More and more seniors are choosing to age in the comfort of their own space. Many refer to this idea as aging in place. In order for seniors to safely remain in their homes for as long as they can, modifications might be necessary. These changes will help to make navigating the home easier for you or your aging loved one. With advanced services, Serenity Home Care aims to aid aging adults and their families who wish to have their loved ones at home. Here, we discuss what it means to age in place and what modifications can be made to make it possible.
What Does It Mean to Age in Place?
Aging in place is when a person lives and ages in their residence of choice for as long as they are able. Opposed to living in a dedicated facility, many aging seniors prefer to age in their homes because of the comfort and familiarity. Aging in place is a viable option in cases where a person’s home is safe and easily accessible.
Aging in place allows individuals to retain a high level of control over their lives. In addition, for many aging adults, remaining in place lets them continue living their lives as they’ve previously done. Individuals can maintain the meaningful connections they have with neighbors or other members of their community. These social interactions can be crucial to an aging adult’s quality of life.
Aging in Place Remodeling and Modifications
Even if someone has remained in the same house for decades, chances are their home will need to be modified to cater to their changing needs as they age. Home modifications can range from simple updates to more extensive remodeling projects. Some aging-in-place home modification ideas include:
Simple Home Modifications
Families can make very simple changes so that their loved ones can continue aging in their homes. Simple home modifications include:
- Moving furniture to create wide walking paths and better passageways
- Adding adequate lighting throughout the house that automatically illuminates at night or motion-activated lighting
- Discarding any tripping or falling hazards located throughout the home, including throw rugs
- Installing mats and non-slip floor coverings
- Installing an easy-to-use, adjustable handheld showerhead
- Adding a comfortable shower bench
- Moving the aging adult’s bed closer to the ground so it’s easier to get in and out of
- Adding and reinforcing grab rails and handrails throughout the home, especially in the bathroom
- Replacing round door knobs with lever door handles
More Complex Home Modifications
In some cases, making simple adjustments isn’t enough to ensure the safety of your loved ones as they age in place. More complex modifications generally require the assistance of a professional contractor and can include:
- Smoothing out flooring to ensure walking surfaces are even
- Installing doorway ramps to eliminate the need for treacherous stairs
- Installing automatic push-button doors
- Adding chairlifts to make accessing the second level easier
- Replacing your tub with a step-in shower
- Widening doorways enough so walking aids and wheelchairs can fit through them
When to Begin Planning
Home modifications won’t happen overnight. The longer you wait to address your loved one’s home, the more likely a potential accident can happen. Families should begin planning home modifications at the first signs of a need for them. If aging adults are beginning to have trouble living in their homes and wish to remain there, modifications should start promptly.
It’s not always easy for family members to pick up on the signs that indelicate modifications are needed. That is especially true for family members who are not always in the home with their aging loved ones. Some subtle signs to look for include:
- Declining eyesight
- Reduced muscle mass and strength
- Lowered endurance
- Diminished mobility
- Decreased flexibility
Aging in Place With Help From Serenity Home Care
Home modifications are only one component of aging in place. To safely remain in your home for as long as possible, you must have access to the care you need. Serenity Home Care is pleased to provide aging adults in the Greater Portland, Oregon, area with comprehensive in-home care services. Our services are designed to help you or your loved one remain independent in the comfort of your home. We are licensed by the Health Care Regulation and Quality Improvement program from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to provide a range of home care services, including companion care, nursing services, personal care, and more. Schedule a consultation at Serenity Home Care today to see if our compassionate team of professionals is the right choice.
