Everyone ages differently and some people enjoy the social benefits that come with a senior living facility or other communal living situation. Often, these residences are already designed with elderly residents in mind. Other seniors, however, may prefer to remain in their current homes as long as possible, often referred to as “aging in place.”
If you know someone who wants to age in place, their home may need some adjustments to allow them to remain safely independent. An article published by This Old House covers some issues that pertain to safety for seniors and outline ways to increase the safety and security of your home.
Perhaps no issue is more important than ensuring that elderly residents can access anything in the home that they’ll need. For example, a person with limited mobility may not be able to navigate stairs safely and require ramps or lifts.
What if your loved one drops their phone or another important object behind or beneath the couch? Will necessary mobility equipment (walkers, wheelchairs, etc.) fit through doorways? Can your loved one reach food, medicine, or other items on higher shelves? Are important systems and appliances, such as your air conditioning and water heater, in good working condition? Thinking through the needs of daily life becomes very important when preparing your home. Read the full article.