Aging in Place Safely: Important
Tips for Seniors to Consider
 Many
seniors feel it's important to age in place, meaning they want to live at home for as long as it's safe
to do so. However, it's not always possible without making some modifications,
and sometimes it's necessary to consider downsizing to a smaller home that will
allow for better mobility and less to care for. It's important to think about
your needs, as well as the needs of your partner or spouse, so you can be
prepared should your health require more from your home.
There
are some fairly simple home modifications that can be adjusted for most
budgets, but it's imperative to do some research to find the best ones for your
specific needs and to get a feel for cost. Larger projects -- such as
widening doorways or installing a chair lift on the stairs -- will eat up a big
chunk of your budget and may take quite a while to complete, while smaller ones
are more likely to be DIY projects and won’t take as long.
Keep
reading for the best tips on how to make sure your home works for you.
Look for Potential Hazards
The
greatest potential for injury to seniors occurs where falls are likely, such as in the kitchen
or bathroom, so it’s important to suss out those hazards first and take care of
them. The bathroom is one of the most dangerous areas of the home for seniors,
especially those with mobility issues; some of the things you can do to make it
safer include installing a grab bar and seat in the shower, placing rubber
non-slip mats in the tub and on the floor, and replacing the shower head with
one that has an extendable hose. You might also consider replacing the bathtub
with a step-in shower, although, this will be more costly and require a
contractor.
In
the kitchen, flooring should be even and free of throw rugs and other trip hazards. A non-slip surface is best.
Counter-tops should be at a height that is accessible from a sitting position,
and the room should be big enough to allow a wheelchair to maneuver through.
For additional ways to make your home less prone to falls, check out our free elderly fall prevention guide "50+ Ways To Prevent Falls".
Minimize the Amount of Work
A
home is a big thing to take care of, and many seniors find it difficult to keep
up with yard work and cleaning after retirement. If staying in your home is
important to you, it’s important to minimize the amount of work you’ll need to
do to keep it in good shape. This might mean landscaping to reduce the amount
of grass that needs to be cut by adding stepping stones or large potted
succulents, hiring someone to come in and clean once a week, or closing off
rooms that rarely get used.
Declutter
Keeping
your home free of clutter is important because it reduces the risk of trips and
falls and allows you to maintain a clean space at all times. It can also be
beneficial to your health to keep dust-collecting items out of the way, and
having a space that is neat and organized can boost your mental health as well.
Consider Downsizing
If
your home has a lot of stairs or if the renovations will simply cost too much
to make staying a viable option, it might be time to consider downsizing.
Moving into a smaller home will not only offer you safety and comfort, it will
save you money at the same time. Do some research online and use filters to
narrow down the search in your area according to your needs. Keep in mind that
the average sale price for a home in Northville, MI is $557,000.
Making
the decision of whether to age in place or downsize is a big one, and if you’re
going to stay in your home, there may be lots of work ahead of you to make sure
it’s safe. Do your research before hiring a contractor and set a budget in the
beginning so you can stay on track. Related Content:
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