Growing older brings about natural changes in our bodies. Our strength, balance, and mobility may fluctuate, making some everyday tasks more difficult to navigate. Rather than resisting these changes, it’s beneficial to adapt and age in place.
These home modifications provide support to manage daily routines with ease and confidence:
- Grab bars and handrails
- Improve bathroom safety
- Improve lighting
- Create step-free entrances
- Lower cabinets and shelving
- Widen doorways
- Install lever-style handles
- Remove tripping hazards
- Improve kitchen layout
- Invest in smart technologies
By modifying homes to accommodate your aging loved one’s physical needs, you can create an environment that promotes well-being and helps them to continue living independently at home. However, if your loved one’s needs surpass what can be managed at home, Bethany Village is here to help. Book a tour today to see how our assisted living community can provide the care and support they deserve.
10 Home Modifications
When considering home modifications, it’s important to consider your loved one’s current needs and potential challenges.
Observe your loved one’s daily routine to identify any obstacles or hazards in the home and have open conversations about their comfort and safety.
1. Grab Bars and Handrails
One of the simplest yet most effective modifications is installing grab bars and handrails in key areas. Spaces like bathrooms, staircases, and hallways can benefit from this extra support.
Grab bars in the bathroom help with entering and exiting the shower or bathtub, while handrails along staircases and hallways offer added stability while moving.
2. Improve Bathroom Safety
Bathrooms can present significant hazards for older adults and can be addressed in several ways:
- Installing a walk-in tub or a low-threshold shower can make bathing safer and more accessible.
- Anti-slip mats and adjustable shower seats add an extra layer of support.
- Raised toilet seats and lever-style faucets can make a significant difference in accessibility for those with limited mobility.
- Placing nightlights in the bathroom can improve visibility and prevent falls in the dark.
At Bethany Village, we offer independent and assisted living spaces that are thoughtfully designed with spacious, easy-access bathrooms to prioritize safety and comfort. Schedule a visit today to see how our homes can support your loved one’s independence!
3. Improve Lighting
Vision often decreases with age, highlighting the need for proper lighting to maintain safety.
Consider adding brighter bulbs, nightlights, and motion-sensor lights throughout the home to transform dark spaces. This is particularly useful in areas like staircases, kitchens, and bathrooms.
4. Create Step-Free Entrances
For older adults experiencing mobility concerns, navigating steps can be challenging.
Creating step-free entrances with ramps or lifts provides easy access to the home. These modifications are particularly beneficial for wheelchair users, those with walkers, or those who have difficulty managing stairs due to conditions like arthritis.
Plus, these modifications foster a welcoming environment for visitors with mobility aids, providing everyone with an accessible space.
5. Lower Cabinets & Shelving
As we grow older, decreased strength, flexibility, and stability can make reaching for items stored in high places challenging.
Lowering cabinets and shelving to accessible heights eliminates unnecessary stretching or climbing, and reduces the need for stools or ladders, making daily tasks more manageable.
6. Widen Doorways
Wider doorways accommodate wheelchairs and walkers, allowing smooth movement throughout the home.
Standard door frames can be narrow and constricting, making navigation difficult and posing a potential barrier to free movement.
By expanding entryways, you allow your loved one to move seamlessly from one room to another without worrying about bumping into door frames. This modification is particularly important for older adults with mobility aids, as it provides them with the freedom to move around without barriers.
7. Install Lever-Style Handles
Traditional round door knobs can be difficult to grasp for those experiencing arthritis, carpal tunnel, or reduced hand strength.
Lever-style handles are easier to operate and require less effort to use, as they just require a simple push or pull.
8. Remove Tripping Hazards
Clutter, loose rugs, and electrical cords pose tripping hazards. Removing these obstacles and securing floor coverings can significantly reduce the risk of falls. In particular:
- Secure rugs with non-slip pads or remove them altogether to minimize the chance of slipping.
- Use cable covers or relocate electronic devices closer to outlets to prevent trips or falls.
- Clear clutter regularly to ensure that hallways remain open and accessible.
9. Improve Kitchen Layout
To make cooking more enjoyable and accessible for older adults, consider incorporating the following features:
- Pull-out shelves. These shelves allow easy access to stored items without unnecessary bending or stretching, reducing the risk of strain or injury.
- Touchless faucets. These allow hands-free operation for those with arthritis or limited grip strength.
- Placing appliances at accessible heights. Doing this creates a safe space by removing the need for unnecessary reaching or climbing.
10. Invest in Smart Technology
Investing in smart technology presents a forward-thinking approach to modifying homes for older adults that focuses on enhancing convenience and safety.
Smart technology, including devices like voice-activated assistants, smart thermostats, and home security systems, offers a more responsive and adaptable living environment with minimal effort. This can foster independence and supports an active, healthy, and engaged lifestyle.
How Community Living Helps
While home modifications can address some challenges, community living provides a holistic and adaptable solution. At Bethany Village, our assisted living community is designed to support aging in place by continuously meeting evolving care needs. This means implementing the modifications suggested above according to the evolving needs of each resident. Community living can therefore eliminate many of the stresses and hassles created by having to modify your loved one’s home.
As our loved ones grow older, their care needs will evolve. As such, home modifications may require continuous fine-tuning over time. One of the significant advantages of community living is its ability to adapt to changing health needs and modify living spaces as required.
In assisted living, as your loved one’s care requirements evolve, they wouldn’t need to relocate to a new community. This continuity of care provides ongoing stability and helps your loved one consistently receive appropriate care.
If you’re considering the next steps for your loved one, we invite you to explore how Bethany Village can provide personalized care in a supportive, welcoming community.
Schedule a Visit
Healthy aging requires living in a safe and supportive environment that can meet the ongoing care needs of your loved ones.
Connect with our team at Bethany Village to schedule a visit to our assisted living community.
