AGING IN PLACE GRACEFULLY AND SAFELY
People want to thrive throughout their golden years. If you’re among the many seniors who want to remain in your home in lieu of moving to a retirement community, long-term care facility, or a relative’s home, you’ll want to assess home modifications required to ensure your safety and security.
Home accessibility remodeling
When it comes to renovations that will enhance the livability of your space, a qualified contractor will be well-equipped to make modifications to your kitchen, bathroom and home’s structure.
Entry ramps at the main door and threshold ramps to provide transitions from room to room.
Replace the bathtub with a walk-in shower.
Replace shaggy, long-pile, or worn carpets with low-level loop or low-nap carpeting.
Widen doorways between rooms.
Update kitchen layouts to increase gaps between counters and islands; install lower, wheelchair-accessible counters.
DIY home accessibility modifications
Here are some inexpensive modifications you can do yourself:
Remove trip hazards. Keep cords away from walkways or use cord covers. Eliminate throw rugs that are prone to bunching up. Secure larger rugs with double-sided rug tape or rug grippers.
Create space in each room. Declutter and downsize your furniture collection. You can donate to charity, sell, or give it to friends and family members. Open spaces and wide pathways provide better maneuverability if you use a wheelchair or walker.
Reorganize your space. Make your life easier by moving items you use frequently to easy-to-reach places, especially in your kitchen, pantry, and closets. Lower closet hanging rods or use modular storage systems configured to your needs.
Add light. If your home has dark spots—hallways, stairs, or under cabinets, for example—use inexpensive light tape or stick-on lights to brighten things up.
Replace door and faucet handles. Arthritic hands struggle to use twist handles and knobs, so use lever handles instead. Replace cabinet and drawer knobs with handles, too.
Elevate the toilet seat. Getting on and off the toilet is challenging for people with mobility issues, but installing an elevated toilet seat makes the process easier and safer.
Add traction in the bathroom. Bathroom floors can get pretty slippery. Use traction strips or non-skid tape on the tile floor and in the bathtub/shower to reduce the risk of a fall. Add safety bars and a bathtub transfer bench or in-shower seat.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with lights. These bright detectors are a must-have if you’re hearing disabled.
Downsizing
If you’ve decided that you have too much space for your needs—or it will cost too much to modify your home to increase its accessibility—consider downsizing. Smaller homes often cost less and are easier to maintain. It’s important to weigh the sale of your current house against the cost of your new property, and there are other things to consider, such as moving, how space will be used, and the total homeownership costs. Also consider things like home care and transportation options if you are unable to drive.
Also, don’t let price completely rule your choices. You want smaller and cheaper, but buying mindfully is key. For example, it can be hard to resist the allure of an as-is home priced significantly lower than what you planned to pay. Sure, it might be easy to modify for your needs, but that doesn’t mean it’s still a good buy. Remember that as-is property is sold without the owner making repairs to things like the roof, foundation, structural integrity issues, mold and more. If you have your sights set on a home that might have some red flags, a thorough home inspection can help you determine if this is worth your effort or if you should move on.
Moving to an accessible home
If you choose to move to a new home with better accessibility and adaptability, look for a certified senior real estate specialist. These realtors have significant experience working with requirements specific to seniors, including financial management, housing options, and long-term planning. Many of these realtors are certified with the Seniors Real Estate Specialists (SRES) program.
While most older homes lack aging-in-place features, architects and builders have begun incorporating universal design into newer construction. Universal design doesn’t just benefit older folks, but as Abilities.com notes, it helps anyone—like young kids—who live in the home. This design philosophy incorporates easily accessible door knobs, light switches, counters, fixtures, and faucets; wider-than-standard doorways, hallways, and entrances; and bathroom layouts that reduce falls and scalding risks. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
Incorporating these creative home solutions will give you and your loved ones peace of mind and allow you to safely and confidently maintain your independence. For extensive updates, look to Heilman Renovations for modification services, and remember to work with an experienced real estate professional who understands your aging in place needs.