A safe living environment is essential for seniors aging in place. When your home is free from hazards and conducive to your changing needs, you set yourself up for more independence and freedom as you age.
If you’re part of the 77% of Americans over 50 who prefer to age at home, you’re likely considering the cost, what projects you can tackle yourself and when you need to call in professional help.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss budget-friendly home modifications for seniors.
Why Home Modifications Are Important for Seniors
Many homeowners might wonder if they need to make renovations to their properties at all. Home modifications are essential for seniors because they prevent falls, increase mobility and promote independence. You can even create a safer space without overspending.
When we talk with homeowners about home modifications for seniors, people are often surprised at how many places around the home can pose a potential risk. It’s important to review every room, floor, hallway and entryway for opportunities to make your home safer — and ensure the mobility you need to live life on your terms.
Room-by-Room Home Modifications
Let’s explore areas of the home where you can make affordable changes.
Entryway
Ramps make entering the home easier for people with mobility limitations. Non-slip mats or adhesive strips on outdoor steps further enhance the safety of an entryway.
Bathroom
Grab bars should be installed near the toilet and in the shower. A shower seat and handheld showerhead make bathing easier. Homeowners can also replace bathroom rugs with non-slip mats.
Kitchen
Bright lighting helps seniors with limited visibility see clearly around the home. You can replace bulbs with motion-sensor options. Pull-out shelves offer simple accessibility around the kitchen.
Living Areas
You can remove or secure area rugs to the floor with adhesive strips to prevent tripping. Many aging homeowners rearrange their furniture to create wider and easy-to-navigate pathways.
DIY Vs. Professional Help
Are you ready to start transforming your home to age in place? Before you take on the changes on your own, let’s review when it makes sense to DIY and when it’s better to hire a professional.
When to DIY
Many home modifications for seniors are easy enough to do on your own. Updating your home’s lighting and adding non-slip mats can easily be tackled over the weekend. These simple projects can also be fun to do with your loved ones. (Grandkids love to help!)
When to Hire a Pro
While it’s tempting to complete senior home modifications on your own, some projects require professional work, such as stairlifts and ramp installations. Hiring a professional ensures renovations are up to code and follow guidelines for accessibility standards.
A second opinion from a professional can ensure the changes you’re making are safe to use. If you need an extra hand for less complex things like grab bars or lighting, an aging-in-place specialist can help you make changes without overspending.
Paying for Home Modifications
Whether you complete projects yourself or bring in professionals, you may be eligible for financial assistance and resources.
- Government grants and programs, such as HUD or Medicare/Medicaid, may cover home modifications for seniors
- Non-profit organizations like local charities or senior advocacy groups may offer assistance
- Tax credits and deductions eligibility for medical-related home improvements
Home Improvements for Every Stage With Havenside
Home modifications for seniors can get complex quickly. A home improvement specialist takes the time to listen to your needs and create a tailored plan for making your home safer and more functional.
The team at Havenside provides a safety assessment, project management and satisfaction follow-up to ensure your home is up to our quality standards and yours. Reach out today to learn more about aging-in-place renovations.