As more and more people choose to age in place, many realize they live in homes that are not suitable to their healthcare needs. They must make modifications to accommodate proper support from home care providers. It may only take a few small changes, but specific home adaptations should be considered. No matter the situation, with the right planning and foresight, care providers can help clients understand how to reasonably adjust their homes into safe and reliable spaces to grow old in.

There are a handful of simple and affordable ways to modify that at-home care providers should be familiar with. This will allow home care providers to help guide patients in creating a suitable environment for seniors. One example is installing motion-activated lights to help ensure there are no trips or falls in dark places throughout the home. Another is changing out door knobs for lever-style handles, a simple way to reduce arthritis-related pain.

Best age-in-place home plans

It’s important for home caregivers to recognize and take into consideration the following plan for all patients. Open-concept designs allow for future accessibility modifications and are more senior-friendly. Look for bright lighting, door handles and light switches that are twist free and flat for those with arthritis, and, if needed, entrances and egresses to allow for wheelchair access. Sticking to a single-level floor plan when possible, even if it means relocating to the first floor from a two-story home, helps avoid needing to frequently use stairs.

Bathrooms are where most slips and falls occur in the home. Since safety is a main concern, bathroom modifications cannot be overlooked. Consider these important safety features and designs for accessibility:

  • Install grab bars next to the shower and toilet to assist in standing and prevent falls
  • Include a shower chair or bench for both safety and comfort when bathing
  • Replace sliding doors with walk-in access to a bath or shower stall with inexpensive curtains for easier access
  • Replace a tub with a walk-in shower with a level entry to prevent falls
  • Install non-slip strips on the shower floor to prevent slips and falls
  • Switch a low toilet out for a taller one
  • Ensure doorways and shower stalls are wide enough to accommodate walkers, wheelchairs and other support items, should they become a health aid
  • While home health caregivers are adept in nearly every situation, consider widening a shower stall to accommodate another person for assistance

Aging-in-place checklist

It’s important to evaluate home safety, accessibility, and functionality when deciding to age in place. Here’s a checklist to help:

  • Would the hallway and doorway width accommodate a wheelchair if needed?
  • Is the patient’s bedroom on a separate level than the rest of the living space? If yes, could the bedroom be on the main level and is the patient willing to move if necessary?
  • Is the bed too low to the ground, and can modifications be made if needed?
  • Is there the ability to remodel or modify the bathroom with safety in mind?
  • Are there open staircases, and if so, can those be modified for safety?
  • Does the patient understand potential modification costs to support aging in place, and are funds available if needed?

In addition to home modifications, there are other steps that can be taken to ensure comfort and safety when aging in place. Consider pharmacy needs: is there a pharmacy nearby that can accommodate the prescribed healthcare regimen of the patient? Is it reliably accessible? In today’s environment, it can be difficult to find a local pharmacy that services all the needs of someone aging in place. If that is the case, potentially use a delivery pharmacy providing individually packaged medication dose packs.

As more and more Americans decide to age in place, evaluating home modification needs sooner rather than later becomes critical. With some smart planning and safety considerations in mind, a home can become a safe place where home health caregivers can do their best work and their patients can continue to live comfortably.

Lawrence Margolis is CEO and founder of PersonalRX, an online pharmacy that helps consumers manage multiple prescriptions.