In this post, we will talk about the 5 strategies to future-proof your home as you age. Making updates and improvements to your home now can ensure it stays safe, accessible, and comfortable as you age.
With some planning and forethought, you can “future-proof” your house so that it meets your needs well into the future. This article outlines five key strategies to help you future-proof your home.
5 Strategies to Future-Proof Your Home as You Age
Reduce Clutter
Clutter prevention is an important part of future-proofing your home. Excessive clutter makes it difficult for home care staff to move around safely and provide care.
For example, a home care agency in San Antonio, TX, may have trouble assisting clients in homes with cluttered hallways or rooms. Clutter also increases risks like tripping and falling.
Start by sorting through each room and getting rid of items you no longer need or use. Be ruthless in deciding what to toss or donate.
Have waste bins and donation boxes on hand to make it easy. Stick to a “one in, one out” rule – when you acquire something new, get rid of something old. Install shelving, cabinets, or organizational systems to keep spaces tidy. A decluttered home is safer and more functional.
Improve Lighting
As we age, we need brighter lighting to see well. Increase lighting throughout the home by using higher wattage bulbs, adding more lamps, installing lighting under cabinets and closets, and ensuring each room has a central overhead light.
Use dimmer switches so light can be adjusted as needed. Make sure stairways are very well-lit to prevent falls. Outdoor lighting is also important for safe entry and exit from the home. Adequate lighting removes shadows and glare so you can see obstacles and navigate safely.
Install Grab Bars and Railings
Grab bars and railings provide stability and support, reducing the chance of slips and falls. Install grab bars near toilets, in showers, and next to beds. Sturdy railings on both sides of stairways make stairs safer to climb up and down.
Outdoors, a railing along the path to the front door, gives you something secure to grasp. Grab bars come in various designs to match different decor. Get advice from an occupational therapist on ideal placement based on your height and needs.
Make Doorways Accessible
As mobility decreases, standard doorways can become impassable barriers. Replace knobs with lever handles that are easier to grip and turn.
Install swing-clear hinges so doors can open fully against walls. Widen doorways to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs and remove raised thresholds that pose tripping hazards. These modifications allow for smooth passage through doorways as physical abilities change over time.
Update Flooring
Replace old carpeting or area rugs with low-pile carpeting, vinyl plank flooring, or other non-slip surfaces. Remove any area rugs or runners that do not have non-skid backing.
Uneven flooring and carpeting with deep pile can contribute to unsteady footing and falls. Simplify flooring for easy passage, eliminating tripping and traction hazards. This makes the home safer to navigate as mobility changes.
Future-proofing your home takes planning but is worth the effort. With some forethought, you can make home modifications and upgrades that allow you to live comfortably and independently as you get older. The strategies outlined here are a good starting point for future-proofing your home.