15 of the Most Popular Aging-in-Place Home Modifications
For those who intend to stay in their own home for as long as possible as they grow older, aging-in-place home modifications can make your life safer, easier, and more comfortable. Making the necessary renovations to your home can help with independent living for people who don’t want to move to an assisted living facility.
Although some of the modifications for elderly people who plan on aging in place can be extensive, many modifications are simple and can make a big difference to your life. With the right advice and carefully chosen home modifications, you should be able to stay at home for as long as possible.
Top Aging-In-Place Home Modifications
There are many options for home modifications that can be made in every room of the house. Certain modifications may have to be prioritized according to urgency or budget constraints.
Bathroom Modifications
Your bathroom is one of the most important places to start when making home improvements. The bathroom, particularly the bathtub, can be slippery and dangerous, and fall prevention measures are a priority, particularly for those who don't live with a family member.
Getting in and out of a bathtub can be risky for senior citizens. There are different options to minimize the risk of slips and falls in the bathtub.
1. Walk-in Shower
The first option is to replace the bathtub with a walk-in shower, which is easier and safer to enter and exit. Walk-in showers also have the benefit of being easier to clean, because you don't need to reach over the bathtub wall.
A walk-in shower is an effective option for elderly people who use an assistive device for walking as the device can pass through the door, providing support at all times.
Tip: If you plan to use a cane in the bathroom or shower, select one with a non-slip rubber tip.
2. Walk-in Tub
Alternatively, if a bathtub is preferred to a shower, a walk-in tub is another solution. Many people enjoy having a bath, and this doesn't need to stop as you grow older. Many tubs come with hydrotherapy jets that can help with arthritis and sore joints and increase circulation.
3. Grab Bars
A more budget-friendly option for those who are unable to replace their current bathtub is to install shower or bathtub bars for seniors. Grab bars help you maintain balance, making it easier to get in and out of the tub, and, in the case of a shower, to stay upright in the shower. Some seniors who hold onto a safety bar also report less dizziness in the shower.
4. Safety Strips
Safety strips are adhesive non-slip strips that are stuck on the tub or shower floor as well as on the floor outside the tub where you put your feet to prevent slips and falls. Safety strips are economical but effective modifications, especially when coupled with a safety bar.
5. Bathtub Transfer Bench
A bathtub transfer bench allows seniors to sit securely on the bench while they get into the tub. Because a bathtub transfer bench allows the user to start in a seated position and lift their legs into the tub one at a time, it increases safety significantly.
6. Shower Chair
A shower chair is an economical tool for seniors who suffer from poor balance. They help to prevent falls while allowing you to clean yourself thoroughly.
7. Raised Toilet Seat
Raising the level of the toilet seat makes a world of difference to people who have difficulty with sitting and standing.
Kitchen Modifications for Aging In Place
Kitchen modifications are important for seniors as they age. A kitchen is a space that must be safe for the homeowner, and should also be comfortable and ergonomic. Many senior citizens enjoy cooking and being in the kitchen, and old age shouldn't be a barrier.
Most kitchen modifications for aging in place focus on making it easier to pick things up and move them, reducing the space between kitchen essentials, and reducing the need to bend, stretch, carry, and reach.
8. Round the Edges of Work Surfaces and Cabinets
Rounding sharp edges and corners reduces the chance of painful bumps, which cause bruising and can lead to people losing their balance.
9. Use Drawers as Storage
Keeping pots, pans, and other kitchen essentials in drawers makes it easier to find what you're looking for and take it out. Elderly people should avoid getting on their hands and knees when possible; using drawers is an effective workaround.
10. Place the Microwave and Oven at Counter Height
Having appliances at counter height reduces bending and stretching. Taking hot plates out of a microwave when it is above shoulder height is dangerous for older adults; putting the microwave and oven lower down can reduce the chance of injuries.
11. Keep the Stove and Sink Close Together
Senior citizens will want to avoid carrying heavy saucepans across a long distance. That's why the safest option is to have the stove and sink close together.
12. Pull-Out Pantries
Pull-out pantries are ideal food storage systems, as they allow you to see everything easily. Pull-out pantries mean no more poking around in the back of a cupboard, bending down, or having to get down and up off the floor.
Home Modifications for Elderly People with Alzheimer's or Dementia
Alzheimer's manifests itself in different ways in different people and can have a range of symptoms depending on how advanced the disease is.
Though there are countless modifications family members can make to help a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia, there are some key safety concerns that should be addressed first.
Install an automatic shut-off on appliances, especially the stove and the oven. Appliances that are dangerous if left unattended should have an automatic shut-off function. Stove locks are also an option if needed.
Install child-proof latches on storage cabinets, drawers, and anywhere else where breakable, dangerous, or heavy items are stored.
Remove the lock from the bathroom door. Doing so means the patient can't lock themselves in, and allows others to enter if they need assistance.
Add seating wherever possible for support and to allow the person to rest when needed.
Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. These will protect your loved one as well as their neighbors.
General Home Modifications for Aging in Place
In addition to the modifications described above, there are a few more devices that can help with safety and independence in the home.
13. Stairlift
If moving the bedroom to the ground floor isn’t possible, consider installing a stairlift or chair lift. Even elderly people who don't struggle with stairs now will eventually find it harder as they get older.
Chair lift installation can work with all types of staircases and will help senior citizens maintain their mobility and independence at home. A chair lift or stairlift can also be used as a dumbwaiter to transport items up and down the stairs.
14. Ramps
Some elderly people may have steps in their home, to enter the front door, or leading up to a patio in the backyard. If there are isolated steps around your home, consider installing a ramp to decrease the risk of tripping.
15. Medical Alert System
Medical alert systems typically involve a pendant or bracelet that is worn around the wrist or neck and is linked to an emergency helpline. In the case of an accident or fall, the user can alert the emergency helpline, which will send help if necessary—whether it be a family member or emergency services. If the elderly person doesn't respond, emergency help will be sent right away.
A great solution for full peace of mind: A medical alert system can bring peace of mind not just to the elderly person but also to their loved ones. When family members can’t be physically present, they know their aging relative will be able to receive help when and if it’s needed.
Other Home Modifications That Can Help with Aging In Place
The home environment has many things that can cause accidents for seniors, many of which are hard to predict. The following small changes can make your home much safer:
Your home needs to be well-lit, especially at night. Add night lights in the bedroom, hallways, and especially near the stairs.
Replace round door knobs with levers, which are easier to use for senior citizens with poor coordination or grip.
Install modern interior doors throughout the house that are easy to open and close.
Maintain an uncluttered environment, and remove anything that could cause slips or falls.
Throw rugs are a trip hazard and should be removed.
Benefits of Aging In Place
Most older adults understandably want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. Our homes are special places full of our memories and possessions, so it's natural to want to stay in a familiar place you know in and out, surrounded by the friends, family, and neighbors with whom you have formed relationships over the years.
Independence
There is also a perception that moving to an assisted living facility takes away the sense of independence you enjoy by staying in the comfort of your own home. In fact, independence—along with community and cost—is one of the top three reasons cited for wanting to age in place.
Cost
Taking the step of moving to an assisted living community is also not an option for many due to the costs involved. All-inclusive assisted living in Denver, Colorado can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000 per month, which may be significantly more than your regular expenses if you’ve already paid off your home.
Staying at Home as You Age Requires Adaptation
While staying in your own home has multiple benefits, it may be daunting to consider aging in place if your house isn't designed for long-term care. Specific home modifications—including the ones we’ve outlined here—can make your home a safer environment in which to grow older safely and with dignity.
Aging-In-Place Home Modifications: An Essential Investment for Staying in Your Home
The modifications you make to your home will largely depend on the needs that you or your loved one has, or anticipates having. Clearly, more significant modifications will have to be made if you use a wheelchair or have more significant mobility issues.
Before investing in significant home modifications, it is worth consulting with a certified aging-in-place specialist who can take you through all of your options and discuss how different modifications can help you stay safe, independent, and mobile in your home.