Home Accessibility Modifications for Successful Aging-in-Place
/
Here is a new blog post from a guest author contributing to
Lang’s Kitchen & Bath’s website. We hope you find this topic helpful!
Have you thought about aging-in-place? As opposed to living in expensive long-term care facilities, many seniors prefer the freedom, flexibility, and affordability that comes with aging-in-place. Remaining in your own home will offer greater independence, comfort, and cost savings. When done right, aging-in-place can also be safer and healthier than moving into long-term care.
The key is to make accessibility modifications before you need them, so your home is ready to accommodate any and all of your future needs. Here are some tips from local remodeling company, Lang's Kitchen & Bath, to help you get your home in shape for aging-in-place!
Consider Downsizing
Before you start breaking ground on your home modifications, think about whether you would be better off downsizing. Smaller homes are much easier to maintain! Moving into a smaller, one-story home will eliminate the need for a number of accessibility modifications, like ramps and stairlifts. Plus, downsizing is a great chance to move a little closer to community amenities or family members who can offer support in your senior years. If downsizing sounds right for you, start looking through home listings in Newtown to get a better idea of your home affordability.
Install an Entrance Ramp
One of the first things you should consider when planning to age-in-place is the accessibility of your home entrance. If it’s hard to get in and out of your house, you’re going to spend more time indoors than you might like. Hire someone to build an entrance ramp so you will be able to navigate your front door with a walker or wheelchair. Even if you don’t wind up requiring any kind of mobility aid, installing an entrance ramp can reduce your fall risk. Look for a contractor who has experience adapting homes for aging-in-place so they can help anticipate your needs and plan for the future.
Replace the Flooring
Replacing your flooring is another modification that will help keep you mobile in your home. There are a number of different flooring options when it comes to aging-in-place. The Spruce recommends choosing flooring that is slip-resistant, easy to navigate with a wheelchair, easy to clean, comfortable underfoot, and offers some shock absorption in the event of a fall. You may want to install different flooring materials in different rooms. For example, choose cushiony carpeting for the bedroom and slip-resistant material for the kitchen and bathroom.
Add Smart Home Features
Installing smart home technology will go a long way towards helping you feel independent and safe in your home. For example, voice-activated virtual assistants enable you to control heating, lights, door locks, security systems, and many other gadgets with your voice. These voice assistants can also provide some sense of companionship to help alleviate social isolation and loneliness. Many other smart home features can benefit seniors intent on aging-in-place, including sensors, video doorbells, and smart fridges which can make your life more convenient and comfortable.
Eliminate Clutter with Clever Storage Solutions
Clutter can pose a major fall risk to seniors. As you plan your accessibility modifications, think about adding storage solutions to better control the clutter in your home. Keep in mind that you might not always be able to reach those upper cabinets in your kitchen, so it might be worthwhile to install some wheelchair-friendly storage systems. Racks and rails make for easy, accessible storage at any height. Pull-out and roll-out shelves also tend to be more accessible and can help you get more use out of those deep cabinets.
If you want to age-in-place, it’s important to plan ahead. Don’t wait for age-related challenges to limit your life or force you into assisted living. Invest in accessibility modifications now so your home is ready to support you through any challenges that come your way!
