Aging in Place is the goal for more than 90% of adults over the age of 65 in the United States, according to a study by AARP. To help make this goal a reality, it takes planning and likely some minor modifications to your home along the way.
That’s why Home Helpers® Home Care has partnered with TruBlue House Care. TruBlue specializes in home maintenance, repair and enhancement for busy professionals and seniors. Between Home Helpers Home Care exceptional care and TruBlue’s home modifications – you can maintain your independence.
Here are a few projects, you can do today to make Aging in Place easier.
Small Projects
- Replacing Door Knobs: Swapping doorknobs that have to be turned for lever-style door handles can make a big difference when it comes to ease of going between rooms or getting in or out of your house, especially if you’re faced with arthritis, joint stiffness, or mobility issues.
- Updating Lighting: Having the right lighting in your house – installing dimmer lights for late-night bathroom trips or brighter lights in the kitchen or even just swapping out fixtures to add additional light – can help with vision issues and help prevent falls.
- Installing Grab Bars: No one likes to think about grab bars, but installing them now will save you an emergency later. Don’t let your pride get in the way of your safety… you certainly don’t want to have to be rescued from the shower.
Large projects
- Move the Laundry Room: Many older homes have basement laundry rooms, which means going up and down a lot of steps while holding laundry baskets and clothes. That’s a fall hazard whether you are 12 or 92! Moving your laundry room to the first floor (or the second floor, if you don’t have a ranch) even if it means taking up some closet space in a spare bedroom, can make doing laundry safer, more comfortable, and more convenient.
- Replacing Flooring: Hardwood floors and plush carpets both have their place, but they also both have their own issues when it comes to mobility. Consider what challenges you might be likely to face and pick an option that’s best for you. If you’re going with hardwood, be careful about thresholds and try to avoid area rugs. If you’re choosing carpet, look for something smoother and with a lower pile.
- Adding Accessibility Features: Do you have to walk up 12 steps to get to your front door? Does the step out of your back door look like a cliff? Do your interior steps have handrails? No one likes to think about needing a ramp or additional supports, but considering those challenges now will save you a headache later.
If you are interested in learning more about what can be done to help you Age in Place- reach out to your local Home Helpers for a free Home Safety Assessment to learn more.
