There is no shortage of stories about senior citizens who put up resistance to leaving their homes. Emotional attachment, the comfort of a familiar place, and independence – all are arguments older Americans cite when asked why they don’t want to relocate. Of course, this is quite understandable. However, even when this seems like a favorable option for some family members, it’s not the only one. Consider elderproofing.
According to Rodney Harrell, director of livability thought leadership for AARP, out of 100 million homes across the country, only about 1 percent of them are designed and outfitted for elderly people to safely and comfortably live. All in all, there are things that could be done to an elderly person’s home that will make staying in it easier for all parties involved – elderproofing.
What is Elderproofing?
It’s exactly what it sounds like. Elderproofing is when your modify a home to meet the specific needs of the elderly residents living inside. Modifications can be as easy and quick as adding night lights and changing doorknobs. But, they can be more extensive. For example, adding a stair lift for a stairway or renovating an entire bathroom to make it elder-friendly can be involved.
Universal Design
Home Matters, AARP, the AARP Foundation, Wells Fargo, the Home Depot Foundation and Dwell magazine sponsored a competition among designers and architects. They asked all these professionals to create the home of the future. Many of the entries, including the winning one, incorporated a concept called universal design. This home design incorporates products and elements in such a way that it would be usable by most to all people. This group could include a wide range of ages and physical abilities – not just senior citizens. However, a remodel of an older person’s home could include many of the features found in universal design homes.
Updates to Consider:
- Low or no threshold doorways
- Wide doorways
- Lever types of doorknobs and faucet handles
- Lower countertops
- Shower stalls without curbs
- Open concept floor plan
- Slip resistant floors
- More windows
- Lower placement of light switches
For a more complete list of renovations, check out this checklist found on the National Association of Home Builders website.
Unfortunately, updating a home can seem cost prohibitive. However, consider what it would cost to place a senior in an assisted living facility or nursing home. According to this 2011 article from AARP, an assisted living facility can cost around $40,000; a private room in a nursing home will run about $84,000. Both of these estimates are per year costs. While the cost of an update might be just as expensive, it is a one-time expense. Facility costs are annual and recurring. If you loved ones are in need of quality healthcare consider finding options that allow your loved ones to stay in their homes.
Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) at David York Agency
David York Agency now has a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) credentialed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) on staff and can help you with elderproofing your home to ensure the safety of an elderly loved one. Call today at 908.373.5300 to discuss your situation and schedule a consultation.
At David York Agency, we are committed to providing the personalized and dedicated care that people need as they age. For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us. A free phone consultation can help you decide what services might be best to provide you and your loved one with the assistance you need.
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