In order for you to age in place in your home, you may need to consider potential repairs and improvements.
- Is your house safe?
- Is there adequate lighting to prevent accidents?
- Do you have stairs that you will no longer be able to climb just to get to bed at night or to the bathroom?
- Do you live nearby to family, friends and necessary shopping venues?
- Is your doctor or hospital conveniently located to you in case of an emergency?
- Is there an ambulance that can get to you quickly if necessary?
- Do you have access to a system to call help in an emergency such as a life line? If not, can this be installed in your home?
- Can you get into and out of your house with a walker or wheelchair? Do you need a ramp built?
- Are the bathrooms accessible? Do you need to install grab bars to make personal care safe?
- Are your living areas free from hazards such as throw rugs, electric cords and general clutter?
Many of these concerns are easily remedied. Some are not such as your home’s location and time may be of the essence to make such a big change. Plan now so that you or your loved one can safely age in place.
If you decide that a home renovation is needed, there are professionals who are specially trained in this type of home remodeling. A certified specialist in aging in place (CAPS) in your area can be located through the National Association of Home Builders at http://www.nahb.org/reference_list.aspx?sectionID=1391.
