Most of us want to age in place, but the truth is few of us are willing to consider the realities of what this involves. This is, of course, understandable; none of us want to think about our health and mobility deteriorating. However, the longer we put off the decision of where we are going to spend our final years, the harder we make it for ourselves and for our families. Essentially, the decision comes down to this: Are you going to modify your current home to make it senior-friendly, or are you going to move somewhere suited to an older person’s needs? Accessibility Modifications There are a few easy modifications you can make to your house to make it accessible for someone with mobility issues. As a minimum, you should look into implementing the following: ● Grab bars next to all toilets, baths, and showers. These are important because up to 80 percent of trips and falls happen in the bathroom, and this can be easily avoided. ● Kitchen cupboards at an accessible height so that you can reach everything without having to climb onto a ladder or chair. ● Door handles and faucets that operate on a downward lever motion rather than a “grab and twist” one, as the latter can be difficult to use for people with arthritis. ● Non-slip rugs or mats placed in high-traffic areas of the home and anywhere that is likely to get wet and slippery, such as the kitchen and bathroom. There are, of course, more extensive (and expensive) renovations you can do to make your home accessible. For instance, a stair lift could help you navigate a house on several floors, but it can cost $2,000 to $5,000 for the simplest models. You could also replace the flooring in your house with a non-slip material such as cork or vinyl, bearing in mind that you should also account for how wheelchair-friendly it is. If you do choose to do a more complex renovation, it is recommended that you work with Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist with the National Association of Home Builders. You can find one in your area on the NAHB website. Moving to a New Home For many, aging in place means growing old in the home they have lived in for many years. However, this is not always possible or realistic. If the structural design of the home is not accommodating to the changing needs of old age, you may have to move. It is never too soon to do this — in fact, you are better off downsizing and moving to a more practical home while you are still fit and healthy. Realtor.com lists waiting too long as one of the biggest mistakes people make when downsizing. The process will be easier on you physically and mentally if you are not working with a deadline or under pressure from your family. You will need to start by finding out the average price of a home in your area. As a general rule, you can assume that a two-bedroom single-story home will be cheaper than the average. For instance, homes in Port Ludlow, Washington, typically sell for $465,000, but an accessible home would likely be closer to the $200,000 and $300,000 mark. On some listings websites, you will be able to use online filters to search for accessible homes in your area. However, it may still be beneficial to work with a realtor given that your requirements are likely to be quite specific. Ultimately, you will need to carefully weigh your options when it comes to deciding whether to renovate or move. It can be a difficult decision, but it is important to be practical rather than emotional. Can your current house realistically serve your needs in your old age? Are small improvements enough to ensure you can live there independently? Is it perhaps simply too big for you? By tackling these questions head-on now, you are empowering yourself to make your old age comfortable, safe, and independent. Rife machine, Zapper or Beck machine can help you with health issues, and the prevention of any health issues.
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