Home is Where We Age
Most older adults express a desire to age in place (live at home as they get older). Many people feel an emotional attachment to the homes they’ve lived in for many years, have strong ties to their community, and feel a sense of comfort in the familiarity of home. Aging in place tends to be associated with a sense of independence, which many older adults fear losing if they have to move out of their home.
According to a 2018 AARP survey, 76% of Americans want to remain in their current residence as long as possible, but only 46% anticipate they will be able to do so. Of those surveyed, one third expected that their home would need major modifications to accommodate aging needs.
Although it can be difficult to anticipate future needs, there are some pre-emptive changes you can make to your home to help maintain your independence. To help, we have put together this list of some ideas for home modifications that will make your home safer and help you live there longer.
Paying for home modifications
As you read through our suggestions below, keep in mind that original Medicare does not cover home modifications. However, many Medicare Advantage plans will begin covering certain non-structural, non-Medicare-covered safety devices to prevent injuries in the home and/or bathroom starting in 2020 (some have already begun coverage). Call your Medicare Advantage plan to find out if any home modifications will be covered by your plan. There are also financial assistance programs through the VA, state governments, non-profits, and Medicaid to help fund home modifications. To learn more about available financial assistance for home modifications, click here.
Bathroom modifications
The bathroom is a common place for falls. To improve safety and accessibility, there are a number of options to consider.
Walk-in shower
Having to step over the edge of a bathtub can be difficult for many older adults, and increases the risk of falls. A walk-in shower can make it much easier to get in and out of the shower. However, replacing a tub with a walk-in shower can be expensive. According to bobvila.com, a prefab walk-in shower kit costs between $800 and $2,500, based on size and quality. A professionally installed custom walk-in shower can cost between $6,500 to $15,000 or more.
Shower chair
A shower chair can also help prevent falls, and make showering safer and easier for people who have issues with endurance, strength or balance. If you decide to use a shower bench, a detachable shower head can make showering easier while sitting. You can purchase a shower chair for about $25–$50 online, at your local pharmacy or medical supply store, or at stores like Target or Walmart.
If you have a tub shower and do not want to replace it with a walk-in shower (or do not have the option to do so), you could also consider a transfer shower bench. These benches have 2 legs in the tub and 2 legs out. The user sits on the side of the bench outside of the tub, swings their legs over the edge, and then slides to the section of the bench inside tub. Transfer benches are a little more expensive than a regular shower chair, but you can find them online or at a medical supply store for $50–$150.
Grab bars
Grab bars can be installed throughout the home, but should be placed thoughtfully. The bathroom is definitely a room in your house that should have grab bars. Grab bars in the shower are a must, and should probably be in everybody’s shower, not just those of older adults. According to fixr.com, the national average price to have 3 grab bars installed by a handyman is $140.
Next to the toilet is another prime location for grab bars. You can also purchase a raised toilet seat to help make getting on and off the toilet easier. Many of these raised toilet seats include grab bars. Like the shower benches, you can purchase raised toilet seats online, at a medical supply store, or at stores like Walmart or Target. They typically cost between $25–$100.
Non-skid mats
Non-skid mats inside and outside the tub are a quick and relatively cheap way to improve safety in the bathroom, especially when combined with the other shower modifications we have recommended here. Slippery floors increase the chance of falls. A mat or towel without skid-protection will not be as effective in preventing a fall on a wet floor, as they can slide on a slippery surface. You can purchase non-skid mats for under $25 online or from stores like Target or Walmart.
Modifications to stairs
Stairs are also a common spot for falls. Although stairs can be dangerous, many older adults feel that going up and down stairs keeps them active and in better physical shape. Therefore, it’s important to make the stairs as safe as possible.
Handrails
Make sure you have sturdy handrails on all stairs, including stairs outside the home leading to your front entrance. According to Home Advisor, the average cost of installing a handrail ranges from $700 to $4,600.
Lighting and Visual Improvements
It’s important to have good lighting throughout your house, but especially in stairways. In addition to good lighting, you can put colored anti-slip tape on your stairs to make it easier to see them, improve traction, and reduce the chances of a fall.
Stairlift
If it is really difficult or unsafe to walk up stairs, stairlifts are an option to consider. This is another modification that can be pricey, but can make a significant difference in your ability to stay at home. The average cost of installing a stairlift, according to 101mobility.com, is $3,000–$4,000.
First floor master suite
If you don’t want to install a stairlift, but have trouble with stairs, you could also consider moving your master bedroom and bathroom to the first floor. If you have an existing empty room on the first floor, great! If not, you could consider building an addition, but that is expensive (more expensive than the stairlift!). Home Advisor estimates the cost of a 250-square-foot bedroom and bathroom addition to be between $20,000-$70,000.
Other modifications
Lever door handles
Round door knobs can be difficult to grasp, and can even cause pain, for people who have arthritis, neuropathy from diabetes, and other medical conditions. Lever door handles will make it easier to open doors, and are a cheap and easy fix you can install on your own. You can find lever door handles online or at a hardware store. Home Depot sells them starting at about $5 a piece. However, you have to be careful, because they also catch easier on things like clothing or bags.
Remove or tack down area rugs
Area rugs are easy to trip on. If you don’t need them, remove them. Otherwise, add a non-slip pad underneath and tack down the edges with carpet tape. You may want to consider wall-to-wall carpeting on slippery floor surfaces. However, carpet is more difficult to maintain, and is difficult to roll over with a wheelchair or walker unless it is no higher than half an inch with firm padding underneath.
Wheelchair accommodations
Accommodations for wheelchairs, like ramps, lifts, doorway widening, and elevators, can be major projects, and are not for everyone. However, use of a wheelchair in a non-conducive environment can present several safety risks. We recommend making these changes as needed.
Fixr.com lists the average price of ramp installation at $1,500 — $3,250 and the average cost of elevator installation as $40,000. According to Angie’s List, the average cost of widening a doorway is $500–$1,000. The price of a lift varies greatly depending on whether it’s an incline or vertical lift, and the type of staircase, but Kompareit.com lists the cost range between $3,000–$15,000.
What now?
We’ve given you a lot of options to think about. When considering the home modifications we have listed above, some may make more sense for certain people rather than others. If you are a renter, you may not be able to make certain changes to your home. Some of the modifications above may not fit in your budget. We recommend talking to your doctor about how your medical conditions may impact your needs around the house as you get older. This will help you better plan for the future and decide which modifications might make the most sense for you. You can also ask your doctor about an in-home evaluation by an occupational therapist, who can help you figure out which modifications will be best for you.
Watch the video above to find out how Louise, an Assured Allies client, felt like she was able to “get her home back,” after making a few changes to her living environment. These changes will help her live at home safer, longer, and more independently.
