If you or your loved ones are planning on 'Aging in place'. The points laid out in this article are a good primer. I have included a link to an interactive online guide at the end of this blog post. Full credit to the Wirecutter and I encourage you to subscribe.
A few things I share with my older clients. Your plan to age in place has to be well thought out. Doing so without a plan particularly an exit plan (not the "I'm leaving here in a pine box plan") is foolhardy. I always advise client to purchase with re-sale in mind. At some point you or your loved ones will be selling your home. Make decisions when you are the one capable of doing so. Otherwise decisions end up being made on our behalf. Think, broken hip and dealing with stairs. You may not like the choices you have at this point. Better to move prior to these becoming challenges.
My second bit of advice is, your kids don't want your stuff. As harsh as that might be to hear it is a sign of the times. If you are able start going through your stuff. Ask loved ones what they want and record that information. For everything else ask for help either selling items or donating to worthwhile causes. Your family will thank you for making the downsizing task less formidable.
- Minor home renovations can have a huge impact on how long you or a loved one can live independently into old age. This episode, Wirecutter’s home-improvement expert Doug Mahoney joins us to discuss the renovations to consider, whether you’re looking ahead to your own future or supporting a loved one as they age in place.Doug recently wrote a room-by-room tour of the best modifications you can make to a home. He spoke with occupational therapists and other experts for their best tips on the most important changes. And many of these modifications would be helpful for anyone, at any age.
- Fall prevention should be your first priority: The most critical step in aging in place is addressing potential trip hazards. Small, inexpensive changes like securing rugs, adding extra handrails, and installing high-visibility, motion-activated night-lights can drastically reduce the risk of injury.
- Don’t rely on standard placement: When installing safety features like grab bars, avoid generic, one-size-fits-all measurements. It’s more effective to have an assessment where someone observes you moving through your home to determine exactly where you need support for your specific range of motion.
- Focus on high-impact trouble zones: Start by modifying areas that present the highest risk, such as bathrooms and entryways. Simple additions such as a bench in the entryway for changing shoes, or a shower transfer seat and handheld shower sprayer, can help you retain independence without requiring a full renovation.
- Incorporate smart tech for convenience: Modern technology can solve many mobility frustrations. Smart curtains, voice-activated or remote-controlled lights, and smart thermostats allow you to manage your environment from anywhere, which is particularly helpful if your mobility or dexterity is limited.
- Be proactive: You don’t have to overhaul your home overnight. By identifying and implementing these modifications gradually over time, you can manage the costs more effectively and avoid the stress of trying to retroactively “fix” a home during a sudden health crisis.
Here is an interactive online guide to updating your home to facilitate aging in place.
Here is a link to Aging in place advice from the government.
