By far, the most popular blog we’ve had recently is about Universal Design – the process of making your home accessible for people of all ages and abilities. It creates an easier and safer environment for everyone and has the added benefit of allowing individuals to remain in their homes longer as they age.
I recommend everyone, regardless of age, consider incorporating Universal Design into your home. It’s helpful for your entire family and is a unique and highly desirable selling feature if/when you decide to sell your home. As a Senior Real Estate Specialist, it’s also something I look for when searching for homes for my clients to consider.
A recent AARP article recommends nine changes everyone should consider for the kitchen including:
Real estate agents sell houses and help people find houses but, on occasion, I’ve advised clients that their best move may be no move at all. If you love a home and are able to age in place, that may be your best option. I’ll be here to facilitate a sale or purchase when the time comes, but I am committed to always doing what’s best for my clients.
Fortunately for all of us, there are a lot of wonderful organizations who are experts in helping families right-size and make adjustments needed so that seniors can safely age in place.
Senior relocation company Caring Transitions created a brief guide to “Bringing Rightsizing and Age in Place Modifications Together.”
(Posted with permission from Caring Transitions of Northeast Atlanta) As we age, it’s important to consider how our living space can support our changing needs. Aging in place home modifications can help seniors maintain their independence and stay in their homes for as long as possible. Combining these modifications with rightsizing, or downsizing to a more manageable living space, can create a safe and comfortable environment for seniors.
Assess Your Home for Safety and Accessibility. Before making any modifications to your home, it’s important to assess your current living space for safety and accessibility. This includes identifying potential hazards such as loose rugs, uneven flooring, and narrow doorways. You should also consider the accessibility of your home, including the placement of light switches, electrical outlets, and other fixtures. By identifying potential safety and accessibility issues, you can create a plan for making the necessary modifications to your home to ensure a safe and comfortable living space for seniors.
Prioritize Modifications Based on Needs and Budget. When it comes to combining rightsizing and aging in place home modifications, it’s important to prioritize modifications based on both needs and budget. Start by identifying the most critical modifications that need to be made to ensure safety and accessibility in the home. This may include installing grab bars in the bathroom, widening doorways, or adding a stairlift. Once these critical modifications have been made, you can then focus on making additional modifications that will enhance comfort and convenience. Remember to consider your budget when making modifications and look for cost-effective solutions that will still meet your needs.
Consider Universal Design Principles. When combining rightsizing and aging in place home modifications, it’s important to consider universal design principles. Universal design is the concept of designing products and spaces that are accessible and usable by people of all ages and abilities. This means incorporating features like zero-step entrances, lever door handles, and adjustable height countertops. By incorporating universal design principles into your home modifications, you can create a space that is not only safe and comfortable for seniors, but also for visitors and family members of all ages and abilities.
Work with a Professional to Ensure Quality and Safety. When it comes to combining rightsizing and aging in place home modifications, it’s important to work with a professional to ensure that the modifications are done safely and effectively. A professional can help you assess your home and determine which modifications are necessary to create a safe and comfortable living space for seniors. They can also ensure that the modifications are done in compliance with local building codes and regulations. Additionally, a professional can help you select the right products and materials to ensure that the modifications are of high quality and will last for years to come.
As seniors age in place, it’s important to make modifications to their homes to ensure safety and comfort. Design for aging in place includes home modifications such as grab bars, non-slip flooring, and wider doorways. These modifications can help seniors maintain their independence and reduce the risk of falls.
In addition to home modifications, age in place home care can provide assistance with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and transportation. Rightsizing and aging in place together can also be beneficial, as it allows seniors to declutter and downsize their living space while still maintaining their independence. Caring Transitions offers professional guidance and support for these transitions, as well as assistance with estate planning and other services. By incorporating these strategies and seeking professional help when needed, seniors can age in place with peace of mind and improved quality of life.
If you are interested in Caring Transitions for relocation or estate liquidation services, contact Mike DeLeon.
It’s quickly becoming a buzz phrase — universal design. But what is it exactly and how might it affect you? It’s especially important for people who want to age in place. As well, it will give you an idea of features to look for if you’re interested in moving into a senior living community.
The National Association of Homebuilders says the most common features include:
No-step entry. No one needs to use stairs to get into a universal home or into the home’s main rooms.
One-story living. Places to eat, use the bathroom and sleep are all located on one level, which is barrier-free.
Wide doorways. Doorways that are 32-36 inches wide let wheelchairs pass through. They also make it easy to move big things in and out of the house.
Wide hallways. Hallways should be 36-42 inches wide. That way, everyone and everything moves more easily from room to room.
Extra floor space. Everyone feel less cramped. And people in wheelchairs have more space to turn.
Some universal design features just make good sense. Once you bring them into your home, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. For example:
Floors and bathtubs with non-slip surfaces help everyone stay on their feet. They’re not just for people who are frail. The same goes for handrails on steps and grab bars in bathrooms.
Thresholds that are flush with the floor make it easy for a wheelchair to get through a doorway. They also keep others from tripping.
Good lighting helps people with poor vision. And it helps everyone else see better, too.
Lever door handles and rocker light switches are great for people with poor hand strength. But others like them too. Try using these devices when your arms are full of packages. You’ll never go back to knobs or standard switches.
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