As American seniors lead longer and healthier lives, the interest in maintaining independence, comfort, and communities is growing. Often this begins with the desire to remain in one’s home as one ages, commonly referred to as aging in place. While interest in aging in place has soared, it can present numerous concerns about safety, feasibility, and accessibility. Careful planning is important because it can significantly mitigate these concerns for individuals and their families and allow for a smoother transition as needs change and increase over time. One of the primary considerations for aging in place is home safety. Falls are a common concern for older adults and for those 65 years and older, studies show that falls account for approximately 60% of all injury-related emergency room visits and over 50% of injury-related deaths. Planning, budgeting for, and implementing strategic modifications to the home to reduce the risk of accidents is paramount.
Bathrooms
Up to 80% of falls in the home occur in the bathroom, most commonly when transferring into and out of the tub/shower or when rising from or lowering onto the toilet. The installation of grab bars in these areas can provide crucial support and leverage and help individuals maintain balance on slippery surfaces. Upgrading tubs to walk-in showers with low thresholds and installing adjustable shower heads and a fold down seat or bench helps to minimize the movements that can lead to falls and allows for bathing that is accessible and comfortable. Other recommendations can include non-slip mats both in and out of the shower, raised toilet seats that lift the height by 3-4 inches, remodeling the space to allow for the use of a mobility device such as a walker or wheelchair, and eye-level storage systems that minimizes the effort needed to bend and reach.
Kitchens
Kitchens are typically high-traffic areas where many daily activities often take place. Non-slip flooring and/or mats are upgrades that can help to prevent slips and falls. Modifications to enhance accessibility are crucial, such as pull-out or pull-down shelves, lazy Susans, easy-to-grasp cabinet handles, and eye-level storage. Creating space around counters, furniture, and appliances makes the kitchen easier to navigate and allows for the use of a seat when performing kitchen tasks as well as the possibility of needing a walker or wheelchair. Other recommendations can include automatic shutoffs for ovens and cooktops, lowering countertops, and replacing sharp-edged furnishings with ones that have softer, more rounded finishes.
Bedrooms
Often an afterthought to bathrooms and kitchens, bedrooms offer opportunities to make simple improvements, such as using rugs or carpeting to help reduce falls and provide cushioning should a fall occur; lowering closet rods or installing pull-down rods; moving stored items to the floor or low shelving units; adding lighting that is voice controlled or lamps that are touch-activated; and investing in furniture that facilitates getting into and out of bed, such as an adjustable bed or a bedframe that holds the mattress at knee level. Additional changes one can budget for are converting a ground floor room to a bedroom or installing a chair lift for the stairs.
Exterior
The outside of the home should also be considered. Improvements may include the installation of handrails and non-slip coatings along stairs and walkways; landscaping such as leveling or paving uneven surfaces; and ensuring there is adequate lighting for visibility in the darkness. Additionally, one can budget for the possibility of needing to widen walkways and/or install ramps or lifts at entry points to make the home more accessible if mobility needs change.
Other considerations
- Place emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers in locations that are easy to reach.
- Ensure adequate lighting in rooms and hallways and switches that are accessible, ideally at a room’s entry point.
- Consider ways to alleviate tight or cramped areas, including doorways to allow for wheelchair or walker use. This can be done by rearranging, streamlining, or removing furniture, reducing clutter, and/or remodeling.
- Remove tripping hazards such as area rugs and low furnishings.
- Take advantage of technology and implement smart home upgrades to enhance safety and control over the living environment. Some examples include smart thermostats, automated or voice-activated lighting systems, and smart doorbell cameras that can be controlled remotely.
- Relocate common household tasks such as laundry, to the main floor.
- Collaborate with professionals, such as occupational therapists or certified aging-in-place specialists, for home evaluations and recommendations that are tailored to individual needs.
By prioritizing safety and accessibility, individuals can create living spaces that support independence and well-being as they age. Taking proactive steps to address home modifications not only enhances the quality of life and peace of mind for seniors and their families, but also contributes to a sense of autonomy and dignity that allows one to not just age in place, but to age well.
If you are interested in discussing how budgeting and planning for aging in your home can be incorporated into your financial plan, your Vision Capital Management Client Relationship Manager is here to help.
