Most people prefer to age in their own homes, not simply because it feels most familiar and comforting, but because it helps them maintain a feeling of independence. But as eyesight starts to fail and mobility falter, oftentimes a tug of war begins between wishing to fulfill a parent’s desires to remain home and believing the parent may be unsafe at home.
However, there are ways to win both sides of this argument. A few home modifications and a little extra care from a compassionate, experienced caregiver can make all the difference. What should a home contain to age in place?
- A master bedroom and bath on the first floor
- A low or no-threshold entrance to the home with an overhang
- Lever-style door handles
- No change in levels on the main floor
- Bright lighting in all areas, especially places like stairways
- A low-maintenance exterior
- Non-slip flooring at the main entryway
- An open floor plan, especially in the kitchen/dining area
- Handrails at all steps
These are just a few tips. To read more, click here, or for a free in-home safety assessment, call (603) 217-0149.
