Aging in place refers to the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably as you get older. This option has become increasingly popular as an alternative to assisted living or nursing homes.
The Importance of Planning
According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, while 88% of adults aged 50-80 believe aging in place is important, only 34% feel their homes are adequately equipped for this purpose.¹
Successful aging in place requires careful planning and consideration of various factors, yet many older adults have given little to no consideration to the modifications necessary to help them stay in their homes longer.
Key Considerations for Aging in Place
Many people immediately think of home modifications when making plans to age in place. However, other factors to consider include assistive technology, access to help with household chores and yard maintenance, transportation, and the availability of adequate medical care should you require it.
Home Modifications
Home modifications, such as widening doors and halls for wheelchair access and safety features throughout the home, can make aging in place possible.
However, home modifications can be costly. If you haven’t been able to save for modifications, there are a few programs that may help.
Check with insurance providers, local programs, and the Veterans' Administration for assistance with home modifications. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity also offer aging-in-place programs, though there may be age and income restrictions.
Bathroom Modifications
According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 235,000 people seek medical help due to bathroom-related injuries each year.
Some bathroom modifications to consider are:
- Installing grab bars by toilets and bathtubs
- Adding raised toilet seats
- Switching from a standard tub and shower combination to a curb-less shower or walk-in tub
- Widening entries to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs
Bedroom Modifications
To prevent falls in the bedroom, you may want to consider the following modifications:
- Installing additional lighting in bathrooms, including motion sensor night lights
- Using bed rails to provide support and stability when entering and exiting the bed
Kitchen Modifications
Many kitchens are not built to accommodate those with limited mobility, making it difficult for these individuals to reach tall cabinets, maneuver around appliances, open heavy doors on cabinets or appliances, etc.
You may want to consider the following modifications:
- Installing additional lighting
- Fixing uneven flooring and securing rugs to eliminate tripping hazards
- Ensuring countertops are at a comfortable height and that shelves provide easy access with pull-out drawers
Whole Home Access and Safety
If your home is more than one story or has a basement, you may want to consider the following:
- Installing a stairlift to reach all floors of the home safely
- Building or purchasing a wheelchair ramp to safely enter and exit the home
- Ensuring there is adequate lighting both inside the home and outside
- Putting a plan in place for snow removal if you live in colder climates
Assistance with Activities of Daily Living
As people age or face health challenges, their ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) may decline. This can impact their quality of life and safety, potentially necessitating additional support or care.
Regular assessment of ADLs helps ensure that individuals receive appropriate assistance to maintain their independence and well-being.
Steps you can take:
- Evaluate your ability to perform household chores and find local caregivers if you feel you may need help with laundry, vacuuming, or cleaning.
- Consider home health aides who can provide personal care services, including assistance with bathing, dressing, teeth and denture cleaning, hair brushing and styling, applying compression stockings, transferring from bed to wheelchair and back, walker assistance, and more.
- Decide if grocery or meal delivery services may be helpful to ensure you're getting adequate nutrition that meets your specific dietary requirements.
- Explore assistive technology such as automatic pill dispensers, caption phones, GPS trackers, and medical alert devices.
By carefully considering these factors and planning ahead, you can create a safe and comfortable environment that allows you or your loved one to maintain independence and stay in the home they love longer.
Sources
- Robinson-Lane S, Singer D, Kirch M, Solway E, Smith E, Kullgren J, Malani P. Older Adults' Preparedness to Age in Place. University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging. April 2022. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.7302/4278
