For many Southern Maryland residents, they’re living in their dream homes and they have no plans of leaving. But sometimes, our homes can pose new challenges as we age. Or perhaps aging in place isn’t something you’re thinking about for yourself yet, but you have an older parent or family member living with you, and you want your home to be as safe and accessible as possible for them. Whatever the case, there are many reasons why homeowners may be curious about how to make their home more aging friendly. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Prepare Your Stairs

Stairs can be one of the biggest challenges for older homeowners who want to age in place. Getting up and down the stairs can start to become a danger, and it’s important to properly assess this risk. If you’re just needing a little more stability, ensure your railings are secure and easy to use while going up or down the stairs. It’s also important to ensure there’s proper lighting in your staircase and that the switches are accessible from both the top and bottom of the steps. If climbing the stairs has started to pose a real challenge, some homeowners even consider a stairlift to ensure they can safely get up and down.

Slip-Proof Your Bathroom

Bathrooms are full of slippery surfaces, and avoiding falls is an important element of safely aging in place. Homeowners can make sure they have grippy bath mats to step on instead of a slippery tile floor. They can also ensure they have something on the floor of the shower or bath, like adhesive strips or a plastic mat, to make that surface less slippery. Installing some hand bars can also be useful for older people to continue safely using their bathroom.

Increase Your Lighting

We mentioned lighting in the staircase, but good lighting is important everywhere. Especially if you’re someone who might be getting up in the middle of the night to walk to the bathroom or kitchen, you want to be able to see your path clearly. Homeowners can consider adding additional lighting or even installing automated lighting that turns on when you enter a room. It’s also key to think about lighting outside the home as well. Making sure the driveway and any paths to your home are well lit.

Create an Easy Entry

In addition to good lighting, you’ll also want to think about the entryway more generally. Is there a way to get into your home without using stairs? Is this something you could easily create with a ramp if needed? Thinking about these things in advance can help you better navigate challenges when they arise.

Schedule Your Maintenance

Finally, if you or someone you love is wanting to safely age in place, another essential consideration is maintenance. Things like snow removal, chimney inspections, AC inspections, gutter cleaning, and landscaping are just a few areas that homeowners will need to think about. Scheduling these out in advance and making the connections before you have an immediate need can help you stay on top of maintenance year round, making your home a safer place for all.

 

Is aging in place something you’ve thought of for yourself or others in your family? What areas have posed the most challenges in your home? What tips would you share? I’d love to hear your thoughts!