Aging in Place: How to Live Comfortably at Home

As we age, many of us are choosing to live at home instead of moving into a retirement community or nursing home. In fact, nearly 75% of adults ages 50 and older want to age in place, according to the AARP 2021 Home and Community Preferences Survey. Aging in place offers a sense of familiarity and independence, but it also requires some preparation. If you are thinking of spending your golden years at home, our aging in place specialists share these essential considerations: 

1. Evaluate your home.

Take a look around your home and think about any modifications you may need to make in the future. Consider things like mobility, safety, and accessibility. Should you widen your doorways to accomodate a walker or wheelchair? Will pull-out drawers in the kitchen make it easier to access items that would otherwise be out-of-reach? Will you have enough space for a caregiver? Once you’ve determined your needs, contact us for a consult with one of our certified aging-in-place specialists.

2. Make modifications before you need them.

If your home needs to be modified, it’s best to make any adjustments before you need them, so it is accessible when you need it. Working with an aging-in-place contractor can ensure that modifications meet safety standards.

3. Add a bedroom and bathroom on the main level.

If your home has multiple levels, consider adding a bedroom and bathroom on the main floor. Stairs become increasingly difficult to navigate as we age, and having a bedroom and bathroom on the main level can eliminate the need to use them.

4. Install handrails and grab bars.

Balance and mobility decrease as we age. Adding grab bars, handrails, and non-slip flooring in strategic locations, including hallways, staircases, and bathrooms, can help to maintain your balance, prevent falls, and improve accessibility.

5. Add a walk-in tub or shower.

Traditional tubs can be difficult for seniors to get in and out of safely. Replacing your tub with a walk-in tub or installing a curbless shower can make bathing easier and safer.

6. Improve lighting throughout your house.

Poor lighting can be a safety hazard for seniors. Make sure your home’s interior and exterior are well-lit. Bright, easy-to-reach switches at the bottom and top of staircases, and motion sensor lights in hallways and bathrooms can help prevent falls. 

7. Invest in smart home technology.

Smart lighting, smart ovens, and other smart devices can help you age in place safely. Smart technologies are convenient and can empower you to live safely and independently despite any health or mobility limitations. 

8. Don’t forget the outside.

Navigating your home’s walkways, decks, and entrances becomes more difficult the older we get. Add a no or low-step entry to make the transition from outside to inside and the reverse easier. Install handrails for balance and aluminum treads on stairs and decks to reduce slips and falls. 

Pro Tip: Consider leaving a space in the front of your house without shrubbery to accommodate the installation of a ramp. If the time comes when you or your spouse need one, an aging in place specialist can design and install a ramp that is functional and complements the style of your home. 

Aging in Place Specialists in NH’s Lake Region, White Mountains, and Western Maine

As certified aging in place specialists, we have the knowledge and experience needed to design and build stylish and barrier-free living environments. We can help you design a space that will meet your needs through your retirement years and beyond. Contact us today to learn more.