Aging in place is a more popular goal today than ever before. Approximately two-thirds of baby boomers plan to stay in their home through their golden years. The rise in long-term care costs (i.e. retirement communities, independent living, assisted living) has a lot to do with it, as do technology and available services like meal and grocery delivery.

If your goal is to maintain your independence and stay in the home where many of your memories were made, you need to think about modifying your home to ensure it stays safe and accessible. Here are some necessary home modifications for seniors who wish to age in place.

Ramps

One of the most basic changes to make to your home is installing threshold ramps. These ramps help prevent tripping and allow for easy maneuvering by scooters, wheelchairs, walkers, and foot traffic. They can be placed in the main entry, as well as over any small rises or steps throughout the home. You may want to consider having a modular entrance ramp installed. Aluminum modular ramps are lightweight and can be installed over all outdoor steps and rises.

Bathrooms

As we age, bathrooms can become the most dangerous areas of the home. It’s essential to assess the risk factors in your bathroom and to be open-minded about making any necessary changes — particularly to the shower/bathtub. For instance, grab bars can make your tub safer and more accessible; they’re typically inexpensive and can be installed in a few hours. Shower/bathtub chairs and benches are also relatively inexpensive, and they can go a long way in making your shower or bath safe, relaxing, and pleasant. Adding walk-in and zero-entry showers can also be a great option, though they can get quite expensive.

Doorways

While widening your doorways is not the easiest of projects, it’s essential for keeping you able to move around in your home. This is especially true if you use or will use a walker, wheelchair, or other mobility aid. You may need to hire an experienced contractor to widen your doorways, as well as an electrician to relocate light switches, but you may be able to modify some doorways yourself. For instance, if there are any doorways where you don’t need a door, you could remove the door, door frame, and trim to gain about four inches in width.

Floors

Many trips and falls happen because of loose carpeting and/or rugs, so you should replace any worn out carpeting or rugs. While carpeting is a comfortable option, it’s important for it not to be over a one-half inch tall because a long pile can make it hard to maneuver when using a mobility aid. Cork, vinyl, rubber, linoleum, hardwood, and laminate flooring can all be good options for seniors, and each has its advantages. Try to steer clear of natural stone, ceramic/porcelain tile, area rugs, and transitions.

Cabinets

Along with making space and relocating appliances to make daily necessities in your kitchen accessible, modifying your cabinets is one of the best things you can do for aging in place. Cabinets should be easy to reach, so lowering them may be necessary (three inches for standard cabinets). Also, installing cabinet slide out shelves like these can help ensure you have easy access to the items in your cabinets. Such pull out shelves will also help you maximize storage in your lower cabinets and can significantly reduce back strain.

Modifying your home is a necessity if you plan on remaining there in your golden years. Start looking into installing ramps, widening doorways, and changing out your floors. Also, consider making vital modifications to your bathroom and cabinetry. The sooner you start planning and making changes, the more likely you’ll be able to age in place safely and comfortably.

Harry Cline

Author of The A-Z Home Care Handbook

Owner of  http://newcaregiver.org

1. Get Organized

One of the reasons that people hesitate to downsize is they look around their homes and can’t imagine packing up and moving all of it. Keep in mind that downsizing involves more than moving to a smaller home; it means decreasing the amount of stuff you have so you can comfortably live in that smaller home. The key to getting started is getting organized.

A cluttered home is more than an eyesore; it’s a living environment that hinders your creativity and contributes to your stress and anxiety. Indeed, Psychology Today examines five ways that clutter negatively affects you:

• Clutter makes you feel like your home environment is hostile instead of friendly
• Clutter leads to unhealthy eating
• Clutter harms your mental health
• Clutter leads to less efficient visual processing
• Clutter hinders your ability to think

Thus, decluttering is the first step toward getting organized; you have to determine what you want to keep before you can determine where to put it.

It’s best to start your decluttering and organizing mission in the bedroom. As HomeAdvisor puts it, “Your bedroom should be a clean, clutter-free, serene space where you can relax. Too often, it’s a catch-all for clothes that don’t fit in the closet, laundry that needs to be done, and stored items seem to keep creeping out from under the bed where you thought they were out of sight, out of mind.”

Tackle the piles in your bedroom. Be honest about which clothes you no longer wear and donate them. If you have things under your bed, there’s a good chance you don’t use them often and likely don’t need them. Sort your stuff into three piles: keep, donate and trash. Once you’ve decluttered and organized your bedroom, move on to the next room until you’ve done your entire home. After all, you have to complete this process to know exactly how much space you will need in your new home.

This also is the time to involve your family in your mission. If you have items that you want them to have, arrange for them to collect them sooner, rather than later. Be prepared for your family to decline your offers, however. As the Boston Globe reports, baby boomers are finding their adult children don’t want their possessions. Try not to take it personally, as your family members are trying to downsize as well.

2. Make Moving Go Smoothly

 Fortunately, you will save yourself hassle and money by downsizing your belongings before moving to your smaller place. One option is to pack and label boxes as you sort your stuff and organize your existing home. Another option is to hire a full-service moving company that will pack, move and unpack your belongings.

No matter which option you choose, keep in mind that you should have help on moving day. When you hire movers, you not only ensure that you stay safe by not lifting items that are too heavy for you, but you also give yourself the freedom to oversee the move and make sure fragile items are handled properly. Also, be sure to double-check that your furniture and appliances are where you want them before your help leaves for the day.

3. Take Advantage of Storage Options

Downsizing can be emotional for seniors who find it difficult to leave a family home and part with items they’ve owned for a long time. If it’s hard to part with some things, rent a storage unit. You’ll rest easier knowing that you did not part with all of your belongings, and you will have a better idea of which items you can live without. In fact, if you can go for six months to one year without using something, it’s time to donate, sell or trash it.

Downsizing is doable for seniors. Start by getting organized. Then, hire help to make moving go smoothly and rent a storage unit if you have some reservations about downsizing.

Harry Cline
Author of The A-Z Home Care Handbook
Owner of  http://newcaregiver.org