Home Remodeling for Aging in Place

Home remodeling can help you create the home you want & need for later life.

Home remodeling plays a key role for anyone wanting to age in place. The reason is that homes generally are not generally built to be easily accessible, incorporate personal safety features or was Universal Design incorporated into the home to provide for these things. Sometimes called accessible remodeling,  aging in place remodeling lets a person create the house they need to grow old in.

Home remodeling can help some of the physical aspects of your home that you will need to change. However, there are plenty of ways to make your home more safe and comfortable.

Many times the initial home remodeling that people have done is in the bathroom. Items such as grab bars, walk-in tubs, hand rails or ramps, non-slip flooring and others are all very important in addressing home safety.

Although there are many items you could focus on, safety issues are the best way to get started. Not just in the bathroom, either.

Aging in place home remodeling

Home remodeling is just one part of an aging in place plan. Many times it is one of the first things people think about. Mainly due, of course, because some of the first impacts of aging are felt at home. Projects can range from simple to complex, and all should be approached with safety in mind.

What is Aging in Place?

Aging in place means being able to live in the home of your choice for as long as you are able, while being able to get any assistance you require as your needs change. It sounds pretty cut and dry. However, there is more to it than you may think.

Finding the right house for you

Finding the right house for you is an important part of your aging in place plan. Many houses don’t have the features needed for aging in place or they are not in the right type of community to suit your future needs.

So, often seniors find their homes are not elderly-friendly and lack usability features that increase safety. Remodeling and making other changes in your home allows a person to craft their home to be one they need as their needs change.

Assistive technology

Assistive technology can provide real benefits to seniors aging in place. These assistive devices  can help you create a more safe and enjoyable lifestyle. Devices range from low-tech to high-tech, and should be chosen based on functionality and ease of use.

Community

There are many choices available when building an aging in place plan and where a person lives is one of them. The features and resources available can have a large impact on a person’s quality of life. As a person ages, the need for outside assistance increases. Knowing what services you might need for aging in place and where they are available can help make planning much easier. It will also relieve some stress in the long run.

Health Care

Another major aging in place basics consideration is health care. Keeping in good health helps ensure a higher quality of life. Access to adequate health care resources in your community can prevent many obstacles for seniors and being healthy contributes to a brighter outlook on life.

Finances & Legal

Making proper financial and legal preparations can make or break an aging in place plan. It will also reduce peace of mind and a senior’s quality of life. The decisions that are made for a home, care and even daily living will be impacted by the planning you make in the areas of money and legal.

Aging in Place Planning

Proper planning (if you haven’t guess yet) is the best thing a person can do to ensure they have the lifestyle, quality of life and, eventually, care that they want as they continue to age. If a senior doesn’t have an aging in place plan that covers their wishes and wants, making preparations as best as they can, then decisions will eventually be left up to someone else.