Aging In Place – Home Modifications

AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons, ran a study and found that 9 out of 10 seniors wanted to remain in their home for as long as possible. For some, the ability to attain this goal takes planning and assistance. Indeed, aging in place takes a keen eye and prepartion. When you identify that you or a loved one see aging in place as a way to live their elder life, home modifications are of the utmost priority in order to make the home safe, accessible and flexible. 

Bathroom Modifications for Seniors

The room that deserves great attention is the bathroom. The bathroom is a room that is a major fall hazard, and the falls tend to be severe. To minimize the risk of falling, the bathroom can be modified in the following ways

• A walk-in shower as opposed to a bath tub
• Add grab bars around the bathroom and in the shower for support
• Elevate the toilet seat to prevent seniors from having to bend down too much
• Place non-skid mats outside the shower and near the toilet
• Purchase a seat in the shower
• Insert a hand-held shower head, especially for seniors with limited mobility

Kitchen Modifications for Seniors

Another room that deserves attention is the kitchen. 

• Add C or D shaped drawer handles
• Have kitchen countertops at different heights so a senior can work both sitting and standing
• Elevate the sink to reduce having to bend down when washing dishes
• Ensure smoke alarms are working properly
• Lower shelves to help seniors reach them easier
• Buy temperature-controlled cookware to reduce chance of fire

General Home Modifications for Seniors

The home in general can be modified to help seniors live safely, for example:

• Add night lights in the bedroom where 26% of all falls happen
• Add night lights throughout the house, especially pathways
• Replace round door knobs with lever door handles
• Replace toggle-style light switches with easier to use rocker-style light switcher (preferably glow in the dark light switches)
• Add lighting to usually unlit spaces such as closets
• Discard throw rugs around the house because they are a dangerous tripping hazard

Special Home Modifications for Seniors with Alzheimer’s

• Add door chimes or “hiding” door knobs behind curtains can prevent wandering out of the home
• Add child door knob locks to prevent seniors from opening certain doors they should not be
• Early stage Alzheimer’s patients, may react with confusion and irritation to changes, so discussing these changes with the patient can be extremely beneficial

Help You Age in Place

The most important modifications will work towards making the home hazard free and easily accessible.