We have heard for some time now how many older people want to stay in their homes and communities as they age. They want to avoid being forced to move into a facility because they were no longer safe in their environments.
Many cities have taken the lead in assisting older people transform their current homes into lifelong homes. Partnering with companies and agencies that can renovate their existing homes, bringing services closer to the communities in which they are needed or helping seniors find more suitable living space to better meet their needs as they age are initiatives that need to happen in all cities so more people can age in place.
Plan Your Home for Aging in Place Now
Most young people who purchase a home are not thinking about size and layout specifications that will help them in retirement. However, 50 year olds have begun examining their present living situation so that when they redecorate or renovate they include options that will make it easier for them to remain in their beloved homes.
Simple things you can do as you approach your retirement will benefit you in the long run. Installing higher toilets and sinks, walk in showers, grab bars, lever faucets and shower benches when you update your bathroom are wise decisions now and in the future.
If you knock down a wall to make a great room, consider widening your doorways and halls to accommodate a wheelchair which may be necessary down the road. Don’t overlook bringing your master bedroom down to the main living floor when you complete a renovation. Is your front door or porch in need of handrails or fewer steps so you can come and go with ease later?
Currently it is estimated that 25-40% of home renovations are including strategies to make the living space accessible for future aging needs.
Unfortunately, many people don’t plan ahead and have a shock when something tragic happens forcing them to act fast. A few small changes along the way as you look to your future will pay big dividends later.
These are great ideas but I also think that seniors shouldn’t be afraid of going to assisted living facilities. Some can be very beneficial and provide positive environments such as http://www.hollyhillhealthcare.com
Thank you for your comment. We all agree that many assisted living facilities as well as long term care facilities provide excellent care to seniors and their families who chose that option. Deciding to stay in your own home and age in place is yet another option and is one that requires planning.
[...] Aging in Place – Plan to Avoid the Shock [...]
When speaking with clients about whether or not to remain in their home as they age, I place a high priority on safety. Is the home currently one that has a great deal of universal design or has had an assessment (looking for trip/fall hazards, etc.), will there be transportation to doctors and social events, can they maintain their present home, etc. all play a very large factor in this important decision!
Thank you for your comment! Safety is a great priority to us as well and something every caregiver needs to consider when their loved ones wish to age in place. There are many aspects to successfully aging in place as you point out including the community resources and services available. We look forward to continued interaction with you as you have expertise to share with our community. Thank you!
This article brings up some good points that my parents had to start thinking about. Whether to remodel and renovate or look at assisted living. With the lack of funding and the length they waited they ended up going to assisted living, they were fortunate to have one of there children buy the home though which allowed them to enjoy it till they passed away. I know the feelings that someone can have for a life long home and to leave it can’t be easy to do by any means. The ideas here will stick with me when its my time to renovate I want to be ready.