Today, more and more seniors are choosing to age in place, proactively making changes to their homes to reflect their shifting priorities and accommodate their evolving mobility and abilities. While many of us undoubtedly wish we could remain young forever, aging in place might be the next best thing – allowing seniors to stay in the familiar home they know and love, maintaining a good quality of life as they retain their autonomy and independence.
At MyLifetimeHome™, we understand the importance of creating a comfortable and safe environment for seniors to thrive in; so, in order to explore the best way to age in place, let’s go over seven essential home modifications that can greatly enhance the lives of seniors in Calgary.
The Benefits of Aging in Place
- Familiarity and comfort: Aging in place allows seniors to remain in the place they call home, surrounded by cherished memories, neighbours, and familiar surroundings. For many, this alone is often worth the effort to renovate a home.
- Independence and autonomy: One of the main worries of many seniors is becoming a burden on their younger family members. By adapting their homes to their changing needs, seniors can maintain their independence and continue to lead fulfilling lives, easing the caregiver burden.
- Emotional well-being: Aging in place provides a sense of comfort, well-being, and a strong connection to one’s community. In turn, this contributes to better longevity and a lifestyle that is still full of wonder and excitement.
What if my house isn’t set up for aging in place?
If your house is not currently designed for aging in place, don’t worry! Very few houses in Calgary are initially built with such considerations in mind (and we would know – we build many of the ones that are). Aging in place modifications don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Even small changes, such as installing grab bars in a bathroom or improving lighting in shadowy corridors, can make a significant difference. For bigger projects, there are grants for homeowners who are making their homes more accessible.
The most important thing to know is that it’s crucial to be proactive and anticipate potential mobility or ability issues that may arise in your future. Here at MyLifetimeHome™, our team of experts can guide you through the process of modifying your home to ensure it meets your specific needs, allowing you to age in place comfortably and safely; reach out today and we would be happy to provide you with each step of this journey.
What’s the Difference Between Modifications and Assistive Technology?
You might hear the terms “home modifications” and “assistive technology” used interchangeably, but they are not quite the same thing – even though there is overlap.
Home modifications involve making structural or layout changes to the house itself, such as widening doorways, providing curbless showers, or adding ramps to enhance accessibility and accommodate reduced mobility. They provide long-term solutions tailored to the specific needs of seniors, those living with a disability, or those aging adults without a disability who are simply wishing to have proactive measures in place to ensure their home truly can evolve into their Forever Home.
On the other hand, assistive technology focuses on incorporating devices or systems within the home, such as smart appliances or motion sensor systems that improve functionality and convenience. This technology offers immediate assistance and enhances daily living by automating routines, increasing safety, and adding genuine ease of use to many formerly difficult tasks. Striking a balance between home modifications and assistive technology creates an inclusive and accessible environment that allows seniors to age in place happily and without worry.
The Best Home Modifications for Seniors
1) Doorway Expansions
Expanding doorways is a highly beneficial modification that allows for easier passage, particularly for individuals using mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers. By widening doorways, seniors who can still walk can seamlessly move between rooms without the threat of catching a corner, greatly reducing the risk of being thrown off balance; those in wheelchairs will have more areas of their home opened up to them, allowing for greater enjoyment of all spaces. This modification is one of the most commonly selected, due to its relative ease and positive impact.
2) Ramps, Elevators, and Lifts
Installing ramps, powered lifts, or personal elevators provides seniors with safe and effortless access to different levels of their homes. For many who are in wheelchairs, devices such as elevators can be a miracle – opening up entire floors of t