15 of the Most Popular Aging-in-Place Home Modifications
For those who intend to stay in their own home for as long as possible as they grow older, aging-in-place home modifications help with safety, ease, and comfort. Making the necessary renovations assists with independence for people who don’t want to move to an assisted living facility.
Although some of the modifications for elderly people who plan on aging in place are extensive, many are simple and make a big difference. Certain modifications may have to be prioritized according to urgency or budget constraints. With the right advice and carefully chosen home modifications, you should be able to stay at home for as long as possible.
Bathroom Modifications for Aging in Place
Your bathroom is one of the most important places to start when making home improvements. The bathroom, particularly the bathtub, is slippery and dangerous. Fall prevention measures are a priority, particularly for those who don't live with a family member.
Getting in and out of a bathtub can be risky for senior citizens. There are different options to minimize the risk of slips and falls in the bathtub and the bathroom generally.
1. Walk-in Shower
The first option is to replace the bathtub with a walk-in shower, which is easier and safer to enter and exit. Walk-in showers also have the benefit of being easier to clean, because you don't need to reach over the bathtub wall.
A walk-in shower is an effective option for elderly people who use an assistive device for walking, as the device can pass through the door, providing support at all times.
Tip: If you plan to use a cane in the bathroom or shower, select one with a non-slip rubber tip.
2. Walk-in Tub
Alternatively, if a bathtub is preferred to a shower, a walk-in tub is another solution. Many people enjoy having a bath, and this doesn't need to stop as you grow older. Many tubs come with hydrotherapy jets that can help with arthritis and sore joints and increase circulation.
3. Grab Bars
A more budget-friendly option for those who are unable to replace their current bathtub is to install shower or bathtub bars for seniors. Installing grab bars helps you maintain balance, making it easier to get in and out of the tub, and, in the case of a shower, to stay upright in the shower. Some seniors who hold onto a safety bar also report less dizziness in the shower. Grab bars are also useful next to the toilet to aid sitting and standing.
4. Safety Strips
Safety strips are adhesive non-slip strips that are stuck on the tub or shower floor, as well as on the floor outside the tub where you put your feet. These strips prevent slips and falls. Safety strips are economical but effective modifications, especially when coupled with a safety bar.
5. Bathtub Transfer Bench
A bathtub transfer bench allows seniors to sit securely on the bench while they get into the tub. Because a bathtub transfer bench allows the user to start in a seated position and lift their legs into the tub one at a time, it increases safety significantly.
6. Shower Chair
A shower chair is an economical tool for seniors who suffer from poor balance. It helps to prevent falls while allowing you to clean yourself thoroughly.
7. Raised Toilet Seat
Raising the level of the toilet seat makes a world of difference to people who have difficulty with sitting and standing.
Kitchen Modifications for Aging In Place
Kitchen modifications are important for older adults as they age. A kitchen must be safe for the homeowner. It should also be comfortable and ergonomic. Many senior citizens enjoy cooking and being in the kitchen, and old age shouldn't be a barrier.
Most kitchen modifications for aging in place focus on making it easier to pick things up and move them, reducing the space between kitchen essentials, and reducing the need to bend, stretch, carry, and reach.
8. Round the Edges of Work Surfaces and Cabinets
Rounding sharp edges and corners reduces the chance of painful bumps, which cause bruising and may lead to people losing their balance.
9. Use Drawers as Storage
Keeping pots, pans, and other kitchen essentials in drawers makes it easier to find what you're looking for and take it out. Elderly people should avoid getting on their hands and knees when possible; using drawers is an effective workaround.
10. Place the Microwave and Oven at Counter Height
Having appliances at counter height reduces bending and stretching. Taking hot plates out of a microwave when it is above shoulder height is dangerous for older adults; putting the microwave and oven lower down reduces the chance of injuries.
11. Keep the Stove and Sink Close Together
Older adults will want to avoid carrying heavy saucepans across a long distance. That's why the safest option is to have the stove and sink close together.
12. Pull-Out Pantries and Shelves
Pull-out pantries are ideal food storage systems, as they allow you to see everything easily. Pull-out shelves are another option that you can add to your existing pantry. These are great as you get to keep the width and depth of your existing pantry shelves, while making all of the contents easily accessible.
Pull-out pantries and shelves mean no more poking around in the back of a cupboard, bending down as far, or having to get down and up off the floor.
Stair Modifications for Aging in Place
Stairs present fall and trip risks for older adults with strength or balance challenges. Fortunately, these modifications make stairs much safer to navigate.
13. Stairlift
If moving the bedroom to the ground floor isn’t possible, installing a stairlift (or “chairlift”) is an alternative. Even elderly people who don't struggle with stairs now will eventually find it harder as they get older.
Stairlift installation works with all types of staircases and helps senior citizens maintain their mobility and independence at home. A stairlift can also be used as a dumbwaiter to transport items up and down the stairs.
14. Ramps
Some elderly people will have steps in their home to enter the front door, or leading up to a patio in the backyard. If there are isolated steps around your home, think about installing ramps to decrease the risk of tripping.
15. Stair Accessories
Adding light strips under your stairs and non-slip treads to each stair edge improves visibility and reduces trips and slips. Having a handrail on both sides of stairs and steps provides an extra point of contact and the choice of one or both hands to assist with balance and movement.
General Independent Living Home Adaptations
In addition to the modifications described above, the following devices and changes improve safety and independence in the home.
Lighting
Your home needs to be well-lit, especially at night. Add night lights in the bedroom, motion sensor lights in hallways and stairways, and task lighting, especially in the kitchen. High lumen lighting (3000k to 5000k) LED light bulbs are recommended for enhanced visibility, safety, and comfort.
Smart Technology & Automation
Technology like voice-activated assistants is great if you or your loved one understands how to use them. These allow the user to do certain tasks with minimal effort. There are many options these days, even technology that allows thermostats, appliances, lights, or blinds to be controlled through apps.
Door Handles
Replace round door knobs with levers, which are easier to use for senior citizens with poor coordination, grip, or hand pain.
Doorways
Install modern interior doors throughout the house that are easy to open and close.
Doorways can also be widened to cater to mobility aids. The recommended width for accessibility is 36 inches.
Trip Hazards
Maintain an uncluttered environment and remove anything that could cause slips or falls. Cable covers are available to cover electrical cords. Loose rugs are a trip hazard and should be removed.
Medical Alert System
Medical alert systems typically involve a pendant or bracelet that is worn around the wrist or neck and is linked to an emergency helpline. In the case of an accident or fall, the user can alert the emergency helpline.
If necessary, the helpline will send a family member or emergency services. If the elderly person doesn't respond, emergency help will be sent right away. This system brings peace of mind to both the elderly person and their loved ones.
Home Modifications for Elderly People With Dementia
Dementia and Alzheimer's manifest in different ways in different people. Symptoms vary depending on how advanced the disease is.
Though there are countless modifications family members can make to help a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia, there are some key safety concerns that should be addressed first.
Install an automatic shut-off on appliances, especially the stove and the oven. Appliances that are dangerous if left unattended should have an automatic shut-off function. Stove locks are also an option if needed.
Install child-proof latches on storage cabinets, drawers, and anywhere else where breakable, dangerous, or heavy items are stored.
Remove the lock from the bathroom door. Doing so means the elderly person can't lock themselves in, and allows others to enter if they need assistance.
Add seating wherever possible for support and to allow the person to rest when needed.
Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, if you don’t already have them. These will protect your loved one as well as their neighbors.
Remove or cover mirrors in all commonly used rooms. Those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia may find it distressing to see their reflection as they may not recognize themselves, or believe their reflection is an intruder in their home.
Benefits of Aging in Place
Most older adults understandably want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. Our homes are special places full of our memories and possessions. It's natural to want to stay in a familiar place you know in and out, surrounded by the friends, family, and neighbors with whom you have formed relationships over the years.
Independence
There is also a perception that moving to an assisted living facility takes away the sense of independence you enjoy by staying in the comfort of your own home. In fact, independence, along with community and cost, is one of the top three reasons cited for wanting to age in place.
Cost
Taking the step of moving to an assisted living community is also not an option for many due to the costs involved. All-inclusive assisted living in Denver, Colorado, can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000 per month, which may be significantly more than your regular expenses if you’ve already paid off your home.
Staying at Home as You Age Requires Adaptation
While staying in your own home has multiple benefits, it may be daunting to consider aging in place if your house isn't designed for long-term care. Specific home modifications, including the ones we’ve outlined here, will make your home a better environment in which to grow older safely and with dignity.
FAQ
Will Medicare or Medicaid pay for aging-in-place home modifications?
Funding is available for home modifications under Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicaid waivers for seniors. There are also community-based nonprofits assisting those with disabilities, and government grants available for veterans.
What other programs might pay for home modifications?
If you’re a veteran, there are several VA Grant options. Nonprofit organizations and state-level rehabilitation services offer assistance and funding, although they may have criteria you’ll need to meet.
What are the most cost-effective home modifications for aging in place?
Any modifications that do not require structural changes to the home. These include:
Adding or upgrading lighting
Changing door handles
Installing sliding shelves
Rearranging the furniture to create wide open spaces
Adding extra spots to stop and rest
Reducing clutter and trip hazards
Adding non-slip treads and safety strips on steps and in the bathroom
Buying a shower chair
Removing the lock on the bathroom door
How do I choose a contractor for aging-in-place modifications?
It’s best to see an occupational therapist first to ascertain which modifications would be best for your situation. Then, research contractors with experience in accessibility and who are Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS).
If your OT can recommend a contractor, that’s a great place to start. Make sure to check their license and insurance, as well as their previous work. It’s always a good idea to speak with a few different contractors and pick the one who you feel understands your needs and communicates with you well.
Which home modifications require special approval?
Any modifications that alter the structural integrity, exterior appearance, or key safety systems of a home usually require special approvals. These may include building permits, zoning variances, or Homeowners Association (HOA) approval.
Home Modifications Are Essential for Aging in Place
The modifications you make to your home will largely depend on the needs that you or your loved one has, or anticipates having. Clearly, more significant modifications will need to be made if you use a wheelchair or have more significant mobility issues.
When thinking about how to make your home senior-friendly, it is worth consulting with a certified aging-in-place specialist or occupational therapist. They will take you through all of your options and discuss how different modifications help you stay safe, independent, and mobile in your home.