Are you planning to age in place? Here are some suggestions for modifying and upgrading your home to support your safety, comfort, and independence.
You have spent decades building a life in your home, and the thought of leaving it behind feels overwhelming. Well, you don’t have to. Many older retirees plan to age in place, which means staying in their current homes even as their medical needs change. This is a perfectly reasonable solution for many seniors, but most homes aren’t immediately fit for the task. Fortunately, with some thoughtful modifications, your current home can become the perfect place to age gracefully while supporting your independence and comfort. Here are some ideas showing you how to make your home more comfortable for aging in place.
Start with Safety Modifications
Aging makes it harder to move, balance, and exert strength, all of which puts you at a higher risk of injury in spaces that aren’t adapted to your physical limitations. You may think you will never lose your current muscle strength, but nearly everyone does. You can prepare for this with a few essential safety modifications.
Begin by installing grab bars in your bathroom, particularly near the toilet and in the shower or bathtub area. You should also consider adding ramps or railings to any steps leading into your home. If your home has multiple stories, another great idea is installing a chair lift to prevent injuries as you attempt to ascend or descend levels. If you have an appropriate space for it, you might also consider a small elevator.
Create Better Lighting Inside and Outside Your Home
Good lighting makes a tremendous difference in preventing falls and maintaining your daily routines. We recommend motion-sensor lights everywhere, as these don’t require you to find a switch to turn them on or off. You’ll also never be in a dark room—motion-sensing technology activates as soon as you enter a space.
If there are dark areas where you might walk outside your home, be sure to install motion-sensor lights there, too. These also serve a double-purpose by lighting up areas which might hide a wild animal or a potential home burglar. You do not want to take the trash out after dark, only to walk straight into a family of raccoons or a person creeping around your house.
Modify Your Flooring for Comfort and Safety
Slippery floors pose a serious fall risk, so you’ll probably want to remove glossy, hard flooring from most areas of your home. Carpet is generally a safe option, though keep in mind that high-pile carpet can slow down the wheels on mobility aids. Likewise, mobility aids can wear down carpet fibers more quickly than feet. You will want to get one of the carpet types best for high-traffic areas which feature a durable, relatively low pile.
Additionally, remember to remove loose rugs that might cause you to trip, or secure them with nonslip backing. And for areas which must retain hard surface flooring (like the bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen), place a few nonslip mats in strategic places, such as next to sinks.
Make Daily Tasks Easier
Small tasks, such as opening doors and drawers, can become surprisingly difficult with age. Fortunately, the solutions are easy.
For example, you can install lever-style door handles instead of round knobs, which can become difficult to grip if arthritis develops. Likewise, add shelves with foot pulls in lower cabinets and keep a grab stick nearby so you don’t have to bend and reach for items.
You might also consider raising your toilet seat height or installing a comfort-height toilet. This simple change reduces strain on your knees and makes sitting and standing much easier.
Modify Your Flooring for Comfort and Safety
Slippery floors pose a serious fall risk, so you’ll probably want to remove glossy, hard flooring from most areas of your home. Carpet is generally a safe option, though keep in mind that high-pile carpet can slow down the wheels on mobility aids. Likewise, mobility aids can wear down carpet fibers more quickly than feet. You will want to get one of the carpet types best for high-traffic areas which feature a durable, relatively low pile.
Additionally, remember to remove loose rugs that might cause you to trip, or secure them with nonslip backing. And for areas which must retain hard surface flooring (like the bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen), place a few nonslip mats in strategic places, such as next to sinks.
Make Daily Tasks Easier
Small tasks, such as opening doors and drawers, can become surprisingly difficult with age. Fortunately, the solutions are easy.
For example, you can install lever-style door handles instead of round knobs, which can become difficult to grip if arthritis develops. Likewise, add shelves with foot pulls in lower cabinets and keep a grab stick nearby so you don’t have to bend and reach for items.
You might also consider raising your toilet seat height or installing a comfort-height toilet. This simple change reduces strain on your knees and makes sitting and standing much easier.
Take advantage of new smart home technology. You can connect your thermostat and your lightbulbs to your Alexa devices, so they can be adjusted with voice commands. You can also use smart home technology to lock doors and control alarm systems, so you can be assured that you are safe when you are alone. In addition, you can use your devices to find out about news and traffic alerts, as well as the weather, so you do not venture outside without being prepared.
Plan Your Bedroom for Convenience
The most important part of your home could become your bedroom, especially if future medical needs require you to spend more time in bed. Therefore, the space should be as comfortable as possible.
Position your bed at a height that makes getting in and out easy—your feet should touch the floor when you sit on the edge. If you can’t do so independently, consider a bedside lift. As for the bed itself, some helpful features to look for include railings and incline and height adjustability.
Making your home comfortable for aging in place doesn’t require a complete renovation. These practical modifications help you maintain your independence while staying in the place you love most. Start with one or two changes, and gradually work through the list as your needs evolve.
Plan Your Bedroom for Convenience
The most important part of your home could become your bedroom, especially if future medical needs require you to spend more time in bed. Therefore, the space should be as comfortable as possible.
Position your bed at a height that makes getting in and out easy—your feet should touch the floor when you sit on the edge. If you can’t do so independently, consider a bedside lift. As for the bed itself, some helpful features to look for include railings and incline and height adjustability.
Making your home comfortable for aging in place doesn’t require a complete renovation. These practical modifications help you maintain your independence while staying in the place you love most. Start with one or two changes, and gradually work through the list as your needs evolve.
Post and Photo credit: Logical Positions
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