Aging in place means living in your desired location safely and independently without sacrificing your quality of life as you age. Specific home modifications for seniors can increase accessibility and safety.
According to a research study titled “Aging in Place: A State Survey of Livability Policies and Practices,” written by the National Conference of State Legislatures with the AARP Public Policy Institute, almost 90% of adults over the age of 65 want to stay in their homes for as long as they can, while 80% of them believe that their current house is where they will always remain.
This shows that almost all older adults will prefer to age in place; however, for this to work effectively, their physical and service environment must accommodate their changed needs.
Most homes are not designed for aging in place, and certain modifications will be necessary to make them more comfortable and safe for seniors.
What are home modifications?
Home modifications involve changes and repairs made to a home to help people with physical limitations move freely, safely, and independently.
Physical limitations can result from chronic conditions, accidents, or old age. However, this blog post focuses on home modifications for seniors who are aging in place.
Home modifications can be temporary or permanent. Changes can range from simple alterations like replacing door knobs with handles to structural changes like widening the doorways or installing non-slip flooring over the entire house.
If you are worried that your landlord will not allow you to make changes to the house, remember that the Fair Housing Act requires landlords to permit reasonable access-related modifications in private living spaces and common-use spaces for people with disabilities.
The landlord is not liable to pay for any of these changes, but there are some financial assistance programs for home modifications for seniors.
Benefits of home modifications for seniors
There are different benefits of home modifications for seniors, including:
1. Increased safety
Safety is one of the primary focuses of home modifications for seniors. The physical limitations associated with old age can result in home accidents exacerbated by a lack of home modifications.
For example, installing grab bars in the bathroom can help seniors maintain their balance while showering or bathing. Non-slip flooring can also help prevent falls in the bathroom, kitchen, and other places with water.
Widening doorways can make it easier for older adults to move around their homes with walkers or wheelchairs.
2. Reduced burden on caregivers
Home modifications increase the independence of older adults. They can move around freely without having to rely on anyone for assistance.
For example, with non-slip flooring and grab bars in the bathroom, a caregiver doesn’t need to offer assistance when the older adult needs a bath. This allows the caregiver to focus on other tasks and reduce the burden.
3. Increased comfort
Home modifications for seniors also provide increased comfort and safety. For example, adding lever-handled faucets can make it easier for seniors with arthritis to turn the water on and off.
4. Peace of mind
Installing home modifications for your seniors will give everyone peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about them having avoidable home accidents or not having a caregiver to meet their every need.
Your elderly ones will also be relaxed and will not need to burden anyone because of the increased independence from the home modifications.
Considerations for home modifications for seniors
When it comes to home modifications for seniors, it is not just about safety or comfort; there are other factors to consider, including:
1. Safety
Prioritize features that reduce fall risks and other accidents, such as non-slip flooring, grab bars, and well-lit areas.
2. Comfort
Ensure modifications improve quality of life. For example, you can incorporate smart home technology that helps seniors control certain home features from the comfort of their beds or chairs.
3. Accessibility
When considering home modifications for seniors, design the modifications to accommodate mobility aids, wider doorways, and door handles for easy movement and access.
4. Affordability
Consider cost-effective solutions and explore financial assistance programs such as government programs, NGOs, or grants.
5. Functionality
Choose modifications that enhance daily living, such as lever-style handles, raised toilet seats, and walk-in showers.
6. Future-proofing
Plan for potential future needs, such as wider hallways for potential wheelchairs. This will reduce standalone costs and the need to relocate when you have to make the changes later.
7. Professional opinion
Consult an occupational therapist or aging-in-place specialist to assess specific needs and recommend suitable modifications.
19 best home modifications for seniors
Here are some of the best home modifications for seniors:
1. Furniture arrangement for a clear pathway
This modification involves arranging furniture to create a clear and unobstructed path throughout the home, which reduces the risk of trips and falls.
2. Adequate lighting
Ensuring sufficient lighting in all areas of the home, especially hallways, stairs, and bathrooms, helps prevent accidents and improves visibility.
3. Non-slip flooring
Installing non-slip flooring, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens, reduces the risk of slips or falls, especially for seniors with mobility issues.
4. Easy-to-use appliances and tools
Using appliances and tools with large, easy-to-grip handles and simple controls can make daily tasks easier for seniors.
5. Widen doorways
Widening doorways allows easier wheelchair access and reduces the risk of bumping into door frames.
6. Lowered countertops
Lowering countertops in the kitchen and bathroom makes it safer for seniors to reach and use them without straining.
7. Pull-out shelves
Installing pull-out shelves in cabinets helps seniors reach items stored in the back and reduces the need to bend or stretch.
8. Lever-handle faucets
Lever-handle faucets are easier to turn on and off than traditional knob-style faucets and are more comfortable for seniors with arthritis.
9. Grab bars
Installing grab bars in the bathroom and near the toilet provides extra support and stability, reducing the risk of falls.
10. Higher toilets
Raising the height of toilets can make it easier for seniors to sit down and stand up. This reduces strain on the knees and hips.
11. Appropriate shower access and seating
This includes installing grab bars, non-slip mats, and shower chairs to make bathing safer and more comfortable for seniors with mobility limitations.
12. Walk-in tub
A walk-in tub eliminates stepping over a high tub wall, making bathing more manageable and safer for seniors.
13. Emergency response systems & medical alert devices
Emergency response systems and medical alert devices allow seniors to summon help quickly and easily in case of an emergency.
14. Bed rails & overbed tables
Installing bed rails provides stability when getting in and out of bed, while overbed tables can be used for eating or reading.
15. Accessible wardrobe setups
This includes installing lower hanging rods, drawers, and shelves to make it easier for seniors to reach their clothes.
16. Ramps with secure railings
Ramps with secure railings provide safe and accessible entry to the home for wheelchair users and seniors with mobility issues.
17. No-step entries
Removing steps at entrances and exits makes it safer for seniors to enter and exit the home.
18. Stairlifts and platform lifts
These devices provide safe and easy access to different levels of the home for seniors with mobility limitations.
19. Removing tripping hazards
Identifying and removing tripping hazards like loose rugs, cords, and uneven flooring can help prevent falls.
Conclusion
Making thoughtful and professional home modifications for seniors increases their safety and comfort, reduces the burden of care on caregivers, and improves their overall quality of life, enabling them to age in place effectively.
Home modifications can also help increase a house’s value when done professionally.
However, when modifying homes for seniors, it is essential to consider their unique needs and assess the modifications that will be most beneficial to them. You can also work with an occupational therapist or an aging-in-place specialist.
You can incorporate smart home technology, medical alert systems, specialized smoke alarms, updated thermostats, etc.
Are you confused about which home modifications are necessary for your senior? Get professional home modification recommendations today!
READ MORE: 19 TOP-RATED ASSISTIVE DEVICES FOR THE ELDERLY – SerenityPas