Aging in Place: Simple Home Changes That Help You Stay Independent
Most of us want to stay in our own homes as the years go by. That goal is common, and it is very reachable for many people with some planning and a few smart changes. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) calls this “aging in place,” and its advice starts with one simple idea: plan early, while you can still make the choices yourself.
This guide walks through that planning in plain steps, with the home changes the NIA suggests and where to look for help.
Start With a Plan, Not a Crisis
The NIA recommends planning before you need significant care. Think about the help you may need now and later on. Ask your health care provider how any health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, could affect how easily you get around or look after yourself.
It also helps to learn what home-based and community services cost in your area. Then talk with family, friends and other helpers about the support you would want. Plans change, so plan to revisit yours from time to time.
Walk Through Your Home Room by Room
The NIA suggests going through your home one room at a time to spot problems. Fix the most urgent dangers first, such as a loose stair railing or poor lighting. Then work on the rest as time and budget allow.
- Pick one room and walk through it slowly, as if you were a visitor seeing it for the first time.
- Write down anything that could trip you, slip you or make a task hard.
- Mark the urgent items, like loose railings and dim spots, and fix those first.
- Use the NIA’s Home Safety Checklist as a guide. You may not need every change on it.
- Check again every so often, because your needs may change.
Simple Changes the NIA Suggests
Many helpful changes are small and inexpensive. The NIA’s home safety tips include these:
- Entry and outdoors: add a ramp with railings leading to the front door if steps are hard to manage.
- Floors and rugs: remove area rugs, and fasten carpeting firmly to the floor.
- Stairs and lighting: improve the light, especially at the top and bottom of the staircase.
- Bathroom: install support bars near the toilet and inside the tub or shower.
- Wet surfaces: put nonslip strips on floors or surfaces that can get wet.
For more on lighting and bathrooms, see our guides listed below. A grab bar must be fastened into the wall structure to hold your weight, so ask a qualified handyperson or contractor to install it. Please do not rely on a towel rack or a suction-cup bar for support.
Types of Help That Can Make Home Life Easier
Staying at home does not mean doing everything yourself. The NIA lists several kinds of help that people often use, short term or long term:
- Personal care, such as bathing, dressing and getting around
- Household chores, such as cleaning, yard work, laundry and grocery shopping
- Meals, including shopping for and preparing healthy food
- Money management, such as paying bills and handling insurance forms
- Health care help, such as medications and physical therapy
- Rides to appointments and stores
- Safety help, such as home safety features and emergency alert systems
Family, friends and neighbors are the largest source of help for most people. The NIA also points to local resources such as your Area Agency on Aging, adult day programs, and geriatric care managers, who are professionals that build and coordinate care plans.
Emergency Alert Systems
The NIA mentions medical alert bracelets and necklaces, and electronic emergency alert systems that can notify responders if you fall or need urgent help. Our guide to medical alert systems explains the types and the questions to ask before you sign up.
Help Paying for Repairs and Safety Updates
Financial help for home repairs and safety changes may be available through your state housing finance agency, your state social services department, community development groups or federal programs. The Administration for Community Living (acl.gov) is also listed by the NIA as a place to start. Programs vary by state and by income, so ask what applies to you.
Home-based care can be costly. The NIA notes it often costs less than assisted living or a nursing home. People pay through savings, government programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and VA benefits, or private options such as long-term care insurance. If you want to talk through Medicare, a free counselor at your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help at shiphelp.org.
Be Careful Who You Hire
Home repair is a favorite subject for scammers. Never pay a large amount up front, and be wary of anyone who knocks on your door offering a “free inspection” or a deal that is only good today. Get more than one written estimate and check references first.
Keep an Open Mind About the Future
The NIA acknowledges that there may come a time when living alone is no longer safe or comfortable. That decision can feel emotional, so it helps to learn about other housing options early and talk them over with family. Researching early gives you more choice, not less.
This article is general information. Costs, programs and rules vary by state and by your own situation, so check with your local Area Agency on Aging or a qualified professional.
More on Seniors Tips
- Brighter Stairs and Nightlights: Simple Ways to Prevent Falls at Home
- Bathroom Safety After 50: Simple Changes That Help Prevent Falls
- Medical Alert Systems Explained: Types, Costs, and Questions to Ask
