Creating a Safe and Accessible Home for Your Golden Years
“Aging in place” is a goal shared by many seniors. Most of our clients want to stay in their home for as long as possible. Although assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities can provide excellent care, there is something that is simply more calming and reassuring about living in the comfort of your own home.
It’s hard to imagine acquiring a disability as you age, but it happens to many people and is simply a part of life. This can happen at any time and can come from something as simple as falling on the ice outside.
Long story short, we don’t know what the future holds, and depending on your situation, living in a facility may be the best option for you. However, if you want to stay in your home for as long as possible, here are some practical steps to take:
1 - Assess Your Current Living Environment
Before making any modifications, it's essential to assess your current living environment. Try to look at your home from an outsider’s perspective and take note of potentially hazardous areas that may pose challenges as you age. This can include narrow doorways, uneven flooring, or high steps. Identifying these potential hazards is the first step towards creating a safer home.
2 - Make Structural Modifications
After you’ve assessed your environment, consider making structural modifications to your home to improve accessibility and safety. You should try to get quotes from a few trusted contractors. Even if you don’t get this modifications done immediately, it’s good to have done the research beforehand so that you are ready to get started when you need to.
Here are some key areas to focus on:
Entrances and Exits: Install ramps or handrails to make entrances and exits wheelchair accessible.
Bathroom: Install grab bars in the shower and near the toilet to prevent slips and falls. Consider a walk-in shower or bathtub with a low threshold for easier access.
Kitchen: Lower countertops and cabinets to accommodate individuals in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. Install lever-style faucets and easy-to-reach storage solutions.
3 - Enhance Lighting and Visibility
Good lighting is crucial for seniors, especially those with vision impairments. Ensure adequate lighting in all areas of your home, including hallways, staircases, and entryways. Consider installing motion-sensor lights or nightlights to improve visibility, particularly during nighttime trips to the bathroom.
4 - Know What Services are Available to You
There are many services available for seniors in the Bluegrass area. Some of these services are free or low-cost depending on your assets and income. If you have questions about supports available in your area, someone at your local senior center may be able to point you in the right direction.
If you live in the Bluegrass Area, you can also consider reaching out to the Bluegrass Area Agency on Aging & Independent Living. You can visit their website here or call them at 859-269-8021.
5 - Talk to Your Family/Future Caregivers
If you have trusted children, friends, or family members who you expect will assume the role of your caretaker if needed, you should sit down and have a conversation with them about your wishes. Talk to them about your vision for the future, and tell them about your research to create a more accessible home for yourself. Together, you should decide on a plan and talk about safety parameters and indicators that you can both watch for to tell if an assisted living environment or skilled nursing facility is what’s best for you.
6 - Think About the Money
If your future caregivers do not live nearby and you expect to need some assistance (maybe someone to help get your groceries or sort through your mail), you should consider how much it may cost to have someone assist you. You should also compare costs of assisted living or skilled nursing facilities. If you expect to need a skilled nursing facility, you should reach out to an elder law attorney before you need skilled nursing care if you want to protect your assets. As of 2024, $8,000 per month is in the normal range of costs to pay for skilled nursing care.
7 - Invest in Assistive Devices
Assistive devices can greatly enhance independence and safety for seniors aging in place, and there are always new products that are becoming available. Consider investing in:
Personal Emergency Response System (PERS): A PERS allows seniors to call for help in case of an emergency, providing peace of mind for both the individual and their loved ones.
Stairlifts or Chairlifts: If navigating stairs becomes challenging, consider installing a stairlift or chairlift to facilitate movement between floors.
Smart Home Technology: Explore smart home devices such as voice-activated assistants, smart thermostats, and automated lighting systems to make daily tasks easier and more convenient. These devices tend to be more affordable than you’d expect.
If you already have a disability, you should consider the KATS Network, which provides disability solutions through technology throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Kentucky Assistive Technology Locator is a free service of the KATS Network that connects individuals to the assistive technology devices they need to live independently. To learn more, click here: https://www.katsnet.org/.
Aging in place is a choice that offers independence, comfort, and familiarity for seniors as they enter their golden years. By implementing these practical tips and modifications, you can create a safe and accessible home that supports your well-being and enhances your quality of life. Remember, a few thoughtful changes can make a world of difference in ensuring that your home remains a haven of comfort and security for years to come.