements, such as a cash-out refinance of your mortgage, a home-equity loan or line of credit, or a reverse mortgage. There are also several grants and rebates available that may help make your remodel affordable.

Fort Rock Construction, Inc. serves homeowners throughout the Eugene and Springfield areas and we can help remodel your home to safely accommodate aging in place. Give us a call today at 541-767-1611.