Home Modifications: Modify or Move?

Many older adults want to age in place or stay at home safely for as long as possible. The key to aging in place is to ensure the senior is safe, is not isolated from others, and is confident in the home they love so much.

Unfortunately, most homes were not designed to meet the challenges that can come with aging. This means that to create a safe home to age in, you may have to modify it, such as adding a shower chair or grab bars to the bathroom or installing a medical alert system in the home.

Each senior is unique, and one modification might work for one but not another. However, some typical home modifications address mobility challenges, fall risk, and even cognitive decline in the early stages.

Bathroom Modifications

The bathroom can be a dangerous room for a senior. Slick surfaces can increase fall risk, and mobility issues can make getting in and out of the shower and on and off the toilet difficult, especially if the senior is already using a walker or cane. Fortunately, there are easy modifications in the bathroom that can make a big difference to safety and confidence. Even better, these modifications typically do not cost much money and can be installed quickly:

• A shower chair, which can be removable or permanent, can help a senior feel safe while sitting in the shower. It reduces the need for strength and endurance by eliminating standing in the shower as needed. Shower chairs and benches can cost $25 to more than $100, depending on the style and whether they are permanent.
• A handheld showerhead can make showering easier while sitting in a shower chair. It can also be used in the bathtub if the senior prefers it. There are handheld showerheads to meet almost every aesthetic and trend, and they cost around $60.
• Grab bars can be installed anywhere the senior needs an extra sturdy hold, such as on the side of the toilet, vanity, or bathtub. Grab bars must be sturdy and able to bear weight. Grab bars cost between $25 and $80, professional installation is highly recommended.
• Bathmat tape can secure rugs at the corners to reduce fall risk. This inexpensive adjustment (less than $15) can be completed quickly, making the bathroom safer immediately.
• Similarly, traction tape for the shower floor is inexpensive and can provide additional stability when stepping onto and standing on the slick shower floor.
• A curb-less shower is a more expensive bathroom addition, but it can be a wise investment if the senior plans to stay home for many years. Work with a contractor to lead this renovation and expect to pay at least $2,000 for the shower alone.

NOTE: The prices shown above are estimates based on internet searches and will vary. We recommend consulting a local eldercare specialist or licensed home health care provider for more information on the cost of accessibility products and home modifications.

Modifications for the Rest of the Home

It's not just the bathroom that must be considered when making modifications. Other adjustments can assist your loved one in feeling safer at home:

• Additional lighting can reduce fall risk, especially for someone living with vision impairment. Consider nightlights for routes traveled often at night (such as the bedroom to the bathroom) and lighting in stairwells, corners, and at the bottom of cabinets. Extra lighting doesn't need to be permanent; lamps and battery-operated push lights are excellent choices.
• Reduce clutter around the home, including large pieces of furniture that might make using a walker or cane difficult. Pathways around the house should be wide, clear, and easy to navigate with or without a walker or cane. This home modification doesn't cost any money, and if you sell items, you may even make a little money to put into another project!
• An adjustable bed can be a pricier investment but might be worth it if your loved one has difficulty getting in and out of bed or positioning themselves while in bed.

Home Safety Systems to Consider

Sometimes, aging in place doesn't require home modifications, but it does require a device that makes it easier to get assistance.

• Medical alert systems come in various styles, prices, and options. Using them consistently and correctly can mean your loved one gets immediate assistance when they need it. Fall detection technology in some medical alert systems can also prompt operators to contact the user first to check if they are okay.
• Security systems around the home can provide peace of mind for family members who are worried about theft or fire. Choose one that your loved one can easily and confidently operate, as having a security system that you can't get to turn off when you need to can be stressful.
• GPS tracking devices can ensure you can locate your loved one if you are concerned. Apps like Life360 can be effective and inexpensive as long as your loved one has their smartphone on them when they are out and about.

Is Moving to Senior Living a Better Option?

Home modification costs can add up quickly, which makes some family members look to senior living as the next best option. It may be time to research senior living options if:

• Your loved one expresses feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Your loved one has fallen in the past month, even with modifications.
• Your loved one doesn't consistently use the home modifications that are installed or becomes overwhelmed by the thought of using them.
• Your loved one has a diagnosis of dementia and is struggling to live at home alone or with a partner safely.
• Your loved one is making unsafe choices while living at home, which have or have not resulted in accidents or emergencies.
• Your loved one expresses stress and exhaustion with maintaining a home and keeping up with their personal care tasks.

Senior living may be a better choice when it comes to safety and independence, even if your loved one initially rejects the thought. Depending on your situation and your loved one's abilities and prognosis, senior living may be the decision that ends up providing peace of mind to both of you.

Making the necessary modifications to age in place or transitioning to a senior living community both come with tradeoffs. It's important to have candid conversations with loved ones, peers, and health care professionals about these tradeoffs.