5 Home Modifications for ‘Stay-Home Seniors.’ GUEST WRITER

Note to Readers, from drb: I’m just back from vacation, and am happy to be sharing the thoughts of another guest writer. I have read much, attended presentations and taken several short courses, on “universal design.” It’s a personal interest. So, I was easily enticed when Hazel approached me to address the subject. Hope you enjoy her summary of some essentials.

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I’m Hazel Bridges, and I’m the person behind AgingWellness.org, a website that aims to provide health and wellness resources for aging seniors. After beating breast cancer at age 60, I made a pact to challenge myself to live life to the fullest and inspire others to do so as well. However, as the years ticked by, it was my home that was becoming the challenge. I hope these suggestions make your home a haven of rest and relaxation so that you can enjoy these Golden Years to the fullest.

The AARP estimates that approximately 90 percent of older adults plan to stay at home for the next five to 10 years; a trend that is sometimes referred to as ‘aging-in-place.’ Many of us will do so without making significant modifications to our homes. And many of us will soon realize that failing to look forward may have been a mistake.

5 Essential Considerations

In my mind, there are five must-have home renovations that can increase our ability to age in place. I considered each of these for my own home to make it more accommodating.

1. Doorways. The average doorway wasn’t built with wheelchairs and walkers in mind. But, by widening your interior and exterior doors to a width of 42 inches, you will make it much easier to maneuver no matter your mobility level. Assisted Living Today explains that the cost of this varies and is largely dependent on a few factors: your contractor, placement of electrical switches, and the number of doors to be widened. As with everything, if you “buy in bulk,” the deal is better.

2. Flooring. Even if you don’t have mobility issues, old, sagging carpet is a problem. Consider replacing your outdated carpeting with hardwood floors, vinyl, or laminate, which will make it easier to maneuver, especially if you use a walker or cane. Hard cork, laminates and other engineered flooring with cushioning underlay can serve this purpose while being easier on the joints (as opposed to materials such as hard tile).

3. Shower and bath. There’s little doubt that the bathroom is the most dangerous room for those in the 65-and-over crowd. Perhaps, for all crowds, despite the age. But, you have to bathe, and there are few things as relaxing as a warm bubble bath at the end of a long day. Consider the importance of making your bathroom a safe haven by replacing your standard bathtub with a walk-in model, which generally have only a very small step to lift the legs over. A walk-in bathtub has high walls and a built-in seat that will allow you to enjoy your hygiene routine without the dangers of getting up and down off the floor, or over the bath edge.

[Note from drb: there are some disadvantages to walk-in bathtubs as well. While most models are promoted as “quick filling” and “fast draining,” they may not be as quick as you would like. Being impatient isn’t the problem, but chilling can be an issue. You need to enter the tub before the water is filled and need to wait until the bath is empty to exit. Both of these times can cause people to be chilly. A towel may be the answer for some, but it is a downside of which to be aware before purchasing. I have seen a simpler solution in one of my Aging-in-Place courses, BUT have been unable to find the product (to date). It is a newer design for a built-in transfer seat that allows you to sit first with feet on the floor and then to twist on your bottom and bring legs and body down into the bath. They are not as safe as the walk-in, but far safer than our normal bath arrangements. I believe this is a European piece of ‘architecture’ and is NOT one of the transfer bench types sold in the neighborhood drug store. Be on the lookout.]

If you prefer to shower, talk with your remodeler about installing a no-profile shower that will eliminate the need to navigate over obstacles. Perhaps obvious, but too important to ignore pointing out, is that shower floors are best if planned with built-in texture and anti-slip designs that are permanent. If it can be avoided, we should not rely on products such as removable bath mats.

Independent Living Design also recommends installing grab bars in the bathroom. That’s a no-brainer for the ‘To-Do’ list if you don’t already have them. Some of the new classy designs play double duty, serving as true grab bars but disguised as a lovely soap holder or towel rack.

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4. Kitchen. Like the bathroom, the kitchen can be dangerous, even for those of us who remain in good health with age. Consider lowering your counter height and replacing appliances with models that are easier to use. If you have arthritis, for instance, a stove with push-button controls may be easier to operate than one that utilizes knobs. One simple addition to your kitchen is a lazy Susan, which can be installed in most cabinets and will allow you to rotate its contents for easy access. The sooner you incorporate these – especially in corner cabinets – the sooner you can start saying, “I wish I had put these in years ago.”

5. Ramp. You have to enter and exit your home. You may need to seriously consider the obstacles there. A wheelchair ramp can ensure you have the ability to come and go safely, even if you continue to walk unassisted. A ramp provides a gradual incline and, similar to using a no-profile shower, eliminates the need to lift your legs up to enter the home. Surprisingly, your mobility isn’t the only concern that a ramp can address. If you were to fall on a ramp, you are less likely to sustain severe injuries compared to falling down stairs. Visualize it. Sharp, deep steps can do a lot more damage than a flat smooth surface. Adding one of the many types of anti-slip surfaces to a ramp can incorporate another worthwhile touch. Ramps in the paved pathway may be the more stable, and are generally wider, but there are many temporary versions of ramps that may best suit your needs.

Your Situation

While there are many exceptional assisted living facilities for seniors, there is nothing quite like living out our (hopefully) “Golden Years” in the comfort of our own home. Not only does living at home help us maintain a sense of independence, but it allows us the opportunity to handle our own social needs and to pick and choose things that might require a helping hand. The National Aging in Place Council can help you create your own post-retirement housing strategy.

Sometimes, aging-in-place means having to make a move to a more manageable location. If you find that your large family home is simply too much to handle, there are numerous options that will allow you to maintain your independence without the burden of maintenance and care for large property. Redfin’s downsizing guide offers a step-by-step approach and a lot of useful information.

[Note from drb: Don’t forget to check out your area for a ‘Village Movement” organization or the Village-to-Village Network. (The first was Beacon Hill in Boston, but now many areas have some version. One in my area is Ashland at Home.) This model of local support networks with neighbors helping neighbors is another important aspect of independent living in our homes as we age.]

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A final thought: Whether you choose to remain in your current home or plan to purchase a new one, don’t rush into the decision to remodel. Evaluate your own needs carefully. For at least a week or two, mentally watch your movements and explore your environment with new eyes, searching for possible household obstructions. Jot these down. Then look for a CAPS – a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. That step is actually worth the small amount of effort and money it takes BEFORE taking the time to choose your contractor wisely. [Occasionally the contactor IS also a CAPS.] A reputable home remodeling firm will be happy to speak with you on the phone and in person, and won’t try to sell you on services you don’t need. Your goal is to remain independent, not to become a slave to high-price home renovations that don’t enhance your quality of life.

Picture credit: Image via Pixabay

Guest Writer Bio:

Hazel Bridges lives in Florida and writes the blog AgingWellness.org, concentrating on health and wellness resources. She’s a breast cancer survivor. She challenges herself to live life to the fullest and inspire others to do so as well.

 

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