How Can I Age in Place Happily and Safely?

Here are some affordable and easy fixes.

• Remove tripping hazards like loose area rugs.
• Eliminate clutter in the house. Arrange furniture to make each room safe and easy to navigate.
• Use non-slip mats in the tub and shower.
• Install grab bars in the bathroom and near the stairs. We recommend permanent grab bars, which are more expensive to install than suction grab bars, but much safer.
• Add assistive devices like a shower chair or raised toilet seat.
• Improve lighting, especially on stairs and hallways.
• Move most used kitchen items to lower cabinets for easier reach.
• Explore assistive technology like smart home devices for lighting and security for convenience and safety.
• Replace doorknobs with lever-style handles for easier use.
• Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the housework properly.
• Clean out the medicine cabinet to get rid of any expired medications that may not be safe to take as needs change.

More Complex Home Modifications

These suggestions are more complex and expensive than those above but will help make aging in place a realistic goal.

• Consider a stairlift if stairs become challenging.
• Install a ramp if you have steps leading to the front door.
• Lower kitchen cabinets and countertops for easier reach.
• Install wider doorways for wheelchair accessibility.
• Install a walk-in shower or bathtub for easier bathing. Use telemedicine for remote healthcare consultations.

Planning for the Future

Home modifications are important, but other factors will need to be addressed to continue to live at home successfully with age. For example, we recommend the following:

• Identify trusted family members or friends for assistance.
• Explore what professional home care services are available in your area if needed.
• Review insurance coverage and long-term care options.
• Create a financial plan to cover potential expenses.
• Make sure your legal paperwork is in order such as your Will, Health Care Directive, Executor, and Power of Attorney.

Can You Afford to Age in Place?

Financial considerations play a role in the decision to age in place. By preparing to age in place in advance, you can preserve assets and avoid unexpected expenses. However, while aging in place initially seems more cost-effective than assisted living communities, it’s essential to consider long-term expenses. Home modifications, like ramps, grab bars, and wider doorways, can add up. Additionally, the costs of in-home care services like nursing, housekeeping, or meal preparation are substantial. And don’t forget you still have maintenance costs to keep your home in good shape. According to a recent study, only about one in five adults aged 50-80 (19%) say they feel confident they can afford to pay for help with household chores, grocery shopping, personal care, caregivers, etc. The high costs involved in long-term care can deplete savings and force difficult decisions about living arrangements.

Common Barriers to Aging in Place

While continuing to live independently in your own home and community for as long as possible is a desirable goal for many, several challenges can hinder this process. It’s crucial to consider all factors when deciding your plans for the future. Here are some common barriers to aging:

Unaffordable and/or Unsafe Housing

Think about your financial situation and the potential costs involved in remaining long-term in your current home. Is your set-up safe for you or will costly renovations be needed?  After weighing all factors you may realize remaining where you are is not realistic.

A possible solution is to consider relocating to a less expensive and safer home. It’s a good idea to move to a place that allows you to age independently before you think you might need it. This will give you time to get to know the area, identify local resources, and develop a community.

Isolation and Loneliness

As we age, we often see our social circles shrink and our mobility declining. As a result, we may have fewer opportunities for socialization, which can impact our mental and physical health. Remaining in our homes can be lonely and isolating. For this reason, some older adults choose to move to an assisted living where they have opportunities to engage with others and participate in activities.