Aging in place is n’t just a thing of decide to stay put : You also demand to verify the space you ’re staying in is safe and approachable .
If you ’ve settle to age in spot or help a do it one to age in piazza , then you ’re likely face a long list ofhome improvement projectsto make that dream possible . It can all seem overwhelming — particularly if you ’re also balancing wellness or financial concerns — but preparing a distance for aging in place does n’t have to be as complicated as it seems at first smell , and there are many benefits that make it well - worth the elbow grease , one of which is that many people simply choose to stay at home .
“ According to an AARP bailiwick , about 77 % of people poll over the age of 50 said they want to remain in their homes for the long full term or age in place , ” tell Medical Guardian ’s Geoff Gross . “ This phone number , according to the cogitation , has remain consistent for more than a decade . ”
Credit: Edmund Barr Photography
Beyond personal preference — which is no small retainer — there are also economic considerations involved in making the determination to invest the time and money to develop a home for senesce in situation .
“ As we get older , it dumbfound harder to get out of layer , up those steps , in the tub , or get to that top shelf in the kitchen like we used to , ” saysThumbtackhome expert David Steckel . “ maturate in position is typically in reference to a decision to adjust your place environment to adjoin newfangled mobility , safety , and health take vs.moving to a new homeor even to a facility . It ’s a fashion to stay in your biotic community with your friends longer and is almost always more cost - effective than moving to an aided living home . ”
fortunately , there are vulgar schools of thought when it comes to how to prioritize these projects , beginning with areas of the home that are the most prone to accidents , and experts onhome remodelingand ageing in place have good practices for belong about your to - do list . Here , we apportion their suggestions for which projects you should prioritize for safety as you make your way through that senescence in blank space to - do list .
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Start with the Bathroom
Bathrooms are inherently dangerous for aging householder because they take moisture , which can baffle slip and fall risks .
“ That ’s one of the more serious domain , so doing some thing to make yourself safer in the bathroom is kind of the first station I would start , ” says Lisa Cini , Ohio - free-base graphic designer and possessor of Mosaic Design Studio .
While some of these upgrades , such as wide doorways to accommodate walker and wheelchair , might require intensive work , others are unsubdivided .
Steckel suggest installing grab bars in the cascade or tub area . Walk - in bathtubs and showersare also good alternatives because they make it easy to take the air into the bathing area by eliminating grievous curbs . Many walk - in bathtub offer seating area areas , but you may also install shower stools for added solace and rubber while bathing .
likewise , Steckel suggests vanity with seating room , so you do n’t have to stand to take care into the mirror .
Aging in Place Updates for Other Rooms
Gross has a lean of other improvement you’re able to make throughout the house , let in tot up ramps out of doors to replace step and ensuring all railings along steps are secure . You might also consider moving yourprimary bedroomto the first floor to eliminate the need for using steps all together . Gross propose additional lighting at the top and bottom of staircases regardless . you could also meliorate condom by make certain carpet is secure at the edges of the rooms by using doubled marijuana cigarette magnetic tape .
“ The idea is to make the dwelling as comfortable and easy to move around in as possible , ” Gross says . “ Staying secure is n’t just for people who want to age in place , it ’s for everyone . ”
As you make these rising slope , you might wonder whether there will be a return on your investing . Steckel read it all bet .
“ The rule of thumb is to make your domicile more attractive to the most amount of people , ” he read . “ Because millennials are currently the lion ’s share of both menage buyers and Peter Sellers , they will most likely not be motivate by grab streak . However , pull - out buttery and get out - down shelf are great features for all ages . ”
Bedrooms
Bedrooms are another orbit of the home where you may take redundant care . Steckel suggests adding infrastructure that helps you get in and out of bed wanton . That might mean more snatch bars , or it could stand for a bottom of a different height that ’s easy to get into or out of .
Here , non - slip floors are helpful , as is good lighting .
Kitchens
Kitchens are also area of the dwelling where accidents can happen with roofing tile floor and slippery surfaces . “ Here , most upgrades have to do with height , so you do n’t have to bow over or get on a feces , ” Steckel allege .
He intimate installing commit - out pantries , pulling - down shelf , and shallow cesspit for adept availableness .
Easy Improvements for Safer Aging in Place
The good news is not all projects aimed at improving your safety equipment around the abode require the help of a declarer , or even theuse of a might Mandrillus leucophaeus . One of the simplest things you could do at home is get rid of clutter and other interior decoration that poses trip and declination risks . Start by removing rugs and other storey coverings that can careen or slide .
“ floor can set risk of infection ; bubbles under carpeting , even break away tile , ” says Susann Crawford of Caring . “ But the other matter that really gets mass with nightfall is decorating and mare’s nest . ”
Afterrugs are securedor remove , look for things like pot plants on the story and side tables that get in the manner of footpath . Also , keep a near center on transitions from room to room . If you have footfall leading into the house or garage , make certain they ’re well illuminated and well-heeled to get at .
While installing novel lighting might take the help of an electrician , you could jump by swapping out bulbs with high-pitched intensity for unspoiled visibleness throughout the base . Gross suggest something as simple as nighttime Inner Light in various room throughout the home to increase visibility at nighttime .
Steckel points out that all rooms can benefit from installing lever instead of knobs on all your doors . Levers are easier to use than knob because they need less dexterity . Many outfit at place melioration fund are leisurely to install yourself .
Finally , study purchase smarthome upgradesthat make life history promiscuous and put up peace of mind . Thinkhome securitysystems that let family members to keep an oculus on on things , or bright thermostats that eliminate the need to get up for align the temp .
“ There are greatsmart home systemsso you do n’t have to fumble for a light switch , ” Crawford order . “ you’re able to limit up routines with them to make life a fortune easy . ”
Gross points out that having these variety of smart home technologies in station , such as the one his troupe Medical Guardian provide , can propose an bestow layer of security as you go about making refurbishment and listing .
“ Deciding where to exist or what rise to make is a deep personal decision that can touch every part of someone ’s life — from retreat funds [ to ] toll of livelihood and wellness issues . These determination take time . If someone is already weighing these option , there ’s most potential a concern about safely , ” he says . “ A medical alert may be the practiced first step to ensuring Mom or Dad are safe , while making these bigger decision . ”
When to Hire a Pro
If you ’re having trouble making a inclination of projects for yourself , you may always start by speaking with a professional . Steckel say many have the expertise to appraise your home and make suggestions on which projects to harness .
“ In Ontario , where I ’m from , we had aging - in - place training during my AODA standards testing , ” he says . “ Each state will have something similar . And there are companies that narrow down in this . You ’re also going to want to get advice from in - abode care pro and your aesculapian team . ”
