Home Features That Will Allow You to Age in Place

As people age, they become unable to do things that once came so naturally to them. Getting out of bed in the morning, taking a shower, and getting up and down the stairs all become feats that require a good deal of energy and effort. While it was once normal for elderly individuals to go to senior centers when their homes became unsafe, that is becoming less and less popular. Instead, today’s seniors are opting to age in place. Aging in place means making modifications to the family home so that once a person reaches old age they can stay put and not have to worry about their safety. If this sounds like something you’re interested in doing, consider starting with the following changes:  

 

Making the Entrance Wheelchair Accessible

You may not ever need a wheelchair, but it would still be nice to have easier access to your home. If you ever have a hard time getting up and down the stairs, your porch steps may prove to be problem, especially in bad weather or when your arms are full of groceries. A wheelchair ramp or stairless entry could make your older age exponentially easier…and safer.

 

Moving the Master to the First Floor

Stairs are one of the greatest hazards to elderly individuals and also one of the greatest obstacles, which is why one of the first steps of the aging in place process is to move the master to the ground floor. If your hips ache by the time you reach the top landing or if you are unsteady on your feet going down, you may benefit from moving your master bedroom to the first floor of your home.

 

Making the Bathroom Slip-Proof

The bathroom, like the stairs, is another aspect of the home that poses several safety hazards. Grab bars near the toilet and in the shower provide for safe naviation, a shower seat provides a place to sit while you scrub from head to toe and a non-slip shower floor acts as added protection against slips and falls.   

 

Aging in place is different for everyone. An expert can help you determine what your home needs and modify it to meet your current and future needs.