Many people want to stay in their homes as they get older. They like the comfort and memories their houses hold. But, staying at home can be hard when the house isn’t set up right for an aging person.
One fact that stands out is from a 2021 survey by AARP. It says that 75% of folks aged 50 and above wish to live in their homes as long as possible.
Our checklist for aging in place will show you how to make a home safe and comfortable. We talk about bathroom modifications, kitchen safety enhancements, and much more. These tips help keep you or your loved ones living happily at home for many years.
Key Home Modifications for Safety
Make your home safer by upgrading the bathroom and enhancing kitchen safety. These modifications are essential for aging in place while maintaining independence.
Bathroom adaptations
Bathroom safety is key for independent living while aging. Here are some changes to make it safer:
- Install grab bars near the toilet and shower to help with balance. These bars improve balance by 75%.
- Put in a raised toilet seat with support handles for those who have trouble standing from a low position. This helps people with weak legs.
- Replace regular bathtubs with walk-in showers or tubs. These options have no barriers and often come with grab bars.
- Add a shower chair made of mold-resistant plastic. It gives support to someone who cannot stand for long showers.
- Walk-in showers cost between $1,500 and $3,500 or more, making them an affordable choice for many.
- Walk-in tubs are pricier, around $10,000, but offer easy access and safety.
- Consider kitchen modifications as well for a fully safe home environment.
These changes can significantly lower the risk of falls and injuries in the bathroom, creating a safer home for aging independently.
Kitchen safety enhancements
Just like the bathroom, the kitchen needs updates for safe aging in place. Making these changes helps everyone feel more secure and independent at home.
- Install grab bars near the kitchen sink and stove for extra support. These bars can cost between $15 and $300.
- Use smart stoves that turn off automatically to prevent fires. This is a great safety feature.
- Apply universal design in the kitchen layout to make it easy for people of all ages to use. This means having space to move easily and things within reach.
- Put in slip-resistant flooring to reduce falls, which are common in kitchens.
- Arrange items on lower shelves so they are easy to get without climbing or reaching high places.
- Choose appliances with easy-to-read controls and automatic shut-off functions for added safety.
- Place a fire extinguisher within reach but away from the stove, just in case of emergencies.
These steps ensure the kitchen is a safe place for cooking and gathering, matching the goal of making homes fit for living well into later years with necessary safety modifications.
Necessary Support Systems
Support systems help ensure that you stay in your own home as long as possibe. These support systems are made up of both emergency response systems as well as local support systems.
Emergency response systems
Emergency response systems are vital for 61% of aging individuals to live safely at home. These systems can include smart doorbells, locks, and cameras. They help keep seniors safe by letting them see who is at the door without opening it.
Smart thermostats adjust the home’s temperature for comfort and safety. Also, smart stoves turn off automatically to prevent accidents.
Local experts and healthcare professionals should work together to set up these systems. This teamwork ensures that each part of the system meets the senior’s needs. Regular checks keep everything working right and make independent living safer.
Local support services
After establishing emergency response systems, accessing local support services is crucial for aging in place. These services can offer assistance with implementing necessary home modifications to enhance safety and accessibility.
Area Agencies on Aging and the eldercare locator tool are valuable resources that connect older adults with local support services, facilitating independent living while ensuring a safe and comfortable home environment.
92% of older adults prefer staying in their current homes over moving to assisted living facilities, underscoring the significance of local support services in enabling aging individuals to maintain their independence.
These services bridge the gap between aging needs and home adequacy, as highlighted by Eve Hill, an aging in place specialist. By using these resources, personalized solutions can be sought out to meet individual requirements for a seamless transition into a more elderly-friendly abode.
Regular Maintenance Checks
Regular maintenance checks involve inspecting your home’s structure, utilities, and security measures to ensure everything is in good condition. This helps you catch any potential issues early on and maintain a safe living environment.
Home structure and utilities
Regular checks of the home structure and utilities are crucial for safety. Smart home devices must be functioning correctly to ensure that older adults can live independently. It’s important to consider adding raised toilet seats, which cost between $27 to $85, as well as lift chairs ranging from $600 to $1,000.
In addition, walk-in showers and tubs offer barrier-free entry and typically include grab bars.
Security measures
Ensure the safety of your home with smart upgrades like doorbells, locks, and cameras. Regularly inspect and update security measures for optimal protection. Consider stair lifts, elevators, and wheelchair ramps for safe mobility within the home.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve looked into crucial strategies to promote independent living while aging in place. These practical suggestions are straightforward and effective for anyone aiming to enhance the safety and comfort of their home.
Adopting these approaches can markedly enhance the quality of life for older adults and enable them to remain in their own homes for an extended period. To further expand your knowledge, we advise researching local services or seeking professional assistance.
Keep in mind, by taking proactive measures now, you are establishing a groundwork for a secure and rewarding future at home.
