Many older adults are choosing to age in place, as they feel secure with staying in familiar spaces. Nevertheless, homes built decades ago pose challenges when it comes to accommodating mobility changes or new health conditions. Consider implementing the following home updates for comfort and safety when aging in place. These thoughtful solutions make it possible to keep older homes safe and comfortable while maintaining their character and charm.
Improve Accessibility Features
When making a home more accessible, start by looking at entryways, staircases, and door widths. Installing a ramp or lift can accommodate wheelchairs or walkers. Widening doorways and hallways makes movement within the home easier for anyone with mobility tools.
Next, focus on the bathroom, as it’s a space where slips often happen. Install grab bars near the tub and toilet, consider a walk-in shower, and invest in non-slip flooring to reduce risks. Similarly, in the kitchen, shorter countertops and sinks might be helpful for wheelchair users, along with pull-out shelves to limit bending or stretching.
Furthermore, adequate lighting is essential to create a healthy home environment and increase accessibility. High-quality lighting can boost your mood, provide a cozy atmosphere, and support vision changes that come with age. Switch to bright, energy-efficient bulbs and consider motion-sensor lighting for hallways or entryways to prevent any mishaps after dusk.
Flooring Matters for Mobility
Floor upgrades are essential home updates for comfort and safety when aging in place, since soft carpets can cause tripping and hardwood floors or tile might be too slippery. Instead, materials like cork or rubber flooring offer a safe, shock-absorbing surface that’s easier on the joints. They’re also skid-resistant, making them a smart choice for older adults.
If the home has stairs, consider stair runners or strips with non-slip backing for added traction. For single-level homes, smooth, barrier-free transitions between rooms are ideal to avoid tripping hazards.
Select Home Comfort Solutions Wisely
As your home ages, so does its heating and cooling systems. As a result, it may not provide consistent comfort or energy efficiency.
Solve this problem with a modern, flexible solution, like a mini-split system for your older home. These systems offer precise climate control in individual rooms while accommodating older home designs.
Such equipment is perfect for homes where central heating or cooling installation would require extensive renovations or disrupt traditional structures’ integrity. When selecting a home comfort system, evaluate energy efficiency, installation processes, and long-term maintenance needs to keep your space comfortable year-round without blowing your budget or creating extra work.
Focus on Small Details
Sometimes, small adjustments make the most impact. Simple changes like lever-style door handles are easier to operate than knobs.
Likewise, smart devices, such as voice-activated assistants, can control lights, appliances, or even remind you to take medication. These adjustments significantly improve daily living and foster independence.
Aging in place in an older home can be a joyous experience with the right upgrades. By focusing on accessibility, comfort, and sensible home solutions, older adults can continue living safely and happily in the homes they love.
Recommended Reading: 5 Smart Strategies for Creating a Quieter Home
