My mother is getting older and wants to stay in her home. Any tips on making her home safe?

Mr. Handyman Offers Tips for Aging in Place

What is aging in place? Aging in place is a term used to describe a person living in the residence of their choice, for as long as they are able, as they age. This includes being able to have any services (or other support) they might need over time as their needs change.

Many times, finding the right house for you is the first exposure people have to the idea of aging in place. They hear you have to modify your home to continue living there as you age or that they need to move to a more appropriate house. In most homes there are things that can present a problem for you as you grow older. However, home remodeling is only one part of preparing your existing home for aging in place.

So, often seniors find their homes are not elderly-friendly and lack usability features that increase safety. Remodeling and making other changes in your home allows a person to craft their home to be one they need as their needs change.

There are several areas of concern when it comes to preparing your home to aging in place, including the ability to get in and out of your home easily and safely, home safety (for everyone), the ability to move around inside your home easily and safely, and easy access to the things you need and use in your daily life. Finding the right house for you means you have taken care of all of these and more, by modifying your home and making changes to suit your particular needs.

The truth is that not all homes are the same and neither are the people that live in them. So, despite what you might think, totally renovating your home in one fell swoop is not always necessary. (Well, not if you start early enough; that’s where the beauty of having a good plan in place comes in.)

To help you learn more about what can (or, in some cases, should) be done to your home, contact an Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). Look for a remodeler or designer that carries this certification. They can analyze for situation and needs to help you realize the safety and functionality desires.

Remodeling is an important part of aging in place. Whether it is just carefully placed grab bars or a complete kitchen remodel, a CAPS professional is there to help.

Mr Handyman of Wheaton-Hinsdale carries this designation