Foreword: If you’re helping out Mom and Dad, you’ve probably noticed that it’s not as easy for them to get around the house like they used to. Maybe you’ve seen Mom trip while going up the stairs into the house or Dad commented that he’s having a really hard time getting in and out of the shower.

You know you need to help your loved ones make changes in the home, but you’re not really sure where to start!

Lydia Chan, Alzheimer’s Caregiver, completely understands your dilemma! Today, she’s going to answer:

Which Home Upgrades Should You Invest in for Aging in Place?

Every home needs improvements at one point or another so that it can remain a safe and healthy living environment for its occupants. And this is especially the case for the homes of seniors who prefer to age in place.

If you are approaching or living in your golden years, there are certain home upgrades and remodels that can help ensure that you are able to live freely, safely, and comfortably for many years to come. Below, we’ll briefly discuss some of these upgrades, as well as advice for covering the costs and finding good contractors.

Getting the Cash

The costs of home improvements can quickly add up. If you need help paying for your projects, consider applying for a cash-out refinance, which will replace your existing loan with a new one. The new loan will include a higher balance, and you will receive cash for the difference between the two loans. And if you’re a veteran, then you will likely be able to use even more equity from your refinance. Just be sure to look into the VA cash-out rules to see if it’s right for you. (Go HERE for more ideas on how to finance your home upgrades!)

Hiring the Contractors

Finding the right contractor for each project is essential because if you go with someone who isn’t qualified, you can end up with shoddy work, which can cost a lot of money to fix. Before hiring someone, Forbes recommends looking into their work history, confirming that they are insured, and arranging a thorough interview with them.

Zero-Step Entry

Whether or not you currently use a wheelchair, adding a zero-step entry to your home is a must if you are planning to age in place. There are many ways to do this. For example, you can install a ramp, or you can raise the entry to floor level to eliminate the front step. Plan to invest between $800 and $1,500 for such a modification.

Barrier-Free Shower

This modification can significantly increase safety and accessibility for people with mobility issues who have trouble getting their legs over the wall of a bathtub. Promise Home Works notes adding a barrier-free shower to your bathroom will typically cost $6,000 to $10,000, depending on the materials and amount of work involved.

Grab Bars

Grab bars are also used in the bathroom, and they provide you with something to hold onto while transitioning to and from the toilet, tub, and other fixtures. Having three grab bars installed will usually add between $690 and $1,090 to your home improvement budget.

Lighting

Lighting is a big deal for those who want to age in place. Not only is additional light needed for seeing clearly as we get older, but books and other printed materials tend to become blurry at close range, and our eyes become more affected by glare. Oftentimes, this is a relatively simple fix that involves adding desk lamps and floor lamps in areas of the home that need them. Also, you can find packs of tap lights for under $20, which can provide extra lighting in dark areas such as closets.

Most seniors prefer to remain in their homes throughout their golden years. To do so safely and comfortably, this usually requires certain home improvements to be made. Be sure to look into cash-out refinancing and other ways to acquire funds for any modifications necessary, and find good contractors for each project. Finally, consider the improvements listed here, and seek out other modifications that can help to keep your home the best place for you to live.

Postface: For more information on how to best age in place, please peruse our blog! Each piece is jampacked with ideas on changes to make at home to help you and your family.

We love helping you and your loved ones stay OUT of nursing homes! Every person has the right to choose where they want to live. We want to keep our older family member’s dignity and happiness intact. A majority of the time, all you need are simple fixes to the home to keep Mom and Dad safe and independent!

Keep learning about simple changes to make at home at a slower pace by subscribing to our newsletter. It comes to your inbox every two weeks, which is a little easier to consume than our entire blog library all at once!

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Please tell us in the comments section what you’re doing to help your family age in place? Your experience might make a difference in someone else’s life!

You better do it before you need it!

(Hey, real quick . . . have you checked out our online course, “Hard Time Wiping? Let’s Talk A-booty It!”?

Talk about a resource that helps you age in place!

This course helps you or your loved one learn ways to clean yourself easier after going to the bathroom! After you sign up, you can watch it in the comfort of your home on your own time.

Don’t struggle with this personal problem anymore! It’s time to go from feeling cringe-worthy to confident with cleaning your booty!

Home Upgrades for Aging in Place