African American nurse helping patient use walker

It’s become common knowledge that Americans want to stay where they are as they age. Some 77% of adults ages 50 and older want to remain in their homes for the long haul, according to AARP’s 2021 survey of nearly 3,000 adults ages 18 and older. The question then becomes how should seniors adapt their homes to continue to age in place?

Between the kitchen and bathroom, bedroom and stairs, there are plenty of opportunities for fall risks and problem areas for seniors with physical or cognitive challenges. With this in mind, here’s a list of home renovations and modifications to consider for older dwellers, according to AARP and the National Institute on Aging:

Bathroom

  • Install grab bars near the toilet and in the tub or shower.
  • Swap out the regular shower for a walk-in shower to avoid falling.
  • Place a shower chair or bench in the shower for bathing.
  • Place no-slip strips or non-skid mats on the bathroom floor.
  • Consider lever-style faucets if arthritis or joint pain is a problem.

Bedroom

  • If navigating the stairs in a two-bedroom house is tantamount to scaling Mount Everest, it may be time to convert a room on the first floor to a master suite.
  • Purchase bed risers if getting into and out of bed is difficult.
  • An adjustable bed may be a more comfortable option.

Kitchen

  • Invest in a stove with safety features so you know when the burner is lit.
  • Move the appliances so they are in easy reach.
  • Adjust counter heights to between 32 inches and 42 inches for ease of access.
  • Install pullout shelves and open shelving to easily access dishes, tools, cookware and food.
  • Make sure to have strong lighting — a good blend of natural and artificial light —for aesthetics as well as safety and convenience

Floors

  • As floor surfaces can be slippery, consider replacing hardwood, laminate or tile flooring with carpeting every room except for the kitchen and bathrooms. If there is a wheelchair user, make sure the carpet is no higher than a half-inch and the padding underneath is firm.

Other possible home adjustments to age in place

  • Door lever handles: Replace doorknobs with lever handles throughout your home for arthritis considerations.
  • Windows: Add or enlarge windows to better see children and pets outside. Blinds or draperies can help manage privacy and level of sunlight.
  • Outlets, switches and doorknobs: Place outlets and switches at place where they can be reached while seated and by people of varying heights. Light switches that don’t require pinching or grasping will be easier to use.

We all know there is no place like home. With a few tweaks and updates, home can truly be the place tailor-made for seniors’ needs.

Editor’s note: Home Sweet Home is a feature appearing Mondays in McKnight’s Home Care Daily Pulse. The story focuses on a heartwarming, entertaining or quirky happening affecting the world of home care. If you have a topic that might be worthy of the spotlight in Home Sweet Home, please email Liza Berger at [email protected].