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Once you have made the decision to age-in-place, the next step for many seniors and people with disabilities is determining exactly what one needs to do in order to remain living comfortably and safely in one’s own home.

Many people will decide to remodel their existing homes using a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) like Home Evolutions. Some may even decide to build or purchase an entirely new home that better suits their aging-in-place needs.

Whatever option you decide will best help you to continue living independently, a recent article recommends seven things that you should always keep in mind for your aging-in-place residence.

1)    Canes, Walkers, and Wheelchairs—Finding the right home or properly planning home modifications can help you to maneuver around more safely.

•    Entrance doors should be at least 36″ wide and interior doors should be a minimum of 32″ wide for wheelchair and walker access.

•    Rooms should be designed so as not to impede passage.

•    Avoid high-pile carpeting, area rugs, or flooring that has a slippery surface because they can be trip and fall hazards.

2)    Balance and Standing—As people grow older, physical issues caused by lack of muscle strength, equilibrium, and other conditions begin to appear. Two areas to especially consider where standing occurs regularly are bathrooms and kitchens.

•    Ensure that these rooms have sufficient space and are designed with grab bars in mind.

•    Make sure that these rooms’ space allows for turning if roll-under sinks are installed.

•    Build counters at the proper height in these areas.

•    Ensure that there are ample places for chairs or benches.

3)    Bending and Reaching—Keep as many things needed for your daily life within as easy reach as possible. Areas of the home that are more prone for this to be an issue include the kitchen, laundry room, and bedrooms (especially closets).

•    Make sure there are sufficient cabinets at the proper height and enough counter space to reduce bending and reaching.

•    Consider installing under cabinet, roll-out shelves or pull-down shelves.

•    Make sure that closets are sufficiently sized for closet organizing systems.

4)    Reduced Hearing—When remodeling or buying, keep in mind that older people have a more difficult time hearing phone ringers, doorbells, and alarms of any kind.

•    Make sure that there are sufficient telephone jacks in the house. (All commonly used rooms should have them—the closer the ring, the more likely it is to be heard.)

•    Install smoke and CO2 alarms in the proper rooms. (You can also replace older models with ones that have visual indicators or louder alarms.)

•    Voices through doors are difficult to hear, so having a window in or near entrance doors is a good idea and very important for safety.

5)    Grasping and Holding Items—Opening drawers or doors, holding items that may be heavy, and any fixtures that require holding and turning to operate need to be given thought.

•    Install cabinet drawers and doors that have “D” shaped handles.

•    Install door knobs that are lever-handled.

•    Make sure there are sufficient flat spaces such as counter tops as well as tables or benches in areas where you will be working or where you may have to juggle or carry loads while performing a task.

•    Install faucets with lever handles.

6)    Eyesight—Diminished eyesight can hinder a person from getting around in their home, using appliances, and make everyday tasks more difficult.

•    Ensure that there is sufficient light in every room and work area. Installing proper or additional lighting is one of the best (and most inexpensive) things you can do for yourself if you have difficulty seeing.

•    Make sure floor transitions are easily distinguishable. Having contrasting colors at floor transitions will make them easier to see.

•    Install appliances that have large displays or text. Choosing models that do will make doing chores much easier and reduce the chance of errors.

7)    Sitting and Lying Down—For the same reasons mentioned in Balance and Standing, sitting and lying down safely (and getting back up again) can be issues for seniors and people with disabilities.

•    Make sure your home has plenty of open space where couches or chairs can be added to accommodate assistive devices (like walkers) needed for safely sitting and standing.

•    Make sure there is sufficient space in your bedroom to enter or exit a bed if you are using a walker. Also consider bed safety rails.

•    Design bathrooms to allow for the installation of grab bars.

•    You can also consult with your physician or occupational therapist to discuss your options for walking, sitting, or standing assistance.

Remember, it may not be easy to find, build, or remodel the exact home that will meet all of your future, aging-in-place needs. However, covering the bases for what most people experience as they age is a good place to start. An aging-in-place remodeler like Home Evolutions can help you choose the renovations and additions that are right for you.

Regardless of whether you remodel, buy, or build, the above suggestions are all possible issues that you should be mindful of when evaluating the aging-in-place features of your home. This list is by no means all inclusive, but merely a few general conditions to help get you thinking in the right direction.

Of the seven tips presented here, which ones specifically would help you to remain living comfortably, safely, and independently at home?