It’s no secret that most American seniors want to remain in their homes. Surveys and studies conducted by the AARP have shown that 78% of seniors over 65 years of age desire to live independently in their own homes and communities.
Aging in place is a viable option for most – as long as issues related to home safety, mobility, and in-home care needs are identified and addressed before they significantly impact the health and welfare of the seniors in the home.
As the balance between independence and ongoing health concerns is becoming increasingly important to both senior caregivers and care recipients in their homes, a guide to identifying potential risks or concerns in the home is beneficial for anyone considering the challenges and benefits of in-home senior living.
Although no single guide will meet all of the unique needs for any group of individuals who are looking for information about how to assess their home as a potential care setting, it is hopeful that the following information will provide a starting point for those who plan to modify their residence to help them create a healthy setting where they can age in place with style and grace.
There are over 130 million homes in America, with only a small percentage built in recent years when homebuilders were reacting to the needs of active seniors and employing design concepts geared toward their special needs. The most common concerns facing those seniors who wish to remain in their own homes are structural modifications to the property. The following is an Aging in Place Guide for Seniors Living at Home in regard to physical property.
For seniors living in the home, there are several design features that are beneficial (if not downright necessary) to allow them the ability to move freely in and out of their home.
- Furniture rearranged or removed to clear pathways for walkers and wheelchairs.
- Light switches or remotes that are accessible.
- Wide doorways to accommodate scooters or wheelchairs.
- Door handle levers instead of knobs.
- Handles instead of knobs for cabinet pulls.
- Entry stairs replaced or re-constructed for sloped walkways or ramps.
- Electric porch lifts if necessary.
- A full bathroom on the main level of the home.
- Rails at each entryway and grab bars in the bathrooms.
- Well-lit walkways at the entrance to the home and through dimly-lit hallways.
- Curbless showers and bathtub lifts.
- Hotstop or anti-scald shower products.
- Sinks with knee clearance.
- Reachable storage for common or seasonal items.
- Lower-height work surfaces in the kitchen, office or hobby room.
- Chair-height areas in the workroom, garage or garden.
- Window and blind pulls that are lowered.
Preparing the home by way of these suggested modifications, as well as making the home comfortable and attractive, enhances the independence of those seniors who are aging in place and helps them to avoid risk. The scope of work and associated costs of any of these proposed home modifications will vary with the existing design and condition of the existing home.
The Aging in Place Guide for Seniors Living at Home is just one of many resources designed to help seniors and senior-care providers. To read more about senior care topics and stay up-to-date on latest developments, read the monthly blog articles here at Benefits of Home.
