Strategies for Strengthening Home Safety for Advancing Years

Strategies for Strengthening Home Safety for Advancing Years

Amy Goyer, a family caregiving expert for AARP, is personally renovating a home for her and her boyfriend to reside in as they grow older. This move towards aging in place is a growing trend, with over 75% of those 50 and older of all races and ethnicities wanting to stay in their homes as they grow old, according to AARP.

For veterans who sustained injuries during their military service, Special Adaptive Housing Grants through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can provide a financial boost. These grants are available for those with loss or loss of use of more than one limb, loss or loss of use of a lower leg, blindness in both eyes, certain severe burns, and certain respiratory or breathing issues. Veterans who meet the criteria can receive up to $24,405 this year. The application can be made through the VA website or by mailing in an application form.

Preparing to age in place does not need to be overly complicated if you seek help from family and professionals. Simple renovations like adding grab bars in bathrooms to avoid falls and having a zero-threshold shower entry can make a significant difference. More extensive renovations, such as widening doorways or installing lifts, can be undertaken by specialists, with costs ranging from $1,500-$5,000 for simple renovations to up to $300,000 for complete renovations or additions.

Technology is also a potential resource for facilitating or improving aging in place. Examples include telehealth, sensors for lighting, medication reminders, wearable devices like pedometers, and social media. Automatic shutoffs for stoves, flooring with sensors to detect a fall, and voice commands for calling for help are also relevant technologies.

To find expert advice on renovating a home for aging in place—including costs, room-by-room guides, and technology recommendations—you can explore specialized resources and expert guides that focus on accessibility, safety, and comfort modifications tailored for seniors. Houzz offers ideas highlighting wide walkways and doorways to enable mobility, open layouts, and furniture spacing for ease of movement. Adore Renovations discusses comprehensive strategies emphasizing safety, independence, and accessibility, such as grab bars, lifts, or wheelchair accessibility.

While not fully detailed in one source, sources suggest focusing on essential modifications such as installing grab bars in bathrooms, using pull-down and pull-out shelves in kitchens and bathrooms for accessibility, and replacing traditional knobs with lever-style or D handles to aid those with arthritis. Bedrooms or a single livable room with safety features can be prioritized at first during renovations.

Remodeling costs for aging in place can vary significantly depending on the extent of renovations, from simple hardware upgrades to structural changes like widening doorways or installing lifts. ConsumerAffairs offers up-to-date cost expectations to help with budgeting.

When undertaking such specialized renovations, it is important to choose contractors with experience in aging in place modifications and knowledge of the specific needs of older adults. Reviewing their past projects and ensuring good communication is key to smooth, safe renovation.

For thorough guidance, start with resources like Houzz for ideas and trends, specialization blogs such as Mr. Handyman’s aging in place modifications, and cost outlines from ConsumerAffairs. Combining these with consultations from contractors who specialize in accessible home renovations will give you the expert advice you need to plan a safe, comfortable, and cost-conscious aging in place renovation.

One practical solution for safely entering and exiting the home is the VEVOR 4-inch rubber threshold ramp, currently available at Lowe's for under $100. The Stander Mobility Bed Rail offers sturdy support when getting in and out of bed. A ramp can be built to make it easier for individuals to get in and out of the house without looking like a traditional ramp.

Being able to safely enter and exit the home is another important need. A common renovation for aging in place is improving lighting, adding lights in the hallways and stairwells, and making sure the bed is easy to get in and out of by using risers. The National Association of Homebuilders has a directory of Certified Aging in Place experts (CAPS) which includes contractors, interior designers, occupational therapists, and others.

Many phone calls to renovation specialists come from children with aging parents who need quick renovations due to health issues. Renovations, plus the use of technology, may cost thousands of dollars, but it still costs much less than moving into assisted living, something most older adults do not consider their first choice. AARP has designed a "Checklist for Aging in Place" which includes recommendations for small remodeling projects like raising toilet heights and moving items to lower shelves.

In conclusion, aging in place is a viable and popular option for many older adults. With the right resources, guidance, and renovations, it is possible to create a safe, comfortable, and accessible home for the long term.

1. Integrating health-and-wellness into the home can be achieved by incorporating technology such as telehealth, medication reminders, and fall detection sensors, which can contribute to a safe living environment for aging adults.
2. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, at-home fitness options like yoga mats and resistance bands can be implemented for exercise, and container gardens can be set up for a hobby in home-and-garden, promoting well-being and a sense of purpose.

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