Guide to Home Renovations and Improvement for Seniors

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Written By Jim J Neal

According to a national poll by the AARP, three out of four adults over age 50 want to “age in place” — or stay in their home as they get older. However, a poll from the University of Michigan reported that only 15% of seniors have seriously considered how to renovate their homes to accommodate their needs as they age. Why the disconnect? Many seniors aren’t sure if they can afford to hire help or renovate their homes. Others believe they will eventually have to move anyway, despite wanting to “age in place.” Or sometimes, the idea of making plans for the future can just feel daunting. Luckily, many resources are available to help seniors live safely in their homes.

Why is Home Safety Important for Seniors? The vast majority of people would like to continue living in their homes as they get older. However, homes can pose accessibility issues and safety risks for older people. One major risk for seniors living in their homes is falling: Risk factors like vitamin D deficiency, the use of certain medications and difficulties walking can lead to falls. However, home hazards like clutter on the floor, uneven steps or slippery bathroom floors are serious fall risks that you can avoid with some preparation. Homes can be designed with safety in mind, and home improvements for seniors can reduce the risk of falls and increase accessibility. Despite this, only 36% of respondents in an AARP poll said they plan to renovate their house so they can continue living there as they age.

What is Aging in Place? Aging in place is when you choose to stay in your home as you age rather than move to a retirement community, assisted living facility or nursing home. In order to age in place successfully, you have to anticipate your changing needs and prepare accordingly. Although you will continue living in your home, you may need additional support caring for yourself, doing chores, preparing meals or generally moving around your home.

Pros and Cons of Aging in Place for the Elderly Everyone’s needs and living situations are different. As time passes, your needs will likely change as well. If you do choose to age in place, you should reassess your needs regularly with a close family member, friend or caretaker to see if you need additional support.

Pros of Aging in Place

• More independence and autonomy in your own home
• More comfort living in your own space
• More familiar with the layout and features of your home
• You can stay connected with your neighbors and community

Cons of Aging in Place

• Getting around can become more difficult as you get older
• Navigating stairs and household dangers can pose a risk
• As aging advances, caring for oneself and your home can become challenging
• Meeting new people and finding companionship can be harder

Caregivers and Aging in Place If you are a caregiver for an older person, there’s a chance your responsibilities will change as the person you care for ages. But your role can also change day-to-day. Whether you are a friend, family member or professional caregiver, you’ll want to establish the needs of the person you are caring for.

Below are some baseline questions concerning household tasks, accessibility and community that you can review with the person you are caring for. The questions can help you determine if their home is safe to age in place and what level of care is needed.

Household Tasks

• Can you complete household tasks like lawn care, grocery shopping, cleaning and laundry without assistance?
• Do you feel comfortable setting up your own doctor’s appointments, paying your own bills and managing your finances?
• Are you able to plan and cook your own meals, or do you need me or someone else to help you with this?
• Do you have a hygiene routine that you are able to complete daily? Do you remember to take your medicine and do so safely?

Accessibility

• Can you walk up the stairs safely and with ease? Do you feel safe walking around your home?
• Are there currently things on the floor, slippery surfaces or uneven stairs that could lead to a fall in your home?
• Do you feel comfortable driving or taking public transportation alone to get where you need to go?
• What changes could we make so that your home is accessible and safe?
• Do you feel lonely? How often would you like someone to check in on you?
• Do you have a support network of friends, neighbors, family members and care professionals?
• Are you able to communicate with your loved ones regularly and in a way that is comfortable for you?

Once you understand the needs of the person you’re caring for, you can create a schedule to check in and assist your loved one as needed.

Credit: Terry Vine / Getty Images As a caregiver, navigating these conversations with a loved one can be difficult. Many people feel embarrassed admitting they need help or do not want to acknowledge that their needs are changing. Because of this, you may not be able to have a completely candid conversation about the questions above or even have the conversation at all.

However, as a caregiver, you can use other resources to ensure that you are making the right decisions for your loved one. For starters, you can try getting the consent of your loved one to attend a doctor’s appointment with them to discuss their needs. You can also speak to someone that the person you’re caring for trusts, like someone they live with, a very close friend or family member. This way, you can get more insight into their daily life and struggles.

Resources for Caregivers Being a caregiver can be stressful and difficult, but it is also rewarding. As a caregiver, don’t forget to take care of yourself and find a support group to help you navigate your responsibilities. Here are some top resources for caregivers:

Home Safety Checklist and Renovation Tips for Seniors Planning is key to making sure your home is safe. Planning ahead, discussing your needs and completing repairs and aging-in-place remodeling before a serious accident occurs can make aging-in-place a better experience for yourself and everyone involved.

Home Safety for Seniors If you or a loved one chooses to age in place, it’s important to assess the home’s safety. Go through the house carefully and consider certain safety factors like falls, poisoning and scams. Make a plan about what to do in case of an emergency.

Falls: Move anything off the ground that could be a tripping or slipping hazard. If you’re worried about falls, you can purchase a medical alert bracelet or necklace. As a senior aging in place, always keeping your phone on you is a good idea. You can also speak with your healthcare provider about preemptively preparing for a fall with exercise programs.

Poisoning: Improperly using or mixing medications or cleaning products can be harmful or deadly. In general, keep harsh cleaning products like bleach out of the house. Have your pharmacist confirm that you are taking all medication properly and give you large-print labels for pill bottles.

Scams: Countless scams target older people. Establish a game plan with your loved one about what you will do if you receive a suspicious call or someone shows up at your door. Never open the door to strangers or let them in your home, and never share personal information over the phone or online. If you are uncertain whether or not something is a scam, you can always say that you will get back to the person after checking the legitimacy of their business.

Of course, you want to prepare for emergencies, but it’s best to avoid them in the first place. You can make many simple renovations to ensure your home is safe and does not pose a danger to yourself or your loved ones.

Home Renovations and Remodeling for Seniors Many homes are not designed to accommodate elderly people or people with mobility problems. To age in place safely, caregivers and seniors must carefully consider how to make the home safe, which could include home improvements and repairs.

An AARP poll found that seniors are most likely to renovate their bathrooms or entryways to enhance their safety in the home. However, every room in a house can be modified for safety depending on the unique needs of the person who lives there.

Bathrooms Credit: Baac3nes / Getty Images Bathroom floors and surfaces can become extremely slippery, posing a serious falling risk. Other potential dangers in the bathroom include burns from scalding hot water and falls from getting on and off the toilet. So, how can you fix this?

• Install grab bars around the tub and a shower seat for comfort and accessibility
• Add non-slip mats in the shower and on the bathroom floor to alleviate the risk of falling on slippery tiles
• Reduce the water temperature of your heater to avoid scalding
More: https://tophouseimprovement.com/1.6-flush-toilets.php