Home modifications for "aging in place"

BY STAFF WRITER —
Even if you're in an older home and on a limited budget, there are things you can do to make your home more livable as you age and more marketable when you sell. These changes are well within the mainstream of design, so they won't make your home look like a hospital or institution. And, some of them don't even require hiring a contractor or picking up any power tools yourself.

So don't wait until you fall and break a hip to make your home a safer, more comfortable place to live.

For example, you probably have already put rubber friction pads or double-sided tape under your area rugs, right? If not, do it now ... we'll wait.

Simply replacing drawer, cabinet and door knobs with easier-to-grip handles will make your life less painful as your hands get less flexible with age. An added benefit is that they look nice, too.

Lights ... action

If you've got a little do-it-yourself talent — and a screwdriver — you can replace those small light switches with "rocker" style switches. (Don't forget to turn your power off first!) These are modern looking and some come with lighted or glow-in-the dark surfaces to aid visibility at night.

Lighting requirements are generally higher for older eyes, but before you replace all your lamps with higher wattage bulbs, take a look around to see where you might take advantage of more natural light simply by rearranging furniture. If your favorite reading chair is next to a window, you might not need a bigger bulb to read during the day. The routine of dusting your lighting fixtures and cleaning windows can make your home brighter too.

Nightlights are a must, not only in bathrooms, but also in hallways between your bedroom and bathroom. You may also want to consider adding motion sensor switches to lights in some areas of your home. Simply using light colors in decorating your bathroom can take advantage of reflected light to improve visibility. But if you want to really make your bathroom age-friendly, have a taller toilet fixture and a "roll-in" shower with a seat installed by a qualified contractor. Consider installing grip bars near any bathroom area that is likely to get wet, since it could save you from falling one day.

You may want to hire an electrician if your electrical outlets and light switches aren't properly located. Some older houses have outlets installed near floor level, along the base boards. Proper location for outlets is at least 27" from the floor, so you don't have to bend down to reach them. Make sure you have enough outlets to avoid the need to use extension cords — a major opportunity for tripping. And each room should have at least one light that can be turned on from an easy to reach switch at the doorway before you enter the room.

Out of the closet

One of the most important areas of your home to "age up" is your closet. First, get rid of all that stuff you don't really need. That will enable you to make most things reachable without having to move others to get at them. There are closet organizers on the market that do a nice job of making your clothes more accessible. Choose one that has a lower clothing rod, so you don't have to reach to get things. One day, you or someone in your household might be in a wheelchair, so this is a good time to make your closets more accessible.

And, be sure your closet has adequate lighting with an easy to reach switch or, better yet, a motion sensor control. Closet doors should be at least 32" wide, but you pretty much have to stick with the size you have, unless you're willing to hire a contractor.

If you have staircases without carpet, put some strips of reflective tape on the edge of the steps. You won't notice them in daylight, but they'll really come in handy when light conditions are poor. And, speaking of staircases ... make sure you have handrails on both sides of all interior and exterior staircases. You might need a contractor here if you're not a do-it-yourself carpenter.

Hiring a contractor

If you're planning a major remodeling project, consider consulting with a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist ("CAPS"). These people have completed a certification program sponsored by the Nationnal Association of Home Builders. To search the GrayTimes directory for Minnesota builders, contractors or architects under "Remodeling for Accessibility," click here.

If you're in the market for household gadgets that can help you around any room in your house, you'll find a good list of sources at the National Resource Center of Supportive Housing and Home Modification.

(Posted June 19, 2008)