Securing Your Living Space for Aging Comfortably
More and more people in New Jersey are choosing to renovate their homes for aging in place, rather than paying for long-term care. This trend is reflected nationwide, with over 75% of people aged 50 and older of all races and ethnicities wanting to stay in their homes as they grow older, according to AARP.
Amy Goyer, a family caregiving expert for AARP, is personally renovating a home for her and her boyfriend to reside in as they age. She is not alone in this endeavour. Many people, especially those with aging parents, are seeking quick renovations to make their homes safer and more accessible.
Alan Archuleta, CEO of Archuleta Builders, notes that many people call for these renovations due to aging parents coming out of the hospital or having homes that are not safe. In such cases, ensuring safe entry and exit from the home is crucial, as even one step can make it difficult to get into the house. A ramp can be built to make it easier for people to get in and out of the house, and can be made to not look like a ramp.
Bathroom Modifications
Aging in place requires a safe and accessible home, and this is particularly important in the bathroom. Typical bathroom modifications include installing zero-threshold curbless showers with fold-out seats, comfort-height toilets, grab bars, lever-style faucets, non-slip flooring, and improved lighting. A fully accessible bathroom remodel can cost up to around $40,000 depending on features and location, though smaller upgrades vary widely from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars.
Kitchen Modifications
The kitchen is another area that requires attention. Adjusting countertop heights, installing easy-to-use appliances, non-slip flooring, and accessible cabinet hardware are all important modifications. Costs depend on the scale of the renovation but can range from minor DIY adjustments to major renovations requiring contractors and financing.
Bedroom Modifications
In the bedroom, increasing accessibility with wider doorways, removing trip hazards, installing lever door handles, adding adequate lighting, and possibly creating space for mobility aids are all necessary steps.
General Home Adjustments
Widening doorways and corridors for wheelchair or walker access, improving lighting, installing handrails in halls and stairs, and decluttering living spaces for safer navigation are all important general home adjustments.
Technology for Aging in Place
Technology can also facilitate or improve aging in place. Examples include telehealth, sensors for lighting, medication reminders, wearable devices such as pedometers, and social media. Ordering groceries online or setting up technology to automatically call a neighbour or family member in the event of an emergency can be particularly helpful.
Special Grants for Veterans
Veterans who sustained injuries during their military service and meet certain criteria can apply for Special Adaptive Housing Grants through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This year, the grant can provide up to $24,405.
Choosing a Contractor
When finding someone to do aging in place renovations, checking reviews is important. The National Association of Homebuilders has a directory of Certified Aging in Place experts (CAPS).
These renovations not only improve safety but can also increase home value and support independence for seniors wishing to remain in their homes longer. Costs can be financed through personal loans, home equity lines, or savings, depending on the scope and homeowner resources.
One affordable option is to hire specialists for simple renovations such as adding grab bars and removing thresholds, which can cost between $1,500 and $5,000. Examples of technology for aging in place include automatic shutoffs for stoves, flooring with sensors to detect a fall, and voice commands to call for help.
In conclusion, essential home renovations for aging in place focus primarily on enhancing safety, accessibility, and comfort in key areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and hallways. By making these modifications, seniors can remain independent and safe in their own homes for longer.
A growing number of individuals are opting to modify their homes for a comfortable and safe lifestyle, incorporating both home-and-garden and lifestyle changes. The bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, and general home adjustments are key areas of focus, with modifications such as zero-threshold curbless showers, accessible cabinet hardware, and decluttering living spaces becoming common updates to support aging in place. As technology advances, smart home devices are also being integrated into homes to facilitate safety and independence for seniors.
