If staying in your family home is important to you, here are six home modifications you can make to help support aging in place.
Aging gracefully is not just about having personal satisfaction and well-being; equally important is having a comfortable and functional living space. As individuals age, many strongly desire to remain in their familial homes. To help make this a reality, below are six home modifications to help support aging in place. These modifications will enhance the accessibility and safety of your home and make it easier for you to stay there well past retirement age.
Kitchen Remodeling
As we age, tasks that were once second nature can become more challenging. Kitchen modifications such as pull-out shelves, adjustable-height countertops, and touch- or voice-activated faucets can significantly improve accessibility. Additionally, installing under-cabinet lighting can aid visibility, ensuring cooking and food prep remain as enjoyable and straightforward as ever.
Universal Design Bathroom Remodel
Mobility and balance may decrease with age, making using the bathroom and shower difficult. A universal design approach ensures your bathroom remains accessible to you. To create a universal design in your bathroom, consider installing a walk-in tub or a curbless shower with grab bars. Lever-handle faucets and an elevated toilet seat can also help your bathroom accommodate aging in place.
Entryway Updates
Getting in and out of your home may become harder as you age. However, you can make several entryway updates to address such mobility issues. For example, installing handrails, nonslip flooring, and adequate lighting can make coming and going much easier. A no-step entry is also worth considering for wheelchair or walker users.
Flooring Modifications
Having safe floor surfaces inside your home is important, especially as you age. Slippery tiles and high-pile carpeting can become hazardous and increase your risk of injury. When redoing your floors, opt for slip-resistant flooring options like vinyl, linoleum, or low-pile carpeting. These flooring options provide safer surfaces and make movement around your house easier, especially if you use a mobility aid.
Smart Home Devices
In the digital age, tech companies have designed many gadgets to make life more convenient. Smart home devices like voice-activated lights, automated thermostats, and security systems can offer increased comfort and peace of mind for seniors. Also, devices that remind you to take medication or that alert emergency services in case of a fall could potentially save your life.
Active Outdoor Space
Out of the six home modifications to help support aging in place, adding a sports court may seem like the most trivial option. However, adding a tennis or pickleball court, or adapting an existing outdoor space for low-impact activities can promote physical activity, social interaction, and mental well-being.
Playing tennis or pickleball is a great way for seniors to get much-needed exercise and sunlight exposure. Just make sure to follow the maintenance checklist for new tennis court owners. Following this checklist will help you avoid costly repairs that stem from a lack of maintenance.
To gracefully age in place, you should adapt your current environment to suit your evolving needs. The remodeling suggestions above will help you find comfort, safety, and happiness in your living space throughout your golden years.
This article is courtesy of contributor Shea Rumoro
