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Five Best Home Modifications for Seniors Aging in Place

Posted On Friday, 12 August 2022 19:55
Five Best Home Modifications for Seniors Aging in Place

Making a few simple changes to your home can help you or a loved one comfortably age in place. 

Whether you’re looking to increase safety, accessibility, or perhaps just make life a little easier, these five home modifications are perfect for seniors!

​​5 Best Home Modifications for Seniors Aging in Place

It can be challenging to live independently as you get older. Thankfully, there are a number of things you can do to make your home more accommodating as you age. Here are five of the best home modifications for seniors aging in place.

1. Bathroom

As we age, our bathrooms can become increasingly difficult to use. To maintain our independence and safety, it is important to make some modifications to our bathrooms. 

For seniors who are aging in place at home, some simple changes can make a big difference. For example, installing grab bars in the shower and near the toilet can provide extra support and stability. 

Adding a handheld shower head can make it easier to bathe, and installing a raised toilet seat can make it easier to use the bathroom. In addition, increasing the lighting in the bathroom can help to prevent falls. 

Shower seats offer a place to rest during a long shower and can prevent dangerous falls. They  provide a stable and comfortable place to sit while bathing, which can be especially helpful for seniors who have balance or mobility issues. 

In addition, shower seats can help save water by allowing you to shower more quickly and efficiently. And for seniors who live alone, a shower seat can provide an extra level of safety in case of a fall. 

2. Kitchen

For seniors who are aging in place at home, making some modifications to the kitchen can help to make meal preparation and cleanup a bit easier. 

For example, installing cabinet doors that open with just a light touch can be a big help for seniors with arthritis or other conditions that affect manual dexterity. 

Adding a second sink or an additional work surface can also be helpful, as it can give seniors more space to work and reduce the need for them to reach across the kitchen. 

In addition, installing grab bars near the stove and sink can provide extra support for seniors who are prone to falling.

3. Living Room

As people age, they often find that their homes no longer suit their needs. Stairs become difficult to navigate, and rooms that were once comfortable begin to feel cramped and cluttered. For seniors who wish to continue living in their own homes, making some simple modifications can make a big difference.

One area that often needs attention is the living room. This is typically the hub of the home, and it should be a space where seniors can relax and socialize with family and friends. 

To make the living room more senior-friendly, consider installing grab bars near the entrance and exit. If there are stairs leading into the room, adding a stairlift can make it easier for seniors to get in and out. 

In addition, widening doorways and hallways can make it easier to move around, and adding additional lighting can help prevent falls. 

Making sure there is adequate lighting throughout the home can help with vision problems. And decluttering common areas can help reduce trip hazards. 

4. Bedroom

If you are a senior who is aging in place, there are some modifications you can make to your bedroom to ensure that it is safe and comfortable. For example, you might want to install grab bars next to the bed in case you need to get up quickly or lose your balance. You might also want to invest in a bed rail to prevent falls. 

It is also important to make sure that your bedroom is well-lit so that you can see if you need to get up at night. You might want to consider moving items like the television and telephone within easy reach so that you don't have to strain to reach them. 

If you're aging in place and your bedroom is on the second floor, you may want to consider adding a stairlift. A stairlift can provide a safe, convenient way to get up and down the stairs, without the need for someone to assist you. Stairlifts are also relatively affordable, with the average stairlift cost at right around $1,000. 

Stairlifts require little in the way of installation and can be easily removed if you move to a new home. As a result, a stairlift can be a great solution for those who want to maintain their independence as they age.

5. Outdoor Spaces

There are modifications you should make outdoors and in your garage, too.

For example, installing a ramp or handrails near entryways can make it much easier to get in and out of the house. Widening doorways and hallways can provide greater maneuverability for those using mobility devices such as walkers or wheelchairs.

Take the time to remove obstacles that can lead to falls, such as low hanging branches or large rocks. Make sure there’s salt nearby to remove ice from sidewalks in the winter time and install additional outdoor lighting so it’s easy to get inside at night. 

In the garage, adding shelves at waist level can help make it easier to reach items that are stored out of reach. Adding extra lighting and installing security features such as an alarm system can help to prevent accidents in the garage, too. 

These are just a few of the many modifications that can help seniors age in place safely and independently.

Final Thoughts

 If you're a senior who wants to age in place, there are many home modifications you can make to increase your safety and comfort. These five best home modifications for seniors aging in place are just the beginning - be sure to consult with an expert to find out what will work best for your individual situation. 

Making your home safe and comfortable is one of the best things you can do for yourself as you get older!

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