Creating a Forever Home: How to Modify Your Space for Aging in Place

Aging gracefully in your own home—there's nothing quite like it. Ensuring our senior loved ones can comfortably and safely age in place is not just a gift to them; it also brings peace of mind to caregivers and family members. With thoughtful planning and careful modifications, you can transform any space into a forever home that supports independence and celebrates the unique journey of aging.

Why This Matters

Supporting seniors to live at home for as long as possible is more than just a convenience; it's about maintaining their dignity, autonomy, and comfort in a familiar environment. But achieving this requires proactive steps to ensure the home remains a healthy and safe haven. As our population ages, aging in place becomes an increasingly popular choice for many, offering familiarity and a sense of continuity that can't be found elsewhere.

Let's walk through some practical home modifications that can help make aging in place a seamless and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

1. Declutter and Simplify

First things first—out with the old and unused! Start by getting rid of items that no longer serve a purpose. Decluttering isn't just about making more space; it's about allowing the best to shine through and creating a sense of calm and order in the environment.

• Donate or throw away items that are broken, outdated, or simply not needed anymore. Consider organizing a donation drive in your community to give these items a new life.
• Organize what's left in a way that's easy to maintain and access. Label boxes and containers clearly to reduce the hassle of searching for things.
• This process uncovers the hidden gems in your home and reduces hazards. You might also discover meaningful items that had been forgotten amidst the clutter.

2. Make Space

Creating ample space for maneuvering is crucial, especially for those who might use mobility aids in the future. It’s essential to think about these changes before they become necessary to ensure a stress-free transition.

• Widen doorways to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs. This change not only enhances accessibility but also provides a more open and welcoming feel to your home.
• Clear pathways of unnecessary furniture and obstacles. Keep pathways wide and clear to make moving around easier and safer.
• Open floor plans can be your best friend, reducing the risk of falls and making navigation easier. Consider consulting with an interior designer to find ways to optimize your space.

3. Remove Danger Zones

Identify and eliminate potential hazards around the home to create a safer living environment:

• Slippery surfaces like bathroom tiles or high-pile carpets that could cause falls should be addressed promptly.
• Unstable furniture such as sharp-edged coffee tables or old, weak dining chairs can pose significant risks.
• Problematic doorways or staircases that catch onto sleeves or have broken railings should be repaired or replaced.
• Examples include upgrading to non-slip bathroom tiles and securing rugs with non-slip underlays. These upgrades can add both safety and style to your home.

4. Upgrade for Safety

When modifying your home, think about function over form. Safety doesn't have to mean sacrificing style; in fact, many modern solutions offer both.

• Kitchen Cabinets should have easy-to-grip handles to make opening them effortless for everyone.
• Sturdy Furniture that can support more weight ensures stability and confidence in use.
• Non-slip shower floors and plenty of grab bars in the bathroom can prevent accidents in one of the most hazardous areas of the home.
• Adequate lighting with auto-lights for nighttime can prevent trips and falls when visibility is low.
• Handrails at every step and raised toilet heights for comfort make everyday activities easier and safer.

5. Re-arrange for Convenience

Convenience is key. Make sure everything is within easy reach and logically organized to reduce strain and frustration.

• Heavy objects should be stored low, not high, to prevent injuries from lifting.
• Frequently used items should be easily accessible to encourage independence.
• Important documents consolidated in one area can save time and reduce stress during emergencies or routine tasks.
• Consider a ground-floor bedroom and bathroom if stairs become challenging, ensuring all essential spaces are easily accessible.

6. Check for Functionality

Ensure all the essential systems in the home are in working order to avoid unexpected issues:

• Windows, locks, and heaters should be functional to maintain comfort and security.
• Water pumps and septic systems should be ready for the long haul, preventing costly repairs or disruptions.
• Lighting should be bright and long-lasting, minimizing maintenance needs.

Real-Life Example

Over the years, I've made many modifications to ensure my husband can move around safely without being aware of the challenges. For instance, I've replaced sharp-edged coffee tables with soft ottomans to prevent him from nicking his diabetic shins. I've also increased the backs of sofas to make them easier to hold onto when walking by and replaced all shower floors with pebble wash for maximum non-slip. Elegant handrails now adorn every spot with a step or two, and I've swapped out every towel rack for an industrial-grade but beautiful grab bar. Our toilets have been raised for added comfort, and I've switched some dining chairs for those with handles. Bright, colorful dishes and placemats make mealtime more enjoyable for the whole family. These changes have not only improved safety but have also enhanced the aesthetic appeal of our home.

Conclusion

Creating a forever home is an ongoing process. Regularly assess the home for new modifications that could enhance safety and comfort. Services like VivaValet offer full home safety assessments and provide personalized suggestions for your space. The key is to make these modifications long before they become, absolutely, necessary, showing that you're serious about staying put and living comfortably in your own home.

By taking these steps, you're not just creating a safer environment—you're crafting a space that honors the lives of those who have lived the longest. Here's to a happy, healthy, and independent life at home! Feel free to implement these changes and reach out to our professionals if needed. Your safety and comfort are worth it!