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The current mortgage crisis may inadvertently further the Aging-in-Place Movement. For example, people who would normally sell their homes (and perhaps move to warmer climates for their post-retirement years) may not be able to due to the slumping housing market.

The fact that many seniors are also faced with diminished or disappearing retirement funds only adds to this new reality. As a result of all these economic uncertainties, more and more seniors may find aging-in-place to be the most financially viable option they have in their golden years.

A recent article discusses this phenomenon as it relates to seniors and their option of remaining living comfortably and safely in their own homes. The piece noted that increasingly, it appears the turmoil in the housing market may tie people to homes they are unable to sell.

Stephen Golant, a gerontologist and geographer, explained, "One of the unwritten tragedies of the current housing price collapse is that for a host of reasons [e.g., money, job security, depreciated properties], a higher share of older Americans will be 'forced' to age-in-place, who might otherwise have considered alternative housing arrangements."

A convenient and helpful list of common aging-in-place terminologies and definitions were then provided:

• Universal design: Covers all items that aim to serve all members of a household without the need for further adaptations. One example is curb cuts designed for wheelchair access that are also popular with people pushing strollers or wheeling luggage.
• Accessible: Refers to features that comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
• Adaptable: Refers to features that accommodate changing needs with some tweaking. For example, closets built above each other would be adaptable to an elevator shaft later on.
• Visitable: Means that while the homeowners may not need specific accommodations themselves, they have a floor of their house that is navigable for visitors who have limitations.

The article also walks people who are considering aging-in-place through the steps that they should take and decisions that should be made.

First, seniors should start with a family discussion and make a very clear list of their accessibility needs as well as a wish list. Next, priorities should be set. These include “life safety” choices like having sufficient safe exits from each level of the house.

Another priority should be “fall prevention” and any potential dangers in and around one’s house should be determined. Key areas to consider include entryways, bathrooms, kitchens, and stairs.

“Convenience features” is the final priority, and aging-in-place planners should determine what is going to add the most to one’s quality of life. Adapting one level of your house for single-floor living is usually the primary goal. Also think about independence, dignity, and control when it comes to getting in and out of your house.

There are a number of simple fixes that can greatly add to the ability of seniors to age-in-place:

• Add light where needed, especially at the bottom of stairs where lighting is often poor.
• Remove throw rugs and tack down doormats that may become tripping hazards.
• Install handrails on both sides of stairways and install railings in hallways.
• Rearrange furniture to open up walking paths.
• Doorways can be widened a few inches without structural changes by installing "swing clear" hinges that enlarge the opening by the thickness of the door.
• Remove doorstops and change doorknobs to lever handles.
• Install grab bars strategically around bathrooms and in showers.

The article also noted that more extensive renovations can increase usability in older houses. These might include installing pocket doors, stair lifts, or even elevators.

Before any minor or major renovations are done, it is important to find a qualified contractor. A home assessment by a knowledgeable professional can help you save money and make changes in an orderly way. Always make sure an assessment is geared to meet your specific needs.

Consider contractors with a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation. This is a National Association of Home Builders program that specializes in training contractors and others to serve aging-in-place remodeling clients. You should also seek referrals from groups like the National Aging in Place Council.

Home Evolutions is one such remodeler with the qualifications and experience that can help determine the aging-in-place options that are right for you and then complete the modifications to your home that will allow you to remain living there comfortably, safely, and independently.