Most Americans prefer to age in place – staying in their home as they grow old and journey through the end of their lives. Despite it being the overwhelming wish, aging in place is something not all elderly adults get to experience. But the good news is that it can be made easier/more attainable with smart modifications to the home.
Adapting the home for aging in place can be done efficiently and cost-effectively with a few smart tweaks. Let’s talk about some of them, next.
Common Aging in Place Adjustments for the Home
There are a lot of options, which when applied strategically, can make all the difference in the home.
Grab Bars: By putting grab bars in strategic places along easy-to-trip or vulnerable spaces (like bathrooms and kitchens) or long stretches of support-less space (like hallways), you can prevent falls and injuries.
Walk-In Showers or Tubs: Adjusting showers and tubs to allow for walking in makes grooming simpler and safer. They usually offer a low-entry threshold and grab bars.
Raised Toilet Seats: If someone has to squat to get to the toilet, but struggles with the strength needed to hold themselves up, there are a few possible options to make life easier for them. One is the common grab bar that offers a bit of support, but some people need a little more than that. Raised toilet seats offer an additional accommodation in case their upper body strength isn’t enough. Another option is a bedside commode.
Shower Chairs and Transfer Benches: Shower chairs are another great option for individuals with weak or injured knees/legs/bodies. If you are unable to modify your home to include a walk-in shower or tub, another option is a transfer bench. A transfer bench can allow someone to utilize a higher lipped tub safely.
Stair Lifts: While a more expensive option, stair lifts are incredibly helpful for home mobility for 2+ story homes. Stair lifts are motorized chairs that move up and down a stairway along a set track. Elevators are another option that could satisfy this need.
Bed Rails: If your loved one is prone to movement in their sleep, struggles to rise out of bed, struggles to adjust their position, or struggles to lower themselves into bed, bed rails can create a necessary amount of support and safety.
Hospital Bed: A hospital bed can be a very helpful item for both you and your loved one. A hospital bed often includes rails, and it either partially or fully electric, allowing you to adjust and lift your loved one’s head and feet, and some beds can be raised or lowered to the group as well. If deemed medically necessary, Medicare and/or Medi-Cal will often cover the cost of this item.
Wheelchair Ramps: Wheelchair ramps are an obvious choice for those who need a wheelchair to get around. Anywhere with a minor staircase (like a porch, for example) or elevation difference (like a split-level room) can be modified with a wheelchair ramp.
Technologies Designed for Aging in Place
Beyond physical changes to the environment, there are also technological adjustments that can easily be made to make the home more comfortable for your loved one. Here are some examples:
Smart home technology: There are a lot of ways smart home technology can make a difference in your loved one’s home. The options are endless – smart home technology offers options for remote control of lights, doorbells, locks, thermostats, smoke alarms, cameras, or appliances, for example. These technologies reduce the need for your loved one to get up, and thus reduce the risks of falls and injuries.
Medical alert systems: Another effective technology for your loved one’s independence and your comfort is personal medical alert systems. These technologies reduce the amount of time it takes an older adult to get help in an emergency.
Tips for Affording Aging in Place
There are resources out there to help you afford these adjustments as needed. Consider contacting the Orange County Office on Aging Information and Assistance Call Center at 714-480-6450 or 800-510-2020. You may also visit the Eldercare Locator, Medicare/Medi-Cal, or nonprofit organizations for information on subsidized (or fully covered) adjustments to your loved one’s aging-in-place needs.
Closing Thoughts: Adapting the Home for Aging in Place
There are a lot of effective ways to adjust the home to allow your loved one to more comfortably age in place. Whether you make physical adjustments to the environment or technological adaptations to improve liveability and safety, any and all measures you take improve their odds of successfully aging in place.
Caregiver Resource Center of Orange County is here to support you. Check out our library of resources to help you navigate this experience. Together, we can navigate the healthcare landscape and help you provide the best possible care for your loved one(s).
Further Reading: Navigating Resentment as a Caregiver
Caregiver resentment is a common emotional challenge that family caregivers face, way more often than they may admit (so you’re not alone in this even if it feels like it). Your resentment is natural, but it doesn't have to define your caregiving experience. In the end, finding balance and support is the key to a sustainable and fulfilling caregiving journey.
So let’s talk about it: dive in here.
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