IS YOUR HOME READY TO CARE FOR YOU?

By Sadie Holiday

When shopping for homes, most of us are looking for the perfect home –one that where we retire and grow older. Homes are a huge investment, and as we age, the general housekeeping, maintenance and repairs can be more difficult if you do not have modifications in place for accessibility. Through the shared experience of aging, we have learned that being proactive is the best way to ensure we can comfortably and safely retire in our home.

According to a 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study, more than two thirds of older adults rely on assistive devices for mobility within their homes. Assistive devices include but are not limited to, walkers, canes, wheelchairs and toilet seat risers, for example. Take a look around the home right now. Do you need to use stairs to get to bed each night? Are your hallways and doorways wide enough to accommodate assistive devices? Do you have adequate lighting throughout your common areas and hallways?

The National Association of Home Builders is an excellent resource when it comes to which home modifications are important to consider when building or renovating the home you plan to retire in. Along with extensive online written resources, the NAHB also provides a service where a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) inspect your home and provide you with recommendations in regards to home modifications needed for safely aging in place. These resources can aid you in preparing for retirement and highlighting common issues you may not consider when shopping for your home.

While we all hope to live out our lives without the need for assistive devices or in-home care, given the research available it is safest to assume the need for assistance will eventually arise. Imagine the difference it will make if a sudden and unexpected change in health arises and upon your return home, all modifications are already in place to accommodate your needs so you can focus on healing and recovery. Growing older is a miraculous privilege and we hope that with the help of resources like those mentioned above and new technology, we can all be proactive in preparing to age in the safety and comfort of our homes.

Sadie Holiday is an expert in Aging Resources at Durango Comfort KeepersIn Home Care where she has been employed for three years. Please call (970) 515-7055 with any questions or if you would like to be directed to resources in our area.