Growing Older at Home: Home Modifications for Aging in Place

As you age, it is important to consider home modifications for aging in place that will make it easier and safer for you to stay in your home in your golden years. There are many simple changes you can do yourself, but there are other things that you might want to hire a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) contractor to complete. Below you will find some of the changes you should make in order to make your home safer and more accessible as you age. 

Safety:

Install a security peep hole on exterior doors. Never open a door until you know, or have verified the person on the other side. 

Install handrails on both sides of all staircases, including any steps entering your home.

Mount grab bars next to the toilet, the bathtub, and shower. Grab bars need to be screwed into a solid surface. Do not use suction type grab bars as they can come loose too easily. 

Install deadbolts on all exterior doors.

Be sure all area rugs have non-slip material to prevent tripping or slipping.

Install pull down shelving for safer access to upper cabinets.

Use photosensitive lights on your porch or entry that will turn on at dusk and off at twilight.

Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen within reach of the stove.

Install suitable lighting for the sink, stove and other work areas.

Accessibility: 

Replace or remove worn out carpeting to avoid tripping. 

Install swing away or swing clear hinges on doors for wider and easier access if a walker or wheelchair is needed in the future.

Replace light switches with easier to use rocker-style light switches.

  Place a microwave oven on the counter top,  not overhead.
Install a ramp to have a no step entry from your garage.

   Install a lazy Susan in corner cabinets and pull out shelving under counters.

Have a shower bench in order to bathe while sitting.

Install outdoor flood lights with motion detectors on front and back of your home.

Install a thermostat that is easy to read.

Insulate your ceiling for better heating and cooling energy savings.

All of the above items will not only make your home safer, but more pleasant to live in. If you are ready to begin the search for a forever home that meets your present and future needs, start here.

Ann Cleare

Realtor Emeritus

Ann’s Notes

(850) 544-0109

[email protected]