How to Modify Your Home for Aging in Place

Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care, home care, Senior Care | 0 comments

It is common to want to stay in your home for as long as possible, even as age catches up with you. For most seniors in the country, the comfort of being in their lifelong house and independence are huge priorities. However, as you get older, your needs will keep changing. Therefore, you have to start thinking about how to modify your home to age with you.

You may not have to renovate everything, but there are a number of crucial changes that will ensure you age in place comfortably. You should also have to start looking into caregiver services Miami, so you can get all the assistance you need at home.

Below are the top ways to adapt your home for aging in place:

Widen the Doorways 

Having wide doorways is essential for wheelchair or walker access. Consider making the doorways 34–36 inches to ensure an easy burden down the road should you require mobility aids.

Install Ramps

When you have balance issues in your old age or are unsteady, exterior stairs could be challenging. This is why it makes sense to have ramps on the entry. Ramps also make it easier to get into and out of the house using a wheelchair.

Modify the Kitchen

As you age, you may find that your cabinetry and countertops are too high and that your appliances are no longer in their ideal locations. A kitchen renovation is necessary to build lower cabinets or remove shelves to make your items easier to reach. A wider space in the kitchen could also make it more wheelchair-accessible.

Update Lighting

When it comes to lighting, brighter is better. Poor lighting is a safety hazard as it is easy to trip and fall. Therefore, ensure you have brighter bulbs or other light sources within the house to ensure you can see everything as you move around. It would help to widen your windows or install a glass door to ensure as much natural light as possible gets in during the day. A fresh coat of bright paint could also help.

Modify the Bathroom and Shower

If you have a bathtub, Caregiver Services Miami recommends you replace it with a walk-in shower. This way, walking in and out of the bathroom will be easier and much safer. If you cannot replace the bathtub, add a safety bar or install safety strips to help curb slips and falls.

Consider Installing Assistive Technology 

Assistive technology has made many homes livable for seniors without making too many permanent modifications. Some of the technological tools you could install include:

• Smart-home devices. Google Home, Amazon Echo, and other voice-controlled home technologies can assist you in automatically controlling things like lighting, calls, reminders for appointments and medications, and grocery ordering. A smart doorbell connected to Alexa can also help you with two-way conversations and video monitoring.
• Medical alert systems. A medical alert system can help to monitor your condition and reach out to preset emergency contacts and senior care Miami services quickly. These alarm systems are available as wearable devices, such as bracelets and necklaces, or as easy-to-use smartphone apps.
• Stairlift. If you have a multi-level home, staircases could cause you plenty of anxiety as a senior. However, with a stairlift, you can move to and from the top layers of your home with minimal stress.

Experience Stress-Free Aging at Home With Caregiver Services Miami 

Staying in your own home during your old age ensures you are not disconnected from the things you love about your family and neighborhood. However, you will need help to live comfortably. At Advancare, we are ready to provide you with personalized in-home care services Miami, ensuring that you get on with your daily activities seamlessly. Contact us today to learn more about our affordable home care assistance.