Aging in Place - What You Need to Know

Aging in place is quickly becoming the preferred method for people who do not wish to relocate to an assisted living home. Although the name would imply that this is only a method used for senior aged homeowners there are more reasons to convert a home to this style than just the natural ageing process. Plenty of people who have a disability, suffer from an illness or go through a transition that leaves them with mobility restrictions are also ideal candidates for this conversion.

Aging in place refers to being able to stay in one's home as they get older and would normally need to transition into an assisted living facility. Renovating the home and make necessary changes to an already existing home can make it possible to bypass this transition. Research indicates that people grow old in a more healthy manner or recover from illness or injury easier if they are able to remain in their own home.

Examples of Changes to be Made

So what exactly is included when converting a home into an aging in place location? Some of it depends on the individual and their unique needs. For one thing you may need to consult with your doctor in order to get specifications he or she would recommend for your particular situation.

However some general ideas would include:

• For the outside of your home it is a good idea to convert to material that is low maintenance such as vinyl siding
• If possible, for the interior of your house should ideally be converted to single story living
• The home in general should be well lit but this is especially important for areas like hallways
• At least one entryway to the home should be a covered, no-step one and in some cases a ramp may be required
• As much of the home as possible should be non-slip but this is especially important in areas like the foyer and bathroom
• For faucets it is wise to convert them to lever handles or pedal-controlled versions

Focusing Room by Room

If you are planning on making your house one that has easier access for limited mobility then it is a good idea to go room by room. First, determine what your overall budget is for the entire house. Next, make a list of any changes you know you must have.

For example if you simply cannot make your house a one-story living situation than you are going to have to consider installing powered stair climber. Since this feature can be expensive you would need to determine the cost before figuring out what other details to include. Prioritize your list of wants and needs so you make sure to include the most important things first.

From there you can focus on rooms you spend the most time in or that you feel you may have the biggest problems in. If you have a level home with carpeting it will be a lot different than if you have a house with a sunken living room and slippery floor surfaces. Generally the bathroom and the kitchen are rooms that end up requiring the majority of changes.

Other Considerations

There are also plenty of added details to consider when remodeling your current home to a more user-friendly space. For instance, if your budget allows, why not convert some of the space into a possible future living space for a caregiver? Or since pets have great added benefits for the elderly or anyone recovering from injury or illness why not set things up to be able to bring home a pet?

You can include a built-in pet feeding system so that the converted house can include a new furry friend but with a system in place to take care of it. You should also consider having a professionally monitored security system. This is the best way to be able to have around the clock monitored protection against fire, burglary or health problems. The bottom line is that there are plenty of great options now available to make aging in place not just a possibility but a reality for the health and well being of your loved ones.