Care Coordinator with Friends Life Care Nancy Thomas, MS, OTR/L, CAPS sat down to share her expertise on home modifications that can help older adults age in place. Nancy has a background in occupational therapy and is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). She answered a commonly asked question: How do you make your home safer for aging in place? 

There are many areas throughout the home that can become more difficult to navigate as we age, but there are modifications you can make to create a safer, more accessible space to live as you get older. 

Stairways 

Stairways are a common area of concern for many people. Here are some recommendations for making sure you can get up and down your stairs with greater ease. 

One option is to put handrails on both sides of your stairway. This provides extra support as you walk up and down the stairs. If that option does not match your level of need, another option is to install a chair lift in the home. A chair lift is mechanically installed along the stairs and runs on a track to help you safely travel up and down. 

When it comes to the exterior of your home, a good option for making it easier to get in and out could be installing a ramp. This can be especially helpful for people who use assisted walking devices. If you only have a short-term need for a mobility device, such as after an injury or procedure, there are also options to rent a ramp for your home. 

Lighting 

An important part of maintaining a safe space is making sure you have proper lighting, especially if you find that your vision is declining. You want to make sure you have adequate lighting in areas that may have a higher risk for falls. 

This can include your stairways or the pathway between your bedroom and bathroom. If you are someone who frequently wakes up during the night to use the bathroom, illuminating the walking path from your bed to your bathroom can help make it easier to safely navigate your home.

Doorknobs

A common issue people face as they age is arthritis, which can cause pain and swelling in the joints. When this happens, opening doors can become more difficult. 

A simple way to keep your doors easier to open and access is by replacing traditional doorknobs with door levers. Door levers typically do not require as much grip strength as a traditional doorknob. 

Bathrooms 

Bathrooms are another common area where people consider modifications when planning to age in place. Grab bars are one relatively easy way to make a bathroom safer. They can be installed near toilets and both inside and outside showers to provide additional stability. It is important to use products specifically designed as grab bars rather than towel racks and to make sure they are properly installed and anchored so they can support a person’s weight. 

A shower chair or shower bench can also be helpful, especially for someone experiencing changes in lower-body strength or balance. Pairing a shower chair with a removable shower head can make it easier to reach different areas without having to twist or reposition your body as much while showering.

Friends Life Care Safer Home Study 

How safe is your home? Download our free Safer Home Study to assess areas throughout your home, from stairways and bathrooms to kitchens, entrances, living spaces, and more. Use the checklist to identify potential areas where changes could help make your home safer and more accessible as you age. 

Click Here to Download the Free Safer Home Study

Watch Nancy share more tips for adapting your home to make it safer and more accessible as you age on the Friends Life Care YouTube channel.