How to Age in Place: Making Your Home Safer and More Accessible

As we age, it's essential to ensure our homes remain safe and accessible to continue living independently. Here are ten ways to make your home more accessible, along with some helpful resources and considerations for the future.

 1. Install Offset Hinges

Offset hinges can widen doorways by up to two inches, providing easier access for wheelchairs or walkers without the need for major construction.

 2. Use a Tub Lift

A tub lift can make getting in and out of the bathtub safer and more comfortable. These devices lift and lower individuals into the tub, reducing the risk of slips and falls.

 3. Add a Bidet

Installing a bidet can enhance bathroom hygiene and ease of use, particularly for those with limited mobility or balance issues.

 4. Utilize a Portable Ramp

Portable ramps are a versatile solution for providing access to raised entrances or steps, ensuring smooth transitions between different levels of your home.

 5. Install Permanent Ramps

For more permanent accessibility solutions, consider installing ramps for steps and entryways. These can be custom-built to fit your home's specific needs.

 6. Use a Portable Stair Chair

A portable stair chair can be a temporary solution for navigating stairs, allowing individuals to move between floors without the need for a permanent stairlift installation.

 7. Invest in Durable Medical Equipment

Consider investing in essential durable medical equipment, such as:

   - Hospital Bed: Adjustable beds can improve comfort and mobility.

   - Walker: Provides stability and support for those with mobility issues.

   - Oxygen Equipment: Essential for individuals with respiratory issues.

   - Lift Chair: Helps in sitting and standing up with ease.

   - Bedside Commode: Convenient for those who have difficulty accessing the bathroom.

Note: Physician orders may help cover some of these items through insurance.  Coverage varies, but most if not all require a physician's order.

Here are a couple of ideas for resources to help you pay for your home modifications to age in place. In Kansas City, there are several organizations that have programs that can assist a homeowner with modifications to their home. They all have different requirements,  looking into these organizations for assistance.

   - Accesskc.org: Provides resources and information on accessibility.

   - https://habitatkc.org/home-repair-assistance-in-kansas-city/ Offers home modification services for seniors.

   - Marc.org/aging: A resource for aging services and support.

   - Asksami.com: Offers advice and solutions for aging in place.

Another option is to explore selling their home and staying in it after they sell it.  For those looking to modify their home with less of the financial burden, a "sell and stay" option might be ideal. This arrangement allows you to sell your home and continue living in it while using the funds to make necessary modifications. If you would like more information on the sell and stay offer, click here.

With the right modifications and support, aging in place can be a rewarding and feasible option. By implementing these accessibility solutions and leveraging available resources, you can create a safe and comfortable living environment that meets your needs.

For more information and assistance, contact the resources mentioned above and consider the various options for ensuring your home remains a sanctuary for years to come.