Your Guide to Staying In Your Home As You Age

There’s no place like home — especially if you’re getting older and want to remain in your home as you age.   Maybe this is you or you have an aging parent that you want to keep safe.  Have you considered what aging in place would look like and what the necessary improvements and upgrades to your home to make that possible are?  Data shows that 77 percent of adults 50 and older want to remain in their homes for the long term.  If you’ve thought about the necessary modifications you need to make to your home, you probably fall in one of the following 3 categories.  You might’ve just experienced a fall or other injury, you may have a worsening health condition, or you might just be planning ahead.  Whether you've thought about what needs to be done, or you're just curious, let's take a look at some of the items on a home safety checklist.

LET'S STEP OUTSIDE 

Starting with the exterior of your home- Is the house well lit?  Motion sensors are useful here.   Are the walkways level, even and free of tripping hazards like hoses and potted plants?   Are the outdoor steps textured to prevent falls?   Is it time for a ramp?  Do you have sturdy handrails?   Could you add a bench by the door to hold bags or packages while unlocking the door?

IT'S AN INSIDE JOB

Once inside, look at your floors.   Are there any tripping hazards like throw rugs?  Are all the walking paths free of furniture, extension cords and clutter that can increase the risk of falling?  Are carpets fixed firmly to the floor?  Do you have non-slip strips on potentially wet surfaces?

In the bathrooms are there grab bars near the toilets, tub and shower?  Are there non slip strips or mats in the tub or shower? Could you add a stool or chair to sit on with a handheld shower head?  How about a nightlight to guide your way from the bedroom at night?  Are all your prescriptions properly labeled with name, dosage, frequency and expiration date?  Is the hot water tank set to 120 degrees to avoid scalding?

Let's take a look at your stairs.  Are they still manageable?  Is there good lighting all the way up?  Could handrails be installed on both sides and, even better,  extend beyond the bottom and top step? 

ONE FINAL LOOK

Go around your home and take note of where you typically place your hands to stabilize yourself.  Is it around a corner?  Is it when you enter a room or your house?  A grab bar in those areas will be helpful.

GET HELP IF NEEDED AND KEEP AN OPEN MIND

To make some of the specific changes you might need, like grab bars, or ramps, additional railings etc. consider enlisting professional help from a contractor.  Because your physical circumstances can change, it also helps to have a contingency plan for when it no longer makes sense to stay in your home.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

If you’d like me to email you a more complete home safety checklist, give me a call.  As always, call me with any questions regarding this or any real estate topic in the Clifton Park, Niskayuna, Saratoga, Latham, Ballston Spa, Colonie areas, or any other place in the Capital District!