Home enhancements assist seniors at home
Patch, a Burlingame-Hillsborough publication, ran an article about the way aging retirees are embracing a new trend dubbed “thriving in place.” They are attracted to the prospect of being able to live comfortably in their homes as long as possible. Fortunately, there are several options that make this trend quite realistic as long as serious health problems don’t interfere.
This trend may be especially popular in California because the state ranks first, among all 50 states, in terms the number of residents over 65 years old.
Home Advisor conducted a poll of 586 homeowners over the age 55 in 2016. These respondents had indicated interest in retrofits for their homes that could simplify life for them. Such retrofits could make it possible for them to remain in their homes for as long as possible as they get older.
Responses to the poll broke down this way:
- 48% focused on bathroom retrofits.
- 24% expressed an interest in re-doing their stairways and entrances.
- 20% zeroed in on kitchen upgrades.
The Patch article stipulated the difference between two terms – “aging in place” and “thriving in place.” The term “aging in place” emphasizes medically-oriented upgrades such as grab bars and wheelchair ramps. On the other hand, “thriving in place” focuses on enhancements geared to making daily life at home as convenient as possible.
Here are a few upgrades included in the “thriving in place” category:
- Lazy Susans
- Pull-out cabinets and shelves; glass cabinet doors
- Shorter cabinet heights
- Replacement of flooring at indoor entrances with non-slip materials
- For homes with stairs, making sure there are rails on both sides of the stairs that are at least one and a half inches in diameter (to fit aging grips).
- Voice activation technology that enables hands-free operation of systems such as appliances and lighting.
- Adding lighting in all entry areas
These are just a few of the home improvements that can make home safer and more convenient for seniors who want to “thrive in place.” For more suggestions regarding home enhancements for seniors, see this article.
