Aging in Place: What That Means in the 21st Century

As people grow older, normal, everyday tasks become more difficult. One day they may have no trouble climbing the stairs, while the next, even getting into the shower can take considerable time and effort. To help these people cope with the changes that come with old age, specialists have teamed up with construction contractors to create homes designed for “aging in place.” But what does that mean?

Many elderly individuals may be physically weak, but they are still mentally competent. They want their independence, they want to keep their home and they want to live out the remainder of their lives in their family home surrounded by the people and possessions that they love. Nursing homes and communities for the elderly are not designed to give people those feelings—nor were they designed for people with a strong mental capacity. It is not fair to send an aging loved one to a home just because he or she has trouble standing in the shower or navigating split levels, but what’s the alternative?

 

Modifications made to the home.

 

Aging in place experts consult with construction companies to develop designs that can be implemented into a person’s current home. From modifying a home with split levels so that it is one flat level to installing shower seats and electric chair lifts for the stairs, there are dozens of modifications a contractor can make to a home to make it safer and more convenient for an aging individual. Modifications vary depending on a person’s needs and can include any of the following:

 

• Adding handlebars to showers and by the toilet.
• Adding non-slip floors to the showers and bathroom floors.
• Adding a bathroom to the first floor of the home.
• Installing a shower seat.
• Installing an electric chair lift on the stairs.
• Replacing porch steps with a ramp.
• Widening the hallways for easier access with a wheelchair.

 

There are several modifications a person can make to their home to make it safer for them as they age. If you are interested in learning more about aging in place and what it might mean for you, reach out to your local contractors for a consultation and estimate today.