Home Modifications for Aging in Place

Aging in place has become the preferred option for many retirees who want to maintain their independence and stay in the comfort of their own homes. But doing so safely requires a few modifications to ensure that the home is ready to support an aging individual. In this guide, we’ll walk through essential home modifications, backed by statistics, studies, and expert recommendations. Whether you're in the USA or Canada, these tips will help you age comfortably and securely in your home.

Assessing the Home for Safety and Accessibility

Before making any modifications, the first step is to assess your current living situation. According to a study by AARP, 77% of adults over 50 want to remain in their homes as they age, but many homes were not designed with accessibility in mind. This means identifying potential hazards and areas for improvement, such as stairs, narrow doorways, and bathroom safety.

Consider hiring a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) to perform a thorough evaluation of your home. They can provide recommendations specific to your needs. In Canada, organizations like the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists also offer similar services to help assess homes for accessibility issues.

Entryway Modifications

The entryway is the gateway to your home, and it's important that it is accessible and safe. For those with mobility issues, steps can be a significant barrier. Installing a ramp or a stairlift is a common solution.

In both the U.S. and Canada, the cost of installing a ramp averages around $2,000–$3,000. Stairlifts, while pricier, can range from $3,000 to $5,000. These are important investments in ensuring easy access to your home.

Additional Entryway Ideas

Widen doorways to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs. Standard doors may need to be expanded to at least 32 inches wide for accessibility. Adding handrails and replacing traditional doorknobs with lever handles can make a big difference.

Bathroom Safety and Modifications

The bathroom is often considered the most dangerous room for seniors. Slippery floors, bathtubs, and tight spaces pose significant risks. According to the CDC, over 235,000 people over the age of 65 visit emergency rooms each year due to bathroom-related injuries. Installing safety features can help prevent accidents.

Essential Bathroom Modifications

Start by installing grab bars near the toilet and in the shower. Walk-in tubs and roll-in showers are also great additions for those with mobility concerns. Non-slip flooring is a must to prevent falls.

For easier use, consider raising the height of the toilet seat and adding a handheld showerhead, which offers more control during use.

Kitchen Modifications for Safe and Easy Use

The kitchen is the central hub of activity in many homes and can become a daunting space for elderly people. High cabinets, awkward layouts, slippery floors, and lighting can pose significant challenges. However, with thoughtful modifications, the kitchen can be transformed into a safe and functional space that will help support independent living. Some of the things to consider are:

• Lowering Countertops: One of the most fundamental changes to consider is lowering countertops. This adjustment can significantly reduce strain on the back, shoulders, and knees, making it easier to prepare meals and clean up. By lowering countertops to a comfortable height, individuals can work more efficiently and safely.
• Installing Pull-Out Shelves: Pull-out shelves are a valuable addition to kitchen cabinets. They provide easy access to items stored in the back of cabinets, eliminating the need for stretching or reaching. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals with limited mobility or strength.
• Keeping Frequently Used Items Within Easy Reach: Organizing the kitchen so that frequently used items are within easy reach can streamline daily tasks. Store essentials like dishes, utensils, and cooking appliances at a convenient height to minimize bending and reaching. Consider using a lazy Susan or a pull-out pantry for efficient storage.
• Widen Space for Mobility: Modify the layout and placement of counters, fridge, stove, and cupboards to allow enough space to maneuver. Elderly people may need space to use a walker, wheelchair or scooter.
• Improve Lighting: Ensure that the lighing is adequate to see clearly and operate easily.
• Slippery Floors: Kitchens typically have tiles, and usually they are smooth. They can be particularly slippery when they get wet or have food or grease on them. Consider replacing the tile with non-slip tiles, or buying mats for critical floor areas.
• Appliances: Appliances can be hard to reach, or difficult to use. For example, the controls of a stovetop are typically placed at the back of the stove. However, you can buy a range that has the controls at the front.

The desire to age in place is strong among older adults. In Canada, studies indicate that 80% of homeowners over 55 prefer to make modifications to their homes rather than relocate. This preference is driven by a desire to maintain independence, familiarity, and community connections.

Similarly, in the United States, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports a significant increase in home renovations geared toward aging in place. Over the past decade, these renovations have grown by 50%, reflecting a growing trend among older adults to adapt their living spaces to meet their changing needs.

Living Room and Bedroom Adjustments

The living room, often a central gathering space, can be made more accessible by creating open spaces and clear pathways. Rearranging furniture to allow for easy movement can reduce the risk of tripping and falls. Consider removing clutter and creating unobstructed paths to frequently used areas.

Adding handrails in hallways and along stairs can provide valuable support for individuals with limited mobility. Ensure that handrails are securely installed and at a comfortable height. Additionally, improving lighting throughout the living room and bedroom can enhance visibility and reduce the risk of accidents. Consider installing brighter light fixtures or adding nightlights to dimly lit areas.

The bedroom is a private sanctuary, and modifications can make it a more comfortable and safe space.

• Adjustable Beds: Adjustable beds can provide greater flexibility and comfort, allowing individuals to find the most comfortable sleeping position. They can also make getting in and out of bed easier, reducing the risk of falls.
• Automatic Nightlights: Nightlights that automatically turn on when you step out of bed can be a valuable safety feature, especially for nighttime trips to the bathroom. This can help prevent falls in the dark.
• Non-Slip Rugs: Placing non-slip rugs under beds and chairs can help prevent slips and falls on hard floors.
• Drawer and Closet Organizers: Organizing drawers and closets can make it easier to find items and reduce the need for excessive reaching or bending.

Also consider smart home tech (see below) to help improve the aging at home experience. By implementing these modifications, you can create a living room and bedroom that is both comfortable and safe, supporting independent living and aging in place.

Improving Lighting and Visibility

Poor lighting is a common cause of accidents. Installing bright, energy-efficient lighting can improve visibility, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways and staircases. Motion-activated lights are particularly useful for seniors, offering convenience and safety.

For those interested in smart home technology, voice-activated lighting systems are a great addition to improve accessibility. Smart bulbs can also be controlled from a smartphone or voice assistant.

Staircase Modifications

For multi-story homes, stairs are a major concern. Installing stairlifts or even residential elevators can greatly enhance safety and independence. While stairlifts are common, residential elevators are becoming more affordable, with prices starting around $10,000.

Smart Home Technology for Aging in Place

Smart home technology is revolutionizing the way seniors live, providing them with greater independence, safety, and comfort. By integrating smart devices into their homes, older adults can enjoy a more connected and convenient lifestyle.

Voice-Activated Assistants

• Amazon Alexa: Known for its versatility, Alexa can control a wide range of smart home devices, from lights and thermostats to security systems and entertainment systems.
• Google Assistant: The Ecobee offers similar features to the Nest, but it also includes built-in sensors that can monitor room temperatures and adjust accordingly.

Smart Thermostats

• Nest Thermostat: This popular thermostat learns your heating and cooling preferences and adjusts automatically to save energy. It can also be controlled remotely using a smartphone or voice command.
• Ecobee Thermostat: Google Assistant offers similar capabilities to Alexa and is compatible with a vast array of smart home products.

Smart Lighting

• Philips Hue: Philips Hue offers a range of smart bulbs that can be controlled remotely, scheduled, and even synced to music.
• LIFX: LIFX bulbs are another popular option with a wide range of colors and effects.

Smart Security Systems

• Ring: Ring offers a range of smart security cameras, doorbells, and alarms that can be monitored remotely and controlled using a smartphone app.
• Arlo: Arlo is another popular security brand with a variety of wireless cameras and security systems.

Smart Appliances

• GE Appliances:: GE offers a range of smart appliances, including refrigerators, ovens, and washers and dryers, that can be controlled remotely and scheduled.
• Samsung SmartThings: Samsung's SmartThings platform allows you to connect and control a variety of smart appliances and devices.

Smart Monitoring

Another emerging market is about monitoring the well being of seniors to determine ans share their health and happiness with loved ones. Imagine that your aging parents are living at home. Their house is outfitted with sensors and a processing center that continously monitors the behaviors of your parents. Using AI, the processing center can detect if your parents are behaving in a normal or abnormal way, and if there are any serious changes in bahaviors or devistating accidents. The smart monitoring solutions are still in the early days of development.

The Growing Adoption of Smart Home Technology

The adoption of smart home technology among older adults is on the rise. A Pew Research study found that 47% of older adults in the United States are now using smart home devices. In Canada, the trend is similar, with a 30% increase in smart home installations among seniors in recent years.

As more seniors discover the benefits of smart home technology, it is likely that the adoption rate will continue to grow. By embracing these innovative solutions, older adults can enhance their quality of life and maintain their independence for years to come.

Flooring Modifications for Safety

Slip-and-fall accidents are a major risk for seniors, so it’s essential to have safe, non-slip flooring. Replace thick carpets with smooth, slip-resistant surfaces. For added safety, remove tripping hazards such as loose rugs or electrical cords.

Cleaning and Property Maintenance

Most people have already heard of or own a Roomba or similar robot vacuum. There are many other home maintenance technologies that can be very helpful.

Robot Vacuums

• GE Appliances: GE offers a range of smart appliances, including refrigerators, ovens, and washers and dryers, that can be controlled remotely and scheduled.
• Samsung SmartThings: Samsung's SmartThings platform allows you to connect and control a variety of smart appliances and devices.

Robot Mops

• GE Appliances: GE offers a range of smart appliances, including refrigerators, ovens, and washers and dryers, that can be controlled remotely and scheduled.
• Samsung SmartThings: Samsung's SmartThings platform allows you to connect and control a variety of smart appliances and devices.

Window Cleaning Robots

• GE Appliances: GE offers a range of smart appliances, including refrigerators, ovens, and washers and dryers, that can be controlled remotely and scheduled.
• Samsung SmartThings: Samsung's SmartThings platform allows you to connect and control a variety of smart appliances and devices.

Lawn Care Robots

• GE Appliances: GE offers a range of smart appliances, including refrigerators, ovens, and washers and dryers, that can be controlled remotely and scheduled.
• Samsung SmartThings: Samsung's SmartThings platform allows you to connect and control a variety of smart appliances and devices.

Smart Sprinkler

• GE Appliances: GE offers a range of smart appliances, including refrigerators, ovens, and washers and dryers, that can be controlled remotely and scheduled.
• Samsung SmartThings: Samsung's SmartThings platform allows you to connect and control a variety of smart appliances and devices.

Leak Detection

• Awair: This air quality monitor measures a variety of pollutants, including particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon dioxide. It also provides recommendations for improving air quality.
• Nest Protect: While primarily known as a smoke and carbon monoxide detector, the Nest Protect also monitors indoor air quality and can alert you to poor air quality.

Air Quality Automation

• Awair: This air quality monitor measures a variety of pollutants, including particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon dioxide. It also provides recommendations for improving air quality.
• Nest Protect: While primarily known as a smoke and carbon monoxide detector, the Nest Protect also monitors indoor air quality and can alert you to poor air quality.

Smart Ventilation Systems

• Honeywell Lyric: This smart ventilation system can automatically adjust airflow based on indoor and outdoor air quality conditions. It can also be controlled remotely using a smartphone app.
• Ecobee Smart Thermostat: In addition to controlling heating and cooling, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat can also integrate with ventilation systems to improve indoor air quality.

Air Purifiers

• Blueair: Blueair offers a range of air purifiers that can remove a variety of pollutants, including allergens, dust, and smoke. Many of their models can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app.
• Dyson Pure Cool: Dyson's air purifiers are known for their powerful airflow and advanced filtration systems. They can also be used as fans.

Smart Windows

• Velux Active: These smart windows can automatically open and close based on indoor air quality, temperature, and humidity levels. They can also be controlled remotely using a smartphone app.

Outdoor Modifications

Don’t forget to extend accessibility to outdoor spaces! Installing ramps, handrails, and leveling uneven walkways can help seniors enjoy their gardens or yards safely.

Energy Efficiency and Cost-Saving Modifications

As seniors age, energy efficiency becomes increasingly important. Insulating windows and doors, installing energy-efficient appliances, and upgrading to a smart thermostat can help reduce energy costs. In the long run, these upgrades not only save money but also contribute to a more comfortable living environment.

Cost and Funding for Home Modifications

Modifications can be expensive, but there are funding options available. In the U.S., Medicare and Medicaid offer limited coverage for home modifications. Additionally, the Department of Veterans Affairs provides grants for home modifications for veterans. In Canada, the federal government offers tax credits and grants to help offset the cost of accessibility improvements.

Finding Contractors for Home Modifications

When choosing a contractor, make sure to hire someone experienced in aging-in-place modifications. Look for contractors certified as CAPS or those with strong references from senior clients.

Don't forget to get multiple quotes and check online reviews before hiring anyone!

Conclusion

Aging in place allows seniors to remain in the comfort of their homes while maintaining their independence. From entryway ramps to smart home technology, these modifications ensure that you can live safely and securely as you age. Planning ahead with home modifications will not only improve your quality of life but also increase your home’s value.

Ready to start planning for your future? Visit our blog on Aging in Place and learn more about the financial planning needed to support these modifications. Use the Retirementize income calculator to ensure your retirement plan is as secure as your home!

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