These days, with so many baby
boomers and their elderly parents managing their housing plans and needs, the
concept of aging in place is becoming an alternative to moving in with family,
or going to an independent living community.
Preparing for Change is Hard
Change is sometimes harder the older we get. even changes that prevent us from needing to make a larger change, like moving out of a home. To manage a home while getting on in years, the following changes need to be considered in order to stay in the home and be able to "age in place". Eventually, when assisted living is needed and in-home care is either not an option or becomes too expensive, a move will need to happen. Before then, most people would like to stay in their own homes, and enjoy their lifestyle as long as possible.
Change is sometimes harder the older we get. even changes that prevent us from needing to make a larger change, like moving out of a home. To manage a home while getting on in years, the following changes need to be considered in order to stay in the home and be able to "age in place". Eventually, when assisted living is needed and in-home care is either not an option or becomes too expensive, a move will need to happen. Before then, most people would like to stay in their own homes, and enjoy their lifestyle as long as possible.
Common Changes and Features for Staying at Home Safely
The most common features of a home that needs to be changed for aging in place
is accessibility. Stairs need to be converted to ramps or have escalators
installed. Bathrooms need to have more easily accessible toilets and shower
stalls with handles. A shower stall without a curb is a popular alternative to avoid
falls from stepping over a bathtub wall. Safety features need to be considered
such as eliminating the use of small step ladders to reach high cabinets.
Lower, reachable cabinets or pantries may need to be built to avoid falling
from a small step ladder.
Small bumps or dividers between carpets and other flooring
need to be leveled to avoid tripping, as well as any other protrusions from
furniture, of fixtures in the home. Heated flooring and added insulation is
also another option to consider for increased comfort.
Planning is Important
Planning and learning about all of the options available
takes some time, but it is time well spent. Once all of the features and
accessibility issues and options have been explored, then an informed decision
can be made as to what needs to be done, what is the budget, and when will it
be completed?
A meeting with a general contractor can be very helpful in
learning about accessibility and various options and their cost estimates.
Remodeling for aging in place can be attractive to those that can still manage their home, especially when made more accessible and safe.
Remodeling for aging in place can be attractive to those that can still manage their home, especially when made more accessible and safe.
