This is the first installment in a series of blogs addressing planning for the future. Later topics will include: In-Home Care vs. Assisted Living, Legal Considerations and Aging, Nursing Home Red Flags, Is it Time for Memory Care, Caregiving from a Distance: Strategies for Nurturing From Afar, and Navigating the Caregiver Journey: Resources and Practical Suggestions.
8 in 10 Older Adults Want to Age in Their Home
As we grow older, the desire to age gracefully in the comfort of our own homes becomes increasingly important. Whether for yourself or aging family members, it is never too early to think about how the home can adapt over time to meet changing needs. With proper planning and a few essential modifications, it is possible to create a safe and supportive environment that promotes independence and well-being.
What Is Your Budget?
When considering home modifications for aging safely, one can explore two distinct approaches: inexpensive changes that involve simple adjustments and adaptations, and more costly home modifications that require professional assistance and construction. While both options aim to enhance safety and accessibility, they cater to different budgets and levels of customization. In this discussion, we will explore the benefits and considerations of each approach, allowing individuals to make informed decisions based on their unique circumstances and preferences. There is even an app from AARP (HomeFit app) that can help you with this process!
Practical and Cost Effective Considerations
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Declutter and Organize
Reducing clutter is crucial for maintaining a safe living environment. Clear pathways of any obstacles, including furniture, electrical cords, or excess belongings. Keep frequently used items within easy reach to avoid unnecessary bending or stretching.
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Ensure Adequate Lighting
A healthy 60-year-old needs three times as much light to read as a 20-year-old. Install bright, energy-efficient lighting throughout your home, especially in hallways, staircases, and entranceways. Use long-lasting LED lights, which can help decrease the need to use a ladder to swap out bulbs.
Add motion sensor nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways to prevent falls during the night when we are groggy and stiff. Motion sensor lights are reasonably priced. There are models that plug into a wall socket as well as models that are battery or USB charged that can be easily mounted on a wall with a nail or tack. Place them low to the ground along the path from bedroom to bathroom.
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Remove or Secure Area Rugs
I find this is big sticking point for most. We are very resistant to removing rugs and floor coverings that have been a part of our home for years or decades. I think it feels too much like we are “sanitizing” our home. If you absolutely cannot part with area rugs and runners, then make sure they are secured with non-slip pads and consider adjusting their location to an area of less walking traffic.
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Stairs
Ensure that handrails are installed and secure on BOTH sides of the stairs. Because visual acuity decreases as we age, contrasting colors decrease fall risk. Add contrasting tape to the edges of the steps to enhance visibility.
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Bathroom Safety
From my experience, many falls occur in the bathroom. Install grab bars near the toilet, bathtub, and shower to provide stability and support. Avoid suction grab bars as they can slip and cannot be relied upon 100% of the time. Consider using a shower chair and non-slip mats to prevent accidents.
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Bending and Reaching
Store frequently used items within easy reach. If you have to reach items in high places use a sturdy step stool with handrails. Keep this handy to decrease the temptation of climbing on a chair or other questionably safe objects.
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Pets
Train your pets not to jump or get underfoot. Keep pet in one place at night so that if you need to get up you will not trip over them injuring both you and Fido.
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Medical Alert Systems
Carry a phone with you at all times so that you can reach someone in case of an emergency. If you live alone and your mobility is such that you cannot get up from the floor without assistance you must invest in a reliable medical alert system. Even if you can get up from the floor, if you are at high risk for falls and live alone you should have a fall detector or medical alert system.
If you have an iPhone, the Apple watch fall detection feature is very good. If the watch detects a fall and you do not respond, the system will place a call to a designated person or 911. There is only the one time cost of the Apple watch with no additional monthly fees beyond what you already pay for your phone. It works where ever you are as long as you have the watch on and your phone with you. There are other medical alert systems with various features if the Apple technology is a barrier.
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Home Security
Maintaining a secure home is crucial for safety. Make sure your doors are sturdy and have deadbolt locks. Consider a peephole or a video doorbell to identify visitors before opening the door. Install window locks or safety bars to prevent intrusions. Ensure windows are in good working condition and easy to open in case of emergency. Consider installing a home security system with features like motion sensors, door/window sensors, and emergency buttons.
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Emergency Preparedness
Prepare for emergencies by creating an emergency kit with essential supplies, including medications, first aid items, flashlights, batteries, and a list of emergency contacts. Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and evacuation plans specific to your area. And while we are on the topic of emergency preparedness, everyone should have an emergency “Go Bag” in case you have to leave the house in a hurry, whether to get to the emergency room or to evacuate because of a fire or other natural disaster.
Structural Changes and Considerations
Now let’s look at more involved home modifications. The Washington Post had an excellent article, 9 tips for creating a home that is safe for aging in place. If you have the financial resources this is an excellent place to start when evaluating changes you can make to your home. It is also a valuable article to read if you are purchasing a home that you plan to grow with into retirement.
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Entry way into the home
Ensure that there is at least one entry that does not have steps. If this is not possible, can a ramp be added if necessary in the future? Portable ramps available that can bridge a few stairs. If you have a significant number of stairs to enter your home or to access main living areas, stair lift chairs and elevators are other options. Depending on your budget these devices can allow you to remain in your home without being “trapped” in it. Being stuck in your home or one area of your home is not only confining but it is unsafe. What if there is a fire? How will you escape?
The more complicated the stair architecture, the more expensive the solution. For example, a stair lift for a straight set of stairs is much less expensive because they are mass produced. For curved stair cases, they must be custom made.
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Doorways
Consider the width of the doorways in the home. Can a walker or wheelchair easily fit through the door? Doorways should be at least 34 inches wide; 36 inches is even better. Wheelchairs vary from 25 to 33 inches wide, so doorways need to be wider to accommodate them.
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Bathing
A tub shower can be extremely challenging to get in and out of as mobility decreases with age. There are devices such as a tub transfer bench to help, but these are large and can be obtrusive in a small space. With existing walk in showers, consider the space and if there is room for a shower chair or built in shower bench. If remodeling is required, ensure that there is adequate space for accessing the walk in shower with walker or wheelchair. Another option is a walk in bathtub. If you really like to be submerged in water this is an excellent option
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Flooring
High pile carpeting can be a tripping hazard and high-gloss hardwood can be a slipping hazard. For carpeting choose a low pile product. For hardwood or laminate choose lower gloss (to reduce glare) and materials with more texture (to reduce slipping).
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Light
According to Honest Aging: An Insider’s Guide to the Second Half of Life , natural light helps lift mood and combat depression. Create a home with ample windows, skylights, and glass doors to bring sunlight into sitting areas. Choose lighter colors for walls; lighter colors naturally reflect light to create a brighter space. Adding lamps in various places around a room not only creates better ambiance but also provides light where it’s needed for reading, sewing or just conversation.
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Voice-Activated Technology
There are numerous options now available from video doorbells to voice controlled lights and thermostats. There are virtual assistant products that can control many of these systems all from a single device.
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Outlet Height
Ever have to crawl on the floor to plug in the myriad of electronic device plugs? The standard outlet placement is 12 inches above the floor, but interestingly the Fair Housing Act Design Manual, which provides guidance to builders in meeting accessibility requirements, now recommends placing them between 15 and 48 inches off the ground.
Aging safely in your own home is possible with the right preparations and modifications. By assessing potential hazards, decluttering, preventing falls, implementing security measures, and preparing for emergencies, you can create a secure and comfortable environment to enjoy your golden years. We at Be Active Be Well are available to help. We have OT’s and PT’s that can perform a personalized assessment of your home and make recommendations.
RESOURCES
Did you find this topic interesting? Below are some more in depth articles.
Honest Aging: An Insider’s Guide to the Second Half of Life – Dr. Rosanne M. Leipzig
9 tips for creating a home that is safe for aging in place – Washington Post
HomeFit Guide – AARP
HomeFit app – AARP: Is your home “HomeFit”? Identify design elements and appliances to see what specific “to-dos” or fixes to implement to help you stay in the home you love.
6 Home Improvements to Help You Age in Place – U.S. News
Aging Well: Making Your Home Fall-Proof – Kaiser Permanente
Joanne Bedwell, PT is the Resident Blogger at Be Active Be Well. She lives and works in San Francisco with her husband and two (almost) grown daughters. Having over 25 years of experience as a PT, she sees clients in their homes and teaches fitness classes in person and virtually.
DISCLAIMER: This article contains information that is intended to help the readers be better informed regarding exercise and health care. It is presented as general advice on health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual needs. Before beginning any new exercise program it is recommended that you seek medical advice from your personal physician. This article is not intended to be a substitute for the medical advice of a licensed physician. The reader should consult with their doctor in any matters relating to his/her health.
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