Adapting a home for aging requires a thorough assessment of its safety and accessibility. This article outlines the steps that homeowners can take to identify potential hazards, evaluate mobility and access, and get a professional home assessment.
Identifying Potential Hazards
The first step in assessing home safety is to identify potential hazards that may cause accidents or injuries. Homeowners should take a room-by-room approach and look for hazards such as loose rugs, poor lighting, and cluttered pathways. They should also check for tripping hazards such as uneven floors, thresholds, and stairs.
To help identify potential hazards, homeowners can use a home safety checklist such as the one provided by NCOA. This checklist covers various areas of the home, including the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living room, and provides specific recommendations for each area.
Evaluating Mobility and Access
The next step in assessing home safety is to evaluate mobility and access. Homeowners should consider their current and future mobility needs and identify areas of the home that may need modifications. For example, they may need to widen doorways to accommodate a wheelchair or install grab bars in the bathroom for added support.
Homeowners can also evaluate the accessibility of their homes by considering the location of important features such as light switches, outlets, and appliances. They should ensure that these features are easy to reach and use, especially for those with mobility limitations.
Professional Home Assessment
Homeowners can get a professional home assessment to identify potential hazards and recommend modifications. Professional assessors can provide a comprehensive evaluation of the home’s safety and accessibility and suggest modifications that meet the homeowner’s specific needs.
Homeowners can find professional assessors through organizations such as the National Association of Home Builders or the National Aging in Place Council. These organizations can connect homeowners with certified professionals who can provide a thorough assessment and recommend modifications that meet building codes and safety standards.
Basic Modifications for Enhanced Safety
As people age, their physical abilities decline, and they become more prone to accidents and injuries. To reduce the risk of accidents and make the home safer for seniors, a few basic modifications can be made. These modifications are simple, cost-effective, and can be done without the need for major renovations.
Installing Grab Bars and Handrails
One of the most common causes of accidents in the home is slipping and falling, especially in the bathroom. Installing grab bars and handrails in key areas such as the bathroom and near stairs can provide stability and support for seniors. These bars should be securely anchored into the wall and installed at the right height so that they can be easily reached and used.
Improving Lighting
Poor lighting can make it difficult for seniors to see obstacles and hazards in the home, increasing the risk of accidents. Adding more lighting to key areas such as hallways, staircases, and entryways can make it easier for seniors to navigate the home safely. Installing motion-activated lights can also be helpful, especially for those with mobility issues.
Non-Slip Flooring Solutions
Slippery floors can be a major hazard for seniors, especially in areas that are prone to moisture such as the bathroom and kitchen. Installing non-slip flooring solutions such as slip-resistant mats, rugs, and tiles can help reduce the risk of falls. These solutions should be installed in areas where water is likely to accumulate, such as near the sink, shower, and bathtub.
By making these basic modifications, seniors can enjoy a safer and more comfortable living environment in their own homes. These modifications can also help reduce the need for assisted living or nursing home care, allowing seniors to maintain their independence and quality of life.
Advanced Home Adaptations
For seniors who have difficulty climbing stairs, stairlifts and home elevators can be a great solution. Stairlifts are chairs that run on a track attached to the stairs and carry the user up and down. Home elevators are installed in a shaft and can carry the user between floors. Both options require professional installation and can be costly, but they can greatly improve mobility and independence.
Bathrooms can be dangerous places for seniors, but accessible bathroom renovations can greatly reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Some modifications include installing grab bars, non-slip flooring, and walk-in tubs or showers. It is important to consult with a professional contractor to ensure that the modifications are done correctly and meet safety standards.
The kitchen can be a challenging space for seniors with mobility or dexterity issues. Some modifications that can make the kitchen more accessible include installing pull-out shelves, lowering countertops, and adding lever-style handles to cabinets and drawers. It is important to consider the specific needs of the individual when making these modifications.
Smart Home Technology for Seniors
Smart home technology can greatly enhance the ability of seniors to age in place safely and independently. The following subsections highlight some of the most useful smart home technologies for seniors.
Automated Lighting and Temperature Control
Automated lighting and temperature control systems can help seniors maintain a comfortable living environment and reduce energy costs. These systems can be programmed to turn lights on and off and adjust the temperature based on the time of day or occupancy. Seniors can also control these systems remotely using a smartphone or voice-activated home assistant.
Security and Monitoring Systems
Security and monitoring systems can provide peace of mind to seniors and their caregivers. These systems can include video cameras, motion sensors, and door and window alarms. Seniors can also use these systems to monitor their own health and safety. For example, a bed sensor can alert caregivers if a senior has not gotten out of bed in the morning.
Voice-Activated Home Assistants
Voice-activated home assistants, such as Amazon Echo and Google Home, can help seniors with a variety of tasks. They can set reminders, make phone calls, and even order groceries. These devices can also be programmed to control other smart home devices, such as lighting and temperature control systems.
Financial Considerations and Assistance
Adapting a home for aging can be a costly process, but there are various financial considerations and assistance programs available to help offset the expenses. Here are some key factors to consider:
Budgeting for Home Adaptations
The cost of adapting a home for aging can vary greatly depending on the extent of the modifications needed. It is important to create a budget and prioritize the modifications based on necessity and affordability. Some modifications, such as installing grab bars and non-slip flooring, can be relatively inexpensive, while others, such as widening doorways and installing elevators, can be quite costly.
Insurance and Medicare Coverage
It is important to check with insurance providers and Medicare to see what home adaptation costs are covered. Most insurance providers do not cover home adaptations, but some may offer discounts or special programs. Medicare may cover some costs for medically necessary home adaptations, but it is important to check with the provider to see what is covered.
Grants and Funding Programs
There are various grants and funding programs available to help offset the cost of home adaptations for aging. The National Council on Aging recommends checking with state housing finance agencies, social services departments, community development groups, or the federal government for financial aid programs and discounts. The Eldercare Locator (https://www.eldercare.gov/) or calling 800-677-1116 can also help find resources. Some organizations, mainly governmental, offer low-interest loans for home modifications or guarantee loans so that banks are less restrictive with their lending requirements. These are loans and, therefore, need to be paid back.
