Many homeowners plan to stay in their homes over the long term, and some may plan to live independently at home rather than moving into a retirement community, if possible.
Living at home as you age does require advance planning, however. All homeowners wishing to continue living in their home past retirement should plan early for aging in place.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, aging in place is defined as the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably regardless of age, income, or ability level.
While the goal of remaining in one’s own home is shared by many, it isn’t always feasible due to declining health and changes in finances.
Top Four areas to focus on:
Safety updates:
One of the most significant obstacles to remaining in one’s own home is safety. Updates to consider may include a walk-in shower, safety rails, stair lifts, widening doorways, installing non-slip flooring or adding ramps, if a wheelchair is necessary.
Obtaining provisions:
Getting the necessities like healthy food and medications to your home can be an issue over time. Luckily, grocery stores and food-delivery services are growing in popularity, and medical delivery services seem to be developing as well. Certain non-profits offer food delivery services too.
Preparing for emergencies:
While emergencies may be stressful to envision, it’s best to be ready for them before they occur. Living alone can make it difficult to get aid promptly following an accident, but technological innovations can help. Home surveillance cameras and medical alert systems can be a fast and easy way to summon assistance. Establishing a contact, perhaps a family member or friend, to check in on you regularly also could help without the technological investment.
It is important to have access to quality health care and some mode of transportation, too.
Budgeting for expenses:
Making changes to your home and any continuous maintenance or repair work can get expensive, so you will need to examine your financial situation and retirement savings to see what is feasible.
It would also be wise to seek advice from a trusted financial counselor as early as possible.
On a final note, if you are considering any of these changes to your home and need to hire a remodeler, financial counselor, home security company, or any other business or charity, remember it is always important to research the company thoroughly first.
Aging in Place Useful Links
Ultimate Guides
- The Ultimate Guide to Faucets for Aging in Place
- The Ultimate Guide to Lighting for Aging in Place
- The Ultimate Guide to Entryways for Aging in Place
- The Ultimate Guide to Flooring for Aging in Place
- The Ultimate Guide to Bathroom Safety and Grab Bars for Aging in Place
Design Resources
- Bathroom Design Ideas
- Faucet Design Ideas
- Flooring Design Ideas
- Kitchens
- Lighting
- Showers
- Bathroom Safety Bars
- Interior Spaces
- Outdoor Spaces
- Aging-in-Place Tips
Aging in Place Ideas
- Louis Tenenbaum
- HomesRenewed Resource Center
- Planning to Age in Place? Find a Contractor Now – The New York Times
- Home Modifications – AgingInPlace.org
Americans with Disabilities Act Resources
- Aging and the ADA
- ADA Standards for Accessible Design
- 2017 Florida Building Code (Accessibility)
- ADA Construction Guidelines for Accessible Bathrooms
- Florida Accessibility Checklist
General Information
- What is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)?
- Basic Information to Know About Aging in Place
- What to Expect from Your AIP Contractor Estimate
- 9 Safety Considerations for the Aging in Place
- Safety Solutions for Independent Seniors
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