Many seniors appreciate the comfort, amenities, and other aspects of assisted living facilities, but there is a sizable number of seniors who prefer to age at home. If a loved one decides this is the best option for them, you should try to make the home safer and more functional for them to avoid accidents and related issues. Keep reading to find out the modifications recommended for seniors aging at home.
Aging in Place Vs an Assisted Living Facility
Assisted living facilities are meant to be luxurious and convenient for residents. These facilities will often have everything one would need as they age, as well as a community of medical professionals and seniors who make living there a great experience.
When you choose an assisted living Memphis facility, you also get access to amazing dining experiences, medical care, and help with emergencies.
The two main reasons people choose to age in place are familiarity and cost. People love their familiar homes where they are surrounded by friends, family, and neighbors. They are comfortable with the way things are and do not want them to change.
Assisted living facilities can be pricey for seniors and families, and some choose to spend this money elsewhere. Whatever your reasons are for aging in place, here are the modifications you need to make to prepare your home for it.
Widen The Doorways
For seniors who rely on wheelchairs and a walker, widening the doorways is the first thing you need to do. If they live in a house with a hallway where you might have to remove and move a wall, you need to weigh the cost and effort of doing so versus moving them into a new home.
Install Ramps
Outdoor stairs might be an issue for a loved one with balance issues, so consider installing ramps around and inside the home. Ramps ensure smooth transitions from one part of the home to the next and are crucial for those who use wheelchairs.
When installing the ramp, ensure the gradient is not too steep because it will cause issues if it is. You can also install temporary ramps if your loved one rents their home and the landlord would be happy with a modification.
Kitchen Modifications
As we age, it becomes hard to reach things that are placed too high. It is important to think about the height of countertops and cabinets as well as where the appliances are placed. You can hire a professional contractor to lower everything for your loved one, so they have easier access to everything they need.
Bathtub and Shower Modifications
Showers and bathtubs can be serious health hazards for a loved one because of how slippery the different surfaces can be. If you can, replace the bathtub with a walk-in shower that has somewhere they can sit or a walk-in bathtub.
Consider installing safety bars on the ways and to the tub as well as safety strips that stop slipping. Add a non-slip rug to the bathroom to complete the modification.
It is important to make a home as safe as possible for a senior aging in place. In any case, you only need to make a few changes, but you might need to go further in homes that require a lot more work.
