About 90% of elders prefer to “age in place” in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. But the time will come when older family members will experience mobility or cognitive issues. Homes that used to be a sanctuary where they can be safe, comfortable, and at peace could now be putting them at risk. Like how changes brought about by time and age are inevitable, they will eventually need changes in their home that consider their health. It is up to them or their loved ones to customize living environments in favor of their current situation.
If your aging parents plan to stay at your house, you need to transition into a more suitable home environment. Before you get started, there are many factors to consider. It is best to think about their lifestyles, health issues, and home insurance plans. With that in mind, it is essential to be aware and understand what exactly is aging in place to accurately create an environment that can benefit your aging parents.
What is the Aging in Place Movement
“Aging in place” is a term used to represent an older person living in a residence of their choice. Along with this are the necessary services and support that they need for their safety and health. Most seniors who choose to age in place should nurture and enhance their quality of life at home. Thus, it is vital to consider what changes should be made.
Most seniors and their children adapt to aging to cut costs since living at home would be way cheaper than paying for assisted living services. For some, it would be a chance to grow old near their children and grandchildren and surround themselves with old memories brought by the house they’ve lived in for years.
Challenges might emerge in the future, so you must be prepared and have access to the necessary solutions for a comfortable life. Planning can help you, and your parents figure out a way to minimize complications and the need for emergency assistance that can cost you money. You, as their child, might not be able to keep an eye on them every second of the day because of work or your own families. Ultimately, aging in place can only be beneficial if your parent’s surroundings can adjust to whatever complications they may encounter with their health. So here are a few simple tips to remember when remodeling a home for your aging parents.
Senior-Friendly Remodeling Ideas
There may be more dangerous hazards in a standard family home for your aging parents than you might expect. It is crucial to protect and secure the safety of seniors when they are aging in place. Here are some remodeling ideas that can promote a more comfortable space that is suitable for elders.
Renovate and Repair
Guarantee the safety of your aging loved ones in every corner of their homes. Having regular inspections and check-ups for locks, doorbells, stairs, lights, and many more can guarantee a hazard-free space for your elderly parents. Renovating and adding in grab bars and handrails can keep them stable and safe 24/7.
Almost all residents in the United States have garages and garage doors, whether it be automatic or manual. Garages may seem like a harmless area in a house, but more than 30,000 people have encountered accidents because of garage doors. This is mostly due to defects, so you should make sure to book an appointment to get your garage door repaired to avoid grave incidents.
Flooring
Around one-third of the elderly population acquires balance disorders or walking difficulties at 75 and above. That is why risky flooring incidents can be a problem when they are aging in place at home by themselves. Consequently, it is best to avoid high-pile carpets and evaluate the slip ratings of tile, hardwood, and laminate flooring to ensure the safety of your loved ones. The same goes for rugs. Avoid having your older family members trip and fall because of rugs using non-slip pads or grip tapes to keep them in place.
Security Systems
Advanced security systems can let you keep track of your parents’ living situation through your smartphone or computer. Through this, you can continually check on your loved ones no matter how busy you may be. There are also specific security systems that can alert you whenever something out of the ordinary happens. This can be extra useful for elders who have memory loss and are susceptible to accidentally leaving the house and wandering independently.
Ultimately, creating a safe home environment for your aging parents will need communication and hard work. The lives of your loved ones are at stake. You need to pay attention to their needs, formulate plans, and seek professional assistance to safeguard your parents as they choose to age in place in their own homes.
