Aging in place gracefully is the goal for many seniors who want to remain in their homes as long as possible. However, most homes require renovations and upgrades to make them safer and more accessible as we age. According to home improvement experts, there are several key projects seniors should prioritize if they want their homes to accommodate their evolving needs. Here are some of the best aging in place renovations to tackle right away, according to the pros.

Improve the Entryways

Adding a ramp, widening doorways, installing grab bars, and improving lighting at all entrances make coming and going safer and easier. According to Rachel Burger, a certified aging-in-place specialist, “It’s critical to ensure all entryways are senior-friendly to avoid falls and injuries.” Here are some entryway upgrades she recommends:

Install a Wheelchair Ramp

For seniors who use wheelchairs or walkers, a ramp allows easy access without having to struggle with steps. Ramps should have a gentle slope no steeper than 1 inch of rise per 1 foot of ramp length. The ideal ramp width is at least 36 inches. Make sure the ramp surface has a non-slip finish.

Widen Doorways

Doors should be at least 32 inches wide to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. If your doorways are narrower, consider widening them or replacing the doors. Install offset hinges to increase the passage space in tight doorways.

Add Grab Bars

Install sturdy grab bars on both sides of doorways so seniors have support transitioning in and out. Use screw-in bars rather than suction or tension mounts for the most secure hold. Place bars 32-36 inches apart at a height of 33-36 inches.

Improve Outdoor Lighting

Motion sensor lights at all entryways and along the pathway illuminate the way at night. Stairways should have light switches at the top and bottom. Increase wattage in existing fixtures for brighter illumination.

Renovate the Bathroom

Bathrooms pose many risks for the elderly if they are not designed for accessibility and safety. Make renovating and updating bathrooms a top priority for aging-in-place projects. Here are some key elements the experts recommend:

Install Grab Bars

Just like at entryways, grab bars provide stability and support in the bathroom. Install bars at toilets, showers, and tubs to assist with transfers and prevent slips. Use at least 1 1⁄2 inch diameter bars. Anchor into studs for maximum strength.

Add a Walk-in or Curbless Shower

Step-over tubs become nearly impossible to use safely as mobility decreases. Replace bathtubs with curbless or low threshold showers that allow easy access. Install a fold-down seat and a hand-held shower head. If keeping a tub, add grab bars and a transfer bench.

Check Floor Surfaces

Replace any carpeting with an easy-to-clean, slip-resistant surface. Tile, vinyl, and linoleum work well and have TEXTURE to provide traction even when wet. Install non-slip mats or strips inside the tub/shower.

Install Comfort Height Toilet

Standard toilets are too low and difficult for seniors to get on and off. Swap out for a comfort height toilet that is 2-3 inches higher to reduce strain. Also, consider adding grab bars around the toilet for leverage.

Improve Lighting and Ventilation

Increase lighting throughout the bathroom and add nightlights. Adequate illumination prevents falls. Also, improve ventilation by adding vents and fans to prevent mold/mildew accumulation.

Update Flooring

Tripping hazards from uneven floors or carpeting must be addressed to prevent dangerous falls. The National Council on Aging recommends these flooring fixes:

Remove Throw Rugs

Small rugs that can slide are one of the top causes of falls in the elderly. Permanently remove all area rugs, runners, and mats to keep pathways clear. Only use rugs with rubber backing if absolutely necessary.

Replace Carpet Stairs with Hard Surface

Carpeting on stairs is another major tripping danger. Swap out carpeted stairs with wood, tile, linoleum, or low-pile carpet for improved safety and visibility of edges. Also add grip strips on edges.

Repair Uneven Surfaces

Fix any buckled or cracked flooring, raised edges between rooms, and uneven transitions between floor types. These variances are easy to trip on. Sand and seal cracks and gaps or replace damaged flooring.

Install Non-Slip Flooring

Replace slick flooring materials like tile, laminate, and hardwood with textured, non-slip choices. Good options include slip-resistant vinyl, linoleum sheet flooring, cork, bamboo, and hardwood with a matte finish.

Improve Indoor Lighting

As we age, we need 3 times more ambient light to see as clearly as when we were younger, according to the American Foundation for the Blind. Here are some lighting improvements to illuminate the home:

Upgrade Bulbs

Use the highest wattage recommended for each fixture. LED and CFL bulbs provide brighter light using less energy. Avoid fluorescent lighting which can flicker and exacerbate vision issues.

Add More Lighting

Increase illumination throughout the home by installing additional fixtures, wall sconces, under-cabinet lights, and table/floor lamps. Place lights to avoid glare and eliminate shadows in walkways.

Install Dimmer Switches

Dimmers allow adjusting light levels. Use dimmers for overhead lights to control brightness. Place rocker switches within easy reach. Consider clapper-style switches to turn lights on/off hands-free.

Use Nightlights

Install plug-in or battery-operated nightlights to illuminate paths between bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. Place motion sensor lights in stairways and hallways that automatically turn on when you pass through.

Improve Railings and Stair Safety

Unstable railings and stairs make falling more likely. The NIH reports over 80% of falls happen on stairs, ramps or steps. Here are some upgrades to prevent injuries:

Check Railing Stability

Grab rails should be anchored into wall framing, not just drywall. Ensure they do not shift or wobble when leaned on. Replace any questionable railings for peace of mind.

Add Railings to Both Sides of Stairs

Stairs wider than 36 inches should have a railing on each side for support going up and down. Railings should be 1 1⁄4 – 2 inches wide and installed at a consistent height of 34-38 inches.

Improve Grip on Steps

Add peel-and-stick anti-slip strips to wooden steps for better traction. Replace carpeted stairs with no-slip rubber treads. Improve visibility by painting a contrasting color strip along step edges.

Increase Stairway Lighting

Ensure stairs are brightly illuminated day and night. Install light fixtures at the top and bottom. Use motion sensor or self-illuminated switches for easy access even in the dark.

Add a Chairlift or Elevator

For multistory homes, installing a stair lift, inclined platform lift elevator provides an alternative to stairs when mobility becomes limited. Get professional help choosing and installing the lift.

Update Kitchen Appliances and Layout

The kitchen presents many potential dangers to seniors including hot surfaces, knives, and slip/fall risks. Adapt the space with safe, accessible updates:

Replace Appliances

Upgrade to front controls on the stove/range so contents are visible without reaching over potentially hot burners. Side-swing ovens, pull-out refrigerator drawers, and touch-activated faucets make using appliances easier.

Lower Upper Cabinets

Upper cabinets should be low enough to reach without using a step stool, preferably 15 inches or less above the counter. Lower cabinets to a safe height or remove uppers altogether and install shelves.

Improve Task Lighting

Add adjustable under-cabinet lighting to illuminate food prep areas without glare. Place lights under upper cabinets to spotlight the countertop workspace.

Organize Frequently Used Items

Keep regularly used pans, dishes, and food items within easy reach in lower cabinets and drawers. Install pull-out shelving, Lazy Susans, and door racks for organized storage access.

Replace Flooring

Kitchens are prone to spills. Replace slick flooring with textured, non-slip choices. Add waterproof mats in front of the sink and stove. Use rug pads or double-sided tape to keep small rugs from shifting.

Create an Accessible Bedroom and Bathroom on the First Floor

For multi-level homes, adding a first floor bedroom and accessible bathroom makes daily living much easier if stairs become challenging. This allows aging in place comfortably, according to Rhonda Mays, an occupational therapist specializing in home modifications. She suggests:

Convert a First Floor Room into a Bedroom

Space permitting, turn a dining room, office, or large living area into a makeshift first floor master suite. This avoids using stairs multiple times daily for self-care tasks.

Build an Accessible Bathroom Nearby

Add a walk-in shower, comfort height toilet, grab bars, and adequate lighting. Install non-slip flooring. Make wide doorways to accommodate wheelchairs/walkers.

Add Closet and Storage Space

Bring in a wardrobe or armoire for clothing storage. Install shelves and medicine cabinets. Have a safe and accessible place to store daily necessities nearby.

Improve Access to Laundry Facilities

Stackable front loading washers and dryers allow access for those in wheelchairs. Raise machines on pedestals if needed. Add laundry chutes to send clothes from upper floors to the accessible laundry room.

Create an Accessible Home Office

More seniors continue working from home later in life. Ensure home workspaces can accommodate changing physical abilities, suggests Jen Little, an ergonomics consultant. She recommends:

Have Clear Floor Space

Arrange furnishings to allow a wheelchair or walker to maneuver easily. Remove clutter and small rugs. Have at least 32 inches clearance along pathways.

Adjust Workstation Heights

Use adjustable height desks to find the ideal work surface height for reaching and typing comfort, whether seated or standing. Raise monitors and keyboards for better ergonomics.

Support Proper Posture

Use supportive chairs with multiple adjustment options to customize comfort and support. Place feet firmly on the floor or footrest when seated. Place monitors at eye level.

Control Glare and Lighting

Position workstations perpendicular to windows to avoid screen glare. Use adjustable task lighting. Install blackout shades to darken the room as needed. Use matte screens to minimize glare.

Keep Needed Items Within Reach

Mount a monitor arm to move the screen closer as needed. Use a headset for calls. Install organizers and shelving for handy access to office supplies, electronics, and reference materials.

Make the Yard and Outdoor Spaces Safe

For seniors who want to continue gardening, grilling, and relaxing outdoors, assessing and removing risks makes independence possible. Landscape designer James Hill suggests addressing these common concerns:

Improve Lighting Outdoors

Install motion sensor lights at all exterior doors and along pathways and stairs. Use handrails equipped with LEDs on steps and decks. Have adequate lighting around grilling and seating areas for evening use.

Remove Trip Hazards

Eliminate uneven pavers, rocks, and transitions between surfaces. Fill in depressions and holes. Use gravel, mulch, or vegetation to cover any areas that tend to get muddy and slippery when wet.

Store Tools/Supplies Accessibly

Use mounted organizers, rolling carts, and mobile storage benches to keep gardening tools and grilling accessories within reach but off the ground. Eliminate the need for bending and lifting.

Install Robust Railings

Ensure porches, decks, and patios have sturdy and stable railings for support. Use closed-in railings rather than open balusters for optimal grip when leaning. Paint rails a contrasting color for better visibility.

Prune/Remove Hazardous Vegetation

Trim back or remove plants that impede walkways. Cut away low hanging tree limbs. Keep the yard clutter and leaf-free. Prune thorny plants and poisonous species. Service annual maintenance on trees.

Create a Safe and Accessible Garage/Storage Area

Staying organized and keeping clutter at bay helps make homes more livable. Rhonda Brunner, an occupational therapist and accessibility consultant offers garage and storage solutions:

Install Shelving and Cabinets

Add easy-access shelving, cabinets, hooks, bins, and organizers to keep essentials handy while minimizing bending and lifting storage totes. Label and sort supplies into categories.

Improve Lighting

Upgrade lighting with energy efficient LED fixtures. Add lights over work benches and near stairways. Use motion sensor lights in darker corners. Consider adding remote controlled lights to easily illuminate as needed.

Remove Trip/Fall Hazards

Discard piles of newspapers, boxes, or other clutter. Sweep and mop floors regularly. Outline post and shelving edges with bright paint for better visibility. Cover drains and mark ramp transitions.

Accommodate Reduced Mobility

Lower shelves and mount storage at an accessible height. Use rolling carts or portable containers to transport heavy/awkward items. Install an electric garage door opener and keep remotes handy.

Store Chemicals Safely

Move harsh chemicals like paint stripper and car batteries to sturdy, locked storage units placed low to the ground. This keeps potentially toxic substances away from pets/kids and avoids spills.

Summary

There are many changes that can optimize homes for safety, accessibility, and ease of living as we grow older. Focus first on renovations that reduce fall risks, improve accessibility, and make daily self-care and household activities more manageable. Entryways, flooring, bathrooms, lighting, and kitchens typically need the most modifications. Stair lifts, bedroom/bathroom additions, and garage upgrades can also allow comfortable aging in place. Consult an occupational therapist, certified aging-in-place specialist or accessibility professional for personalized home assessment and modification recommendations. With proper home adaptations, you can remain independently and comfortably in your own home well into your golden years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aging in Place Renovations

What are the most critical home upgrades for seniors?

The most important aging in place renovations focus on safety and accessibility. Priority upgrades include installing grab bars in bathrooms and hallways, improving lighting throughout the home, removing tripping hazards like area rugs and raised thresholds, adding handrails and stair lifts, and creating step-free entryways and showers.

How much do aging in place renovations cost?

Costs vary considerably based on the size of your home and how many modifications are needed. However, expect to spend around $3,000-$5,000 per project area. Some simple DIY upgrades like improving lighting and removing throw rugs cost little. Adding stair lifts, converting rooms, and major bathroom overhauls have higher price tags.

Where can I find funding sources for home modifications?

Many programs help seniors pay for accessibility renovations. Medicaid waivers, VA benefits, Medicare Advantage plans, Older Americans Act funding, USDA loans and grants, and state/local programs can offset costs. Non-profits like Rebuilding Together and religious groups do pro-bono home modifications for low-income homeowners.

What order should I do aging in place renovations?

Focus first on the most urgent safety risks like tripping hazards, lack of handrails, and unsafe flooring. Next, tackle bathrooms and kitchens which are used daily. Finally, add major accessibility features like first floor master suites, elevators, and stair lifts that require professional installation.

Who can help assess what home modifications I need?

Start with an occupational therapist to evaluate your unique physical abilities and challenges. They can tailor recommendations to improve safety and accessibility specific to your needs. Also consider hiring a certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS) or a home inspector with aging-in-place expertise.

Should I move into senior housing instead of renovating my home?

Moving to senior living is an alternative if your current home is impractical or cost-prohibitive to renovate. However, many prefer aging in their own homes and can do so with targeted upgrades. Consider your expected physical abilities, timeline for needed changes, and budget when deciding.

Conclusion

Aging gracefully in your own home is possible with prudent renovations. Safety and accessibility should be the focus when deciding which projects to tackle first. Thoroughly evaluate your evolving physical abilities and daily habits. With expert guidance on the most beneficial home adaptations, you can live independently and comfortably for years to come. With proper planning and home improvements, your house can truly become a lifelong home.

The Best Aging in Place Renovations to Do ASAP, According to Pros

Aging in place gracefully is a goal for many seniors who want to remain independently in their own homes. However, most homes require renovations and upgrades to make them safer and more accessible. According to experts, these are some of the best aging in place projects to prioritize:

Improve Entryways

Add ramps, widen doors, install grab bars, and improve lighting at entrances and exits. These enhancements allow safer mobility transitioning in and out of the home.

Update Bathrooms

Bathrooms need grab bars, walk-in/curbless showers, non-slip floors, comfortable toilets, and better lighting. These modifications reduce the risks of slips and falls.

Improve Flooring

Replace trip hazards like rugs and uneven surfaces. Install non-slip vinyl, wood, or tile flooring. These improvements help prevent dangerous falls.

Upgrade Lighting

Increase wattage, add more fixtures, install dimmers, and use nightlights. Boosting illumination improves visibility and reduces risks.

Improve Stairs and Railings

Fix damaged steps, add grip strips, install sturdy railings and chair lifts, and increase stairway lighting. These enhancements help prevent injuries.

Update Kitchen Appliances and Layout

Install safer, accessible appliances and reorgan