How to Adapt a Home for Aging in Place

As of 2022, a staggering 77% of Americans over the age of 50 would prefer to age in place rather than moving. And with good reason — studies have found both psychological and physical benefits to aging in place.

Seniors associate “aging in place” with the ability to maintain autonomy and independence — and research shows that aging in a familiar environment can positively contribute to a senior’s sense of identity while helping to keep them socially connected.

Perhaps most surprisingly, studies are finding that there are actually significant financial savings to aging in place. However, properly setting up home for elderly care does come with its own unique set of challenges. In this post, we’ll discuss the most important home modifications for aging in place and how your loved ones can take advantage of home improvement assistance for seniors.

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Home Modification for Seniors

Despite the fact that most seniors would prefer to age in place, a 2020 report found that only 10% of American homes are “aging ready” with necessary home adaptations for the elderly, including a step-free entryway, a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor, and at least one bathroom accessibility feature.

How to Adapt the Home for Aging in Place

Preparing a home for an elderly person to live alone ultimately comes down to minimizing risk.

According to the National Council on Aging, the biggest home safety concerns for seniors include fires, falls, and medication use — with falling being the biggest risk for seniors ending up in the hospital.

There are countless home modifications for the elderly or disabled, so it’s best to identify your loved one’s unique needs and prioritize projects accordingly. That said, there are a few home modifications that any senior can benefit from.

Key home modifications for aging in place include:

• Replace Cabinet and Door Handles – replacing existing cabinet and door handles with “D handles” is a quick and simple update that makes navigating the home much easier for seniors. Traditional knobs can be difficult for people with arthritis to grasp properly, and the twisting motion can prove difficult or even painful.
• Install Ramps – installing a ramp makes it so any senior can avoid having to deal with steep or narrow steps. For seniors with limited mobility, it makes it possible for those who use a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility aid to enter and exit their home without assistance.
• Widen Doorways to 32+ Inches – Just like ramps, wider doorways make it easier for seniors who use a mobility aid to navigate their homes with ease. This also makes it easier for family members or professional caregivers to assist seniors during daily tasks. ADA compliance regulations indicate a minimum door width of 32 inches for wheelchairs, but the ideal width is 48 inches.
• Install Grab Bars and Railings Throughout the Home – Grab bars and railings are typically seen in the bathroom, near the shower or toilet, but these handy safety tools can be useful all throughout the home. If your senior struggles with mobility or balance, having a handrail or grab bar in the right locations can be the deciding factor in avoiding a serious fall.
• Make the Bathroom Slip-Safe – As we discussed above, falls are arguably the biggest risk seniors face when looking to age in place and the bathroom is full of risk factors. In addition to installing grab bars, consider modifications like a step-in shower to reduce the risk of a slip and fall, a shower seat to avoid having to stand for long periods on a slippery floor, and a handheld showerhead so seniors can bathe themselves while seated.
• Install a Stairlift or Seat Near the Stairs – If your loved one is looking to age in place in a two-story home, a stairlift greatly reduces the risk of injury and helps to conserve energy. If your senior isn’t ready for a stairlift, consider adding a seat near any staircases to offer a chance to rest before or after a flight of stairs.

For more information on home adaptations for the elderly, the NoA recommends going through your senior’s home with their printable home safety checklist to identify potential problem areas.

Home Improvement Assistance for Seniors

Unfortunately, many older adults don’t consider that their home will need these senior home modifications until it’s too late. For seniors living on a limited income making the necessary home modifications for the elderly or disabled is simply too expensive, leading some to feel pressured to sell their homes to finance moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home.

For older adults who need financial aid to age in place, home improvement assistance for seniors is available from both government organizations and non-profits. When it comes time to hire a contractor with experience in home improvement for the elderly, use our guide to help you find an experienced and trustworthy contractor for seniors.

To learn more about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at 1-800-GRISWOLD or find a Caregiver near you.