Now more than ever before, we’re seeing more adults choosing to live at home as they grow in years, or what is known as aging in place, and maintain their lifestyle for as long as possible, rather than moving into a nursing home or assisted care center. In fact, three-quarters of adults 50 years and older would prefer to remain in their homes as they age, according to a survey by AARP. Though many of us won’t be able to live independently forever, home modifications will allow your or your loved ones to continue to live in their home longer by creating a more manageable environment. Whether they’re living in a single-story condo or a three-story home, there are modifications that can be made to every home to help make daily tasks a little easier.
Helpful Home Modifications
As we grow older our bodies and capabilities change, and not all homes are designed to support this challenge we’ll face. A lot of times doorways are too narrow, bathrooms too small, floors too slippery, and kitchen cabinets too high to reach. For aging adults, a home designed for optimal accessibility, convenience, and safety is imperative to avoid falls or serious injuries. Optimizing a home for safe and comfortable living while creating a home environment that makes getting around easier is essential for aging in place. That’s why we’ve gathered the most common home modifications, from simple adjustments to larger remodeling projects.
General Home modifications to aid in mobility
· Install handrails. For aging in place, add handrails to stairs, hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms for extra balance.
· Upgrade the lighting. Replace existing bulbs with LED bulbs to increase visibility. Consider installing touch-activated lamps, and placing night lights in the bedroom, bathroom, and hallways.
· Install lever door handles. Switch out standard round doorknobs for lever-style handles. These do not require the same level of grip.
· Install a stairlift. This is a great alternative when walking up stairs becomes more difficult. Install light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs to prevent your loved one from using stairs in the dark.
· Install motorized automated blinds. This style of window treatment allows aging adults to adjust their blinds without having to stand up.
· Create an open floor plan. Make wide passageways throughout the home with little obstruction. Widen doorways and hallways if your loved one uses a walker or wheelchair to navigate their home
· Replace hardwood, tile, laminate, or vinyl flooring for carpet. If your loved one doesn’t use a wheelchair, carpet will be most forgiving and provides more floor consistency.
For more information on this topic and others please visit… https://www.redfin.com/blog/home-improvements-and-modifications-for-aging-in-place
~Thank you Julia Weaver for your contributions to this blog post