Creating A Secure Home For Comfortable Ageing In Place: Your Ultimate Guide

As we age, most of us share typical desires: to remain in the comfort of our homes, preserve our autonomy for as long as we can, and lean on loved ones when necessary instead of moving into an assisted or senior living community.

This concept, known as “aging in place,” represents an ideal many strive for. However, the reality of growing older at home brings challenges, from safety worries to mobility issues and the complexities of everyday tasks. Successfully living independently in one’s golden years demands thoughtful planning and preparation. 

What You Need to Know

Getting your home ready for ageing in place is just the start. It’s equally important to look at your situation to see if you’re prepared for this step. Only some people are cut out for it, especially if you’re dealing with health issues that make looking after yourself challenging. But, if you’re primarily independent, you’ll want to consider keeping your body and mind in good shape.

How to Begin Preparing for Aging in Place

While many people prefer not to relocate in their later years, interestingly, many haven’t planned to stay put as they age. The 2022 National Poll on Healthy Aging revealed that while 88% of people aged 50 to 80 value staying in their homes, nearly half hadn’t considered what that would require.

It’s key to think about what your home might need to accommodate you safely and comfortably as you age. This means taking a good look around both the inside and outside of your place to figure out what might need to go, what should be added, and what could use a tweak here and there to make sure it’s a safe, comfy, and practical space for you in the years to come.

Your physical condition and what you’re capable of is another big piece of the puzzle. Even if you’re in great shape now, aging can change the strength, flexibility, balance, and how far you can reach. Plus, health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or mobility issues could pop up, possibly requiring medical care right at home. And let’s remember to set aside some budget for the renovations and updates needed to make your home a place where you can quickly get around and feel supported.

Keeping Physically Healthy

As we age, we become more prone to health issues, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, heart problems, and others. The good news is that many of these can be avoided or controlled by eating right, avoiding bad habits like smoking, and staying active. The sooner you start these healthy habits, the better. But remember, it’s always possible to turn things around and start caring for your health.

Staying Mentally Sharp

Being alone can lead to isolation, dampening moods for anyone, especially older folks. The trick to avoiding this is staying connected. Whether getting involved in community activities, catching up with friends, or even having a furry companion, being around others can make a huge difference. It keeps you feeling happy and healthy, and isn’t that what aging in place should be all about?

Ensuring Each Room is Senior-Friendly

The Living Room

Managing body temperature can be challenging for seniors. During cold spells, ensure living spaces are well-heated and regularly check the home’s thermostats. Installing lock-in switches on thermostats can help maintain a safe temperature and prevent heating issues. Add heat-control window films, thermal curtains, or solar shades for extra warmth and safety.

The Bedroom

The right bed height is crucial for older adults to prevent falls. If sitting on the bed causes their knees to be higher than their hips, the bed is too low. Adding bed risers can help increase its height. Conversely, the bed is too high if their feet don’t touch the floor when sitting on the edge. Removing the bed frame or opting for a lower mattress can fix this issue.

The Kitchen

A well-lit kitchen is essential, especially for seniors engaging in cooking or baking activities. Increase the light wattage to brighten the space adequately. Explore under-counter lighting options like battery-operated lights for additional brightness. An electrician can provide advice on enhancing both under-counter and overhead lighting. Keep commonly used items within easy reach to avoid unnecessary stretching or lifting, storing heavier objects on countertops or using wall mounts for pots and pans.

The Bathroom

Installing grab bars by the shower, tub, and toilet is a smart move to minimize the risk of falls and accidents. Look online or at medical supply stores for options to make these areas more accessible. Adding a toilet seat riser can also help seniors use the bathroom comfortably.

The Dining Room

Furniture can become unstable over time. Periodically inspect dining chairs for loose parts or inappropriate height and repair or replace them as needed to accommodate older family members safely.

The Basement

Navigating steep stairs to the basement can pose fall hazards. To reduce the need to go downstairs, consider relocating laundry facilities, storage, and frequently used items to the main level.

Adapting your home with these safety measures in mind can make a significant difference in the comfort and well-being of older adults, ensuring they can navigate their living spaces safely and independently.

Conclusion

Preparing your house for the later years is more than just a few home improvements; it’s about making a space to live your best life. Think of it as setting yourself up for success—tweaking your place to make it perfect, keeping an eye on your health, and ensuring you’re still hanging out with friends and family. It’s not just about sticking around in the same old spot; it’s about genuinely enjoying where you are. So, look around your house, think about what you might want to change up, and remember: the right moves now can make your place the go-to spot for joy and relaxation. Cheers to making your home as cozy and secure as ever, ready for all the good times ahead.