How Seniors Can Safely Age-in-Place

Aging in place is something many seniors are choosing to do these days, but it’s not as easy as simply making the decision to live at home for as long as possible. There are safety considerations to make as well, both in the present and for the future. Choosing to stay in your home has many benefits, but it also comes with a lot of questions and planning: Will you be able to afford it? What will your health needs be 10 years from now? Will your home meet your needs?

Creating a good plan to take you through the next several years is imperative, and the plan should begin right away, before you make any other decisions. It’s best to look at every angle to make sure you’re choosing what’s best for you, and that includes whether you should consider downsizing to a smaller home to make aging in place a more viable option. There’s also the question of what sort of home modifications will be necessary if you stay in your current house.

Keep reading for some great tips on how to age in place safely and comfortably.

Evaluate your home
Look at your home to see where changes can be made that will help you stay safe, and evaluate them in terms of your budget. For instance, kitchen and bathroom remodels (the average cost nationally for a bathroom remodel is $18,000) are often the most popular changes when it comes to updating a home, but they are also the priciest. Are there stairs to contend with? Some issues can’t be fixed, such as having a large yard to take care of or a long flight of stairs, which may mean you’ll need to consider downsizing.

Create a budget
Aging in place doesn’t have to be costly, and neither does downsizing, but it’s important to create a budget so you know exactly where you stand. If you decide to stay in your home, you’ll need to make a list of all the repairs and changes that will need to be made. Most homes will need at least a few upgrades, even if it’s just adding non-slip mats and a shower seat (available on Amazon for $28.99) in the bathroom. Finding the right contractor for the bigger changes such as widening doorways to make sure wheelchairs and other medical equipment can fit through is imperative, so do your research online before you hire anyone.

Consider downsizing
Downsizing can be a big job, but if your home isn’t the right fit, it may be the right decision. Not only can downsizing keep you safe and healthy well into your golden years, it can save you quite a bit of money annually via lower mortgage payments and utility bills. It will also be less space to take care of, which means you can focus more on your family and the things you want to do rather than chores. While the median listing price for a home in Seattle is $700,000, you should be able to find a smaller home for less.

Do a safety check
Your home should be as safe as possible in order to keep you in good health, so it’s important to do a safety check no matter where you decide to live. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be installed and in good working order. Every room should have good lighting to prevent falls and vision issues; flooring should be free of clutter and trip hazards. If you have mobility issues, consider installing a ramp.

Aging in place can be an easy transition for many seniors, so don’t let the thought of it overwhelm you. Remember that your safety and health are the most important things, and try to stay patient during the home modification process to avoid stress and anxiety. Talk to your loved ones about your needs so they can help if necessary, and outline your plan before making any decisions so that nothing gets overlooked.

Reporting by:

Sharon Wagner | sharon.wagner@seniorfriendly.info | seniorfriendly.info

Photo via Pixabay by Valtercirillo