Aging Gracefully in Place: Tips and Strategies for Maintaining Independence at Home
Aging in place at home
You or a loved one may be considering the idea of remaining in your current home as you grow older. There are many reasons why seniors may want to age in place, including a lifetime of memories, a sense of community, and the stress and financial burden of moving. However, it is important for seniors to consider whether their current home is safe and accessible as they age. Falls and injuries can have serious consequences. This series of blogs will provide questions for seniors to consider in order to determine if they should stay in their current home or move to a more accessible one as they age. The first step is planning ahead and making a long-term plan, while the second step is evaluating the safety and accessibility of our current home.
Table of Contents
In this article you will learn:
Many seniors want to "age in place" and remain in their current homes as they grow older
Reasons for wanting to age in place may include an emotional attachment to the home, a sense of community, and the stress and financial burden of moving
It is important for seniors to consider whether their current home is safe and accessible for them as they age, as falls and injuries can have serious consequences
A long-term plan should be made in advance to ensure that safely aging in place is a feasible option
Factors to consider when evaluating the safety and accessibility of a home include the presence of handrails and ramps, a step-free entry, a first-floor bedroom and bathroom, and accessibility features such as grab bars and raised toilets
In order to successfully age in place, seniors may need to make modifications to their homes to improve safety and accessibility.
Questions to ask:
Some seniors no longer want the responsibility of maintaining a large home or yard. Some want a new start, and the amenities that go with a new community. They may want to move closer to their children and grandkids or to a more suitable climate. Some want a smaller place that will be easier to maintain, and where the taxes, insurance, and utilities are not as expensive. They may be excited about a new place to call home without all the responsibilities of home ownership.
However, the assumption, since you are reading this article, is you want to remain in your home for as long as possible. There are many reasons seniors want to remain in their homes. A lifetime of memories with their spouse and raising their children. The emotional and physical stress of making a move can be overwhelming for anyone and this is especially true of seniors. They may have a sense of community and be close to their friends, doctors, and favorite shopping centers.
Have you ever really stopped and thought about the reason you want to age in place?
Is it the emotional stress of moving?
Is it the affordability of moving?
Is it the fear of the unknown or the fear of losing independence?
Is it the emotional attachment to the memories or the fear of something new?
According to AARP nearly 90% of people over the age of 50 want to age in place and yet only 34% of seniors have thought about whether their current home is conducive or practical to age in place. This series of articles will go through questions to ask yourself or your loved one, who wants to remain in their home safely for as long as they can. This series will discuss questions that should be asked and answered so seniors can determine if they should stay in their existing homes or move to a home that is more accessible as they age.
Making a plan
Step 1: Make a Plan: As mentioned in other blogs I’ve written, planning ahead should be the first task. We plan our careers, our vacations, our retirement, parties, etc. but for whatever reason people do not plan their later years. It is best to plan ahead if you truly want to remain in your home. You should start thinking about a long-term plan while still working or at the very least while still active. You are more likely to have the money and the energy to implement some of the items, on your own, to age in place successfully.
A plan does not mean it must be implemented, but it should be done prior to any emergencies. When there is an emergency, emotions are high and decisions are made without thinking them through or your options may become limited. It also helps to make your wishes and options known and will better prepare you for returning to your home, should you be able to and choose to do that.
Step 2: Is your home safe and accessible for you as you age? Aging in Place may involve assessing the need for modifications such as installing handrails or adding ramps to make it easier for you to move around. Only 10% of U.S. homes have key features to accommodate older residents, according to the US Census Bureau and with the population growing older the shortage of accessible homes will be staggering. Those key features include:
1. A Step-Free Entry
2. 1st Floor Bed & Bath
3. At least one of these items: a grab bar, raised toilet, or handrail.
Falls are common and they can have serious consequences. Some possible consequences of a fall for a senior include:
Physical injuries: Seniors who fall may suffer from broken bones, bruises, cuts, and other physical injuries. These injuries can range from minor to severe and can require medical treatment.
Emotional consequences: A fall can be a frightening and traumatic experience, and it can lead to feelings of anxiety, fear, and depression.
Loss of independence: A fall can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks and maintain independence. You may need help with activities of daily living (ADL), such as bathing, dressing, and cooking.
Hospitalization: In severe cases, a fall may result in hospitalization. This can be particularly challenging for seniors, as they may have to leave their homes and familiar surroundings.
It's important for seniors and their caregivers to take steps to prevent falls, such as removing tripping hazards, using assistive devices like walkers or canes, and ensuring that medications are being taken as prescribed. If a senior does fall, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Questions to ask about your house
Are there stairs leading into the home or is there an entrance that would allow a walker or a wheelchair to get into the house should you need it?
Are all doorways at least 32” and preferably 36” wide to accommodate a wheelchair should it become needed?
Is the home easy to get around in? Do you need to declutter to make it easier to move throughout the house?
Is there a bedroom on the first floor and if not, is there an unused formal living or dining room that could be converted into a bedroom?
Is there a bathroom on the first floor or a location one can be placed?
Are there grab bars in the bathroom that are properly secured?
Is there a walk-in shower or a walk-in bathtub?
Are the toilets easy to sit down and stand up from?
Are there trustworthy, available people to help with lawn maintenance, home maintenance & repair?
Easy-to-do things
There are some things that can be done by a handyman or can be done by the homeowner to make it easier for seniors to maintain their independence. Some items are relatively cheap to do, while others may make staying in the home cost prohibitive.
Remove ALL throw rugs or add nonslip mats.
Remove all cords and cables from any walkways and secure them in an out-of-the-way location.
Install or use motion sensor night lights.
Install Lever doorknobs for all doors
Install drawer pulls and handles for all cabinets.
In my own experience, my sister did not want to remove the throw rug by the bathroom she was able to use because she thought it was protecting the carpeting in her hallway. After tripping on it and falling multiple times, the throw rug was removed. Thankfully she didn’t suffer any major injuries from those falls. My brother-in-law tripped over the extension cord and her oxygen tube multiple times. Don’t wait until you injure yourself to remove those throw rugs & cords.
Lighting
"Installing proper lighting in the hallway for a senior can help prevent falls and improve safety."
Good lighting is a crucial aspect of making a home safe and accessible for seniors. Poor lighting can increase the risk of falls and accidents and can make it difficult for seniors to see and navigate their environment. On the other hand, good lighting can help seniors maintain their independence and perform everyday tasks more easily, as well as improve their mood and well-being. Good lighting can also help seniors maintain their vision and reduce eye strain. It is important to consider a mix of different types of lighting to accommodate the needs of seniors, who may be more sensitive to glare and bright lights. Overall, good lighting is an essential factor to consider when designing a home that is safe and accessible for seniors.
“You need 20 times more light at age 40 to see as well as you did at age 20 at night.”
Doorknobs & Pull Handles
Lever doorknobs and pull handles can be easier for seniors to use because they require less dexterity and grip strength to operate than round doorknobs. Lever doorknobs can be opened with a pushing motion using the palm of the hand or a forearm, which can be easier for people with limited hand mobility or arthritis. Pull handles, which are horizontal handles mounted on the surface of a door, can also be easier to use because they can be grasped and pulled with the whole hand, rather than needing to grip a round doorknob.
It's important to note that not all seniors will have difficulty using round doorknobs, and some may prefer them. It's always a good idea to consider the needs and preferences of the individual when selecting door hardware.
In general, lever doorknobs and pull handles can be more accessible for people with disabilities or mobility impairments, including seniors. They can also be more convenient for people who are carrying items and need to use both hands to open a door.
How can Technology Help?
If you or a loved one are considering "aging in place," or remaining in your current home as you grow older, it is important to carefully consider the safety and accessibility of your home. Falls and injuries can have serious consequences, and it is crucial to ensure that your home is a safe and comfortable place to live as you age. In this series of articles, we have provided questions to consider and steps to take in order to determine if aging in place is a feasible option for you. In the next article, we will explore how technology can be used to enhance safety and accessibility in the home, making it easier and more comfortable to age in place. From smart home devices to telehealth solutions, there are many ways that technology can help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life as they age.
Next Read: Staying Connected and Independent: Using Technology to Age in Place