Your Guide to Aging in Place

As you think about your future as a homeowner, you’re likely considering what your older years may look like. Many older homeowners feel financially and emotionally confident about staying at home for as long as possible. After all, a home can be part of your retirement plan both as an asset and as a place to live for the rest of your life.

While aging away from home may work for some, you may find that aging in place can help you maintain independence, keep you comfortable and let you be around loved ones and your local community.

To get your home ready for your golden years, take a moment to determine what kind of accommodations you’ll need to make. 

Why Should You Age in Place?

The aging process can look different for every individual but being able to do as much for yourself as you age and surrounding yourself with close family and friends can help your mental and emotional health. 

Aging in place can help you maintain control of your life and let you move through your older years at your own pace in your own community with the support and connection of your loved ones. Alternatives like retirement homes and long-term assisted care facilities may feel uncomfortable, cold and unfamiliar in addition to potentially being less cost-effective.

How Can You Prepare to Age in Place?

Planning for your future now is imperative, and one of the biggest factors to consider as you age in place is safety. 

While the list of preparations can get extensive, it’s important to remember that not all of these items may be necessary for your personal situation and that you don’t have to tackle everything all at once. 

Bedroom

Consider whether a bedroom that’s not on the ground floor will work for you or not. You may want to move it or install a stair lift, if possible, to help prevent falls. Additionally, purchasing an adjustable bed can make getting up and laying down much easier. 

Bathroom

Things can get slippery in the bathroom, so you’ll want to consider applying slip-resistant strips on your shower floor, a walk-in shower, a shower chair or bench, grab bars and/or a handheld shower nozzle. 

Kitchen

To prevent fires and alert you if a burner is ever left on, you may want to install safety features or purchase appliances with these features. Adjusting the location of your appliances can also make it easier to access from a wheelchair or walker.  

Furniture

A cluttered home can make daily living difficult, so you may want to get rid of extra furniture or items that can get in the way as you walk around. Furniture with armrests or chair lifts can also help you sit down and stand up. 

Lighting

Ensuring your home is well-lit is imperative to help you navigate. This can include easy-to-access light switches, using night lights and installing smart lights or voice-activated lights. 

Flooring

Install short pile carpet and/or area rugs but avoid scatter rugs, which can be a tripping hazard. In addition, make sure to wear shoes and socks with good grip and support around the house. 

Doors

Make sure you can easily get in and out of your home, even with a walker or wheelchair. This may mean installing ramps and lever handles and making doors wider. 

Stairs

Sturdy railings and carpeted stairs can help you climb and descend safely and at your own pace. As mentioned previously, a stair lift may also be an option. 

Parking

Make your parking spot more accessible by ensuring you have a close entry point to your home, minimal slope and enough space. If you only have street parking available to you, you may want to consider applying for a residential disabled parking sign to be installed close to your home.

More Factors to Consider

Aside from preparing your home with items and systems to help with physical safety, there are other preparations you or your loved ones may have to make and stay on top of.  

Transportation

Consider making transportation arrangements with family or friends, using rideshares or signing up for a paratransit vehicle service and account for your decision in your budget and aging in place plan. 

Meals

Look into food delivery subscriptions you can sign up for or companies that offer regular meal preparation. Your loved ones may also love the opportunity to cook for you. 

Everyday Chores

Informal and formal caregivers and community services can help tremendously with home maintenance and personal hygiene, including bathing, dressing, cleaning, laundry and more.

Living Your Best Life at Home

Aging in place is a privilege that not many have. Before you reach your older years, determine whether you need to make adjustments to your home to make life in the future easier, and remember to lean into your loved ones and community as you prepare.