Aging in Place
Empowering Independence
with Home Modifications
Imagine a home an individual can age in place safely and comfortably surrounded by the beautiful Volcano environment. This is possible when the home is adapted to support the changing needs of the individual.
A few important remodeling and home modification projects can make the home safer and more functional for individuals with declining physical and cognitive abilities. With thoughtful planning, it is more likely that individual will be able to age-in-place.
First, take the time to objectively look at the home and anticipate what changes will be necessary based on physical health, abilities and future care needs.
Include options for every room of the home to ensure comfort, safety, and independence.
Structural modifications to a home should be considered earlier, rather than later, due to the time and finances required to hire help and complete any large project.
This guide offers 16 essential aging-in-place home modifications to ensure maximum independence, safety, comfort, and most importantly, a individual’s quality of life.
1. Install Grab Bars and Handrails
Adding grab bars in the bathroom and handrails elsewhere in the home can prevent falls and provide support when placed strategically near toilets, showers, hallways and stairs to ensure stability and safety.
Grab bars help stabilize individuals with mobility or balance challenges that increase the risk of falls in the shower or bathtub. Moving around such living spaces equipped with grab bars and rails can prevent risks for falls or serious injury requiring hospitalization.
2. Improve Lighting Indoors and Out
Good lighting is crucial for proper night vision and to prevent stumbling on obstacles, tripping over thresholds, or falls where floor levels change. Bright lighting in hallways, staircases, and entryways, as well as motion sensing night lights in bedrooms and bathrooms are easy fixes to consider. In addition, ensure outdoor pathways and entrances are well-lit.
3. Remove Loose Carpets and Add Non-Slip Flooring
Loose rugs and carpets can be hazardous and are a risk for falls especially for individuals with walking difficulties. Safe flooring is smooth and free of rugs that move or get caught in canes, walkers and wheelchairs. Examples include non-slip flooring materials such as wood, vinyl, floor paneling, or non-slip tiles. Installing linoleum flooring, for instance, is an option for people looking for an affordable, non-slip, durable, and stylish flooring. Non-slip flooring is also easy to clean and maintain.
4. Widen Doorways for Wheelchair and Walker Access
Narrow doorways are a common feature in many homes but they are impractical for aging-in-place. Doorways less than 30” wide are difficult to allow wheelchair and walkers to pass through, and for anyone who may be assisting the individual.
Widening doorways is a standard aging-in-place modification. As per the ADA compliance standards, aging in place needs a minimum door width of 32 inches to accommodate most wheelchairs and walkers. Extra wide or heavy duty (bariatric) wheelchairs require 36 inches.
5. Add Access Ramps or Stairlifts
Access ramps or stairlifts can significantly improve safety for individuals with mobility or visual challenges. These installations ensure that all areas of the home are safely accessible.
Adding ramps to outdoor entry ways where there are steps or landings and indoor passageways where there are transitions in floor level, make it easier for those who use wheelchairs or walkers.
6. Convert to a Single-Floor Living Space
Many homes were built with multiple floors. To make aging-in-place safer, consider rearranging the living space so that essential rooms like the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen are all on one floor.
When feasible, having these spaces on the ground floor also helps reduce the need to navigate the stairs and hallways while minimizing risk for falls.
7. Install a Walk-In Tub or Shower
Aging-in-place requires the ability to shower safely. Installing a walk-in shower with grab bars promotes independence in bathing.
If considering a walk-in tub or shower, make sure the floor is modified with non-slip surfaces, add grab bars, and if space allows, install a corner seat or bench at an appropriate height to enhance safe seating.
Other additional tips to make the shower safe and accessible include:
Upgrade the shower head to a handheld to make it easy to rinse soap from hard-to-reach places and make showering comfortable and enjoyable.
Remove all clutter, bar soaps, and empty shampoo bottles from the floor to prevent tripping.
Install non-skid shower mats to prevent shower slips and falls.
8. Install Lever-Style Door Handles
Consider replacing traditional door handles with lever-style handles. They can be installed on all interior and exterior doors and are easier to operate than traditional knobs, especially for individuals with arthritis or limited hand strength.
Lever-style door handles allows opening and closing doors easily and comfortably.
9. Add a Raised Toilet Seat and a Shower Chair
Raising the toilet seat can provide additional support and comfort. This simple change prevents accidents and falls, especially when transferring from a wheelchair or walker. A toilet at a comfortable height is less stressful on the arthritic joints and adults with impaired leg movement. A raised toilet seat also makes it safer for caregivers when assisting in transfers.
Shower chairs and benches with suction leg or anti-skid covers provide stability and safety during showering. There are many options to choose from, depending on the needs of the user. When combined with accessible shower controls and a hand held shower head, independence in bathing is possible.
10. Remove Clutter and Clear Pathways
Keeping pathways clear of clutter and obstacles is essential for preventing collisions and falls. Regularly declutter the home and ensure that all walkways are free from hazards. This will help to ensure safe spaces.
11. Install a Home Security System
A home security system is a key home modification for aging-in-place, and especially helpful for individuals living alone. A comprehensive home security system can provide safety and peace of mind for family members, and caregivers as well.
Look for systems that include emergency buttons, motion sensors, security cameras, doorbell cameras, smart door locks, and video monitoring. They enable 24/7 remote home control by providing real-time alerts, live video feeds, or both.
12. Consider Bed Rails
Bed rails can support getting in and out of bed and prevent falls. They are especially useful for those who have mobility issues, or are prone to losing balance or nighttime restlessness.
13. Lower Countertops and Cabinets
Lowering countertops and cabinets make them more accessible for those using wheelchairs or who have limited reach. This aging-in-place modification can make daily tasks easier, more efficient and support independence.
14. Modify Closets for Easier Access
To make closets more accessible, consider lowering the clothes rod or install pull-down rods, adjust shelving, and use other closet space organizers. These modifications reduce strain and make accessing clothing and other items easier. Installing closet lights or affixing motion sensing lights can also help see clothing more easily.
15. Incorporate Smart Home Technology
Aging-in-place can be more comfortable, safer, healthier, and more independent when using smart and assistive technology in homes.
Incorporating smart home technology can help improve the comfort and quality of life and give family members and caregivers peace of mind.
Installing some smart home devices for aging-in-place include:
Smart lighting: For individuals with limited mobility or vision impairments to control their lighting through voice, motion, or settings.
Smart thermostats: To automatically adjust the home's temperature for comfort.
Smart home monitors: To monitor movement and behavior through motion detectors or cameras to help detect emergencies like unconsciousness and falls.
Smart security systems: To add a layer of safety and monitor activity in the home (inside and outside).
16. Add a Remote Caregiving System
If the adult lives alone, or their family caregiver is elderly, installing a remote caregiving system enables other family members to monitor daily and minute-to-minute activities, anytime from anywhere, providing safety and peace of mind.
Remote monitoring involves setting up a system using a TV and monitoring devices with a company that provides this service. If your aging family member or friend lives far away from you, this arrangement, together with someone to check in with the family member/friend periodically, provides support for aging-in-place. In some cases, a remote caregiving system together with a hired personal care attendant, can assure aging-in-place for a long period of time and may be preferable to a community based facility, such as a nursing or care home.
Tips for Hiring Contractors
When hiring contractors for home modifications, ensure they have knowledge and experience with aging-in-place renovations. Check references, verify licenses, and ask for detailed estimates. Look for contractors familiar with universal design principles and an understanding of accessibility needs.
Also check the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs website to learn whether the contractor is in good standing.
Where to Find Financial Assistance
Various programs and grants are available to help cover the costs of home modifications. Check with local government agencies, non-profits, and organizations like AARP for resources and financial assistance options. Medicaid and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits may also offer support.
