Home modification is often necessary as people age, as your home may no longer suit your needs. Fortunately for seniors who want to continue living independently and comfortably, there are many modifications that can be made to a home to make it safer and more accessible for seniors.
1. Install Grab Bars
This is one of the most important modifications homeowners can make. Grab bars are easy to install and can be placed in the bathroom, bedroom, and other areas where extra support might be needed. Grab bars can help seniors maintain their balance and prevent falls.
2. Install Handrails
Handrails can be installed on staircases, in hallways, and in other areas, again, for balance and guarding against falls.
3. Remove Trip Hazards
Trip hazards are a common cause of falls among seniors. This might include removing loose rugs, de-cluttering floors, and fixing uneven surfaces. It’s also a good idea to make sure that floors are slip-resistant.
4. Install Non-Slip Mats
Non-slip mats can be installed in the bathroom and other areas where the floor may be slippery.
5. Add More Lighting
Declining eyesight is common as we age. To make it easier for seniors to see, it’s a good idea to add more lighting to the home. This might include adding additional lamps, installing brighter light bulbs, or adding motion-activated lights in key areas.
6. Consider Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology can make life easier for seniors. For example, smart thermostats can adjust the temperature automatically, smart door locks can be controlled remotely, and smart lighting can be turned on and off with a voice command or a smartphone app.
7. Install a Stairlift
For seniors who have difficulty climbing stairs, a stairlift can be a life-changing modification. Stairlifts are easy to install and can make it possible for seniors to remain in their homes for longer.
8. Add a Walk-In Bathtub
Walk-in bathtubs are designed to make it easier for seniors to bathe safely. These tubs have a low step-in height, a built-in seat, and a non-slip floor. They also have a door that opens and closes, making it easier for seniors to get in and out of the tub.
9. Consider a Wheelchair Ramp
For seniors who use a wheelchair or a mobility scooter, a wheelchair ramp can make it easier to get in and out of the home. Wheelchair ramps can be made of wood, metal, or concrete, and can be customized to fit the specific needs of the senior.
10. Lower Kitchen Countertops
Also for seniors using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, standard kitchen countertops can be too high. Lowering the countertops can make it easier for seniors to prepare meals and do other kitchen tasks. This modification can be done by removing the existing countertops and replacing them with lower ones.
11. Install Lever Handles
Lever handles are easier to use than traditional doorknobs, especially for seniors who have arthritis or other hand conditions. Lever handles can be installed on doors throughout the home.
12. Consider a Lift Chair
For seniors who have difficulty standing up from a seated position, lift chairs have a built-in mechanism that lifts the seat up and tilts it forward, making it easier for seniors to stand up.
13. Install an Intercom System
An intercom system can be helpful for seniors who have difficulty hearing or moving around the home. With an intercom system, you can communicate with family members or caregivers in other parts of the house without having to physically move around. This can be especially helpful for people who are bedridden or have limited mobility.
14. Add a Walk-In Shower
A walk-in shower can be a safer and more accessible alternative to a traditional bathtub. Walk-in showers have a low threshold, which makes it easier to get in and out, and they often have built-in seats and non-slip floors.
15. Install Motion-Activated Faucets
For seniors who have difficulty turning knobs or handles, motion-activated faucets can turn on and off automatically when a hand is waved in front of the sensor, eliminating the need to turn knobs or handles.
16. Consider a Home Elevator
If your home has multiple levels, a home elevator can be a helpful modification. Home elevators are easy to use and can make it easier for seniors to move between floors without having to climb stairs.
17. Use a Toilet Seat Riser
A toilet seat riser can make it easier for seniors to use the bathroom. These risers fit on top of the existing toilet seat, making the seat higher and easier to get on and off.
18. Consider a Remote-Controlled Ceiling Fan
If it becomes difficult to reach the pull chains on ceiling fans, you can use a remote-controlled ceiling fan to turn the fan on and off and adjust the speed.
19. Add Wheelchair-Accessible Paths
Wheelchair-accessible paths outside the home should be wide enough for a wheelchair or mobility scooter to pass through easily and should be made of a smooth, even surface.
20. Install a Medical Alert System
Finally, a medical alert system can provide peace of mind for seniors and their loved ones. These systems include a wearable device that can be pressed in case of an emergency, which will then alert a monitoring center or designated caregiver.
Start Planning Home Modifications Now
Stories abound of people unable to access the upper floor of her homes where their bedrooms are located, and being forced to sleep in the living room. Or there’s the man who had to pay someone to do laundry because the washer and dryer were located in the basement, which he could not access due to difficulty with stairs. In addition, when his furnace stopped working, he was left in the cold for three days until someone was able to come and restart it.
These stories highlight the importance of home modifications to improve safety and accessibility for seniors.
If you want to remain in your home, it may be worthwhile to take inventory now. In the end, you may decide that you will need to move, but it’s good to find that out early and be able to make adjustments.
Paying for Home Modification
There are several financial options available for seniors who need to make home modifications for safety.
Many state and local governments offer financial assistance programs for seniors to make home modifications. These programs vary by location and may include grants, low-interest loans, or tax credits.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers loans and grants to low-income seniors to make home modifications for safety.
There are also several non-profit organizations that offer financial assistance to seniors for home modifications. Some examples include Rebuilding Together, Habitat for Humanity, and the National Council on Aging.
If you do not qualify for assistance, consider home equity loans or lines of credit, or reverse mortgages.
You can also explore using personal loans or credit cards, but be aware of the potential interest rates and fees. It is important to do your research and compare their options before choosing a financing method.
In conclusion, there are many home modification ideas that can make life easier and safer for seniors. Whether it’s installing grab bars and handrails, adding more lighting, or considering smart home technology, there are modifications that can be tailored to fit the specific needs of each individual senior.
Home Maintenance
In addition to home modifications, there are home maintenance issues that need to be considered.
How easy will it be able to handle lawn care, snow removal, moving heavy objects, or even simple tasks like replacing light bulbs in high ceilings or fixtures?
Some municipalities offer lawn and yard services for seniors at little to no cost, but otherwise, it may be necessary to hire someone for these tasks.
Do you plan to age in place in your current home? Share your plans in the comments below!