4 Easy (& Safe) Steps to Senior Home Modifications

“Getting older is tough” has become the mantra that my Mother-in-Law recites quite frequently these days. And, you what? It truly is. I have come to learn that there are so many obstacles to navigate in the ever-shifting landscape of aging in place. In addition to the physical, health, and emotional changes you may be experiencing, understanding what is next for you, can be very overwhelming and quite challenging. 

Where you will live is one of the bigger decisions you will have to make. When asked, 80% of Seniors state that they would prefer to remain in their homes. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, I would imagine that percentage will continue to increase, as we witness the spread of the virus through care facilities in the U.S., despite their best efforts to contain it.  But this pandemic has also sparked innovations that help support Seniors as they social distance in their homes; making things that seemed as impossible before the pandemic like telemedicine, delivery services and virtual caregiving, possible. 

The most important factor to consider, if your plan is to remain in your home, is what modifications or changes are necessary in order to make it safe and accessible. If you are like most, you are probably asking yourself: What do I need? How can I do this? Who can help me with this? And, Where do I start? 

The following are a few simple steps you can take to answer those questions.

Step 1: Home Assessment

Think about your daily routine as you move about your home, are you experiencing any physical limitations or having difficulty accessing anything? Moving beyond your current issues, do you have any progressive conditions that may present any limitations/issues for you in your home in the future? With these answers in mind, take a survey of each room and your entry/exit points of your home for areas that are or may become problematic for you. The AARP offers a HomeFit Guide that you can utilize to assess your home for potential problems. Click here for a copy. 

The AARP recommends that you work with a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) who has the knowledge and training to conduct a thorough in-home assessment and can identify potential risks and issues beyond the general AARP guide. 

Step 2: Create a Plan

Once you have identified potential risks and issues within your home, next it is time to formulate a plan to address those issues. You can research ways and products to remedy the findings in your assessment and determine which to prioritize based on your budget and needs. 

If you want to spend less time researching and make this process easier on yourself, I would recommend working with a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (as mentioned in Step 1). After getting to know you and your needs and conducting a thorough assessment of your home, they can create a plan that will detail all recommended modifications and the specialized products or equipment. Your health and accessibility issues are as unique as the home you live in; so your plan is customized to suit your specific needs.

Step 3: Home Modifications

Now that you have identified your potential issues within your home and researched the solution, now it is time to find someone to make the modifications. Be sure to select contractors that are licensed, bonded, insured, and have a good standing in your community. Finding local contractors that have specialized training or certifications in Senior home modifications is a bonus. If durable medical equipment is included in your modification plan, the DME Distributor will usually provide or can recommend installation services for their products. 

Step 4: Enjoy the Safety and Comfort of Home

Many of us want to stay in the home where we have established a lifetime of memories, friends, and a sense of familiarity. Now you can safely and comfortably enjoy it after completing your modifications.  

As stated above: “Getting older is tough!” Let Brady Senior Homes Solutions make Aging in Place easier for you by managing the entire home modification process. As Certified Aging in Place Specialists, we will conduct a thorough home safety assessment, create your customized solutions plan and manage your entire project, from beginning to completion.  We partner with contractors that are licensed, insured, bonded, and have completed a background check to ensure your safety and security. To learn more, schedule your free phone consultation here.