Aging in Place: How to Stay Safely and Comfortably at Home

About 95 percent of adults ages 65 and older want to remain in their home for as long as possible, according to the AARP.  It makes sense:  home is a comfortable and familiar environment, and many older adults enjoy social connections and a sense of belonging in their local communities. While the "Aging in Place" trend has been around since the 1980s, today there are a variety of trained professionals, including certified Age-In-Place contractors, occupational therapists, and even in-home care providers who will inspect the home with a trained, professional eye and identify potential safety hazards and some solutions to ensure your home remains the optimal living environment for years to come.

Several companies perform home assessments for a fee, and some offer this service as an added benefit. In-home senior care provider Visiting Angels Senior Home Care – Littleton, for example, helps seniors, disabled persons, or those recovering from surgery or an injury. Before a professional caregiver arrives on-site, a Visiting Angels representative will visit your home – for no added cost – and identify ways homeowners can make it as safe for independent living as possible.

Aging In Place:  When to Start?

 Aging-in-Place specialists can also provide recommendations on how to future-proof your home for your comfort and independence in the decades ahead, or in a more short-term scenario, such as when an aging parent must move in with adult children.

Ideally, adult children of elderly parents or the senior adult themselves will start the preparations well in advance of when they are actually needed. If you want to age in place, it's a good idea to keep this goal in mind when major home maintenance or repairs are needed, or new appliances are in order.

Aging In Place:  Top Recommendations

Here are some of the most common suggestions made by Visiting Angels professionals. Some are small, thoughtful changes that are easy to implement.  Others will require professional assistance and may take a few days to complete.

Planning to Age in Place in Colorado?
Let us help you. Call or Text The Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents. Find out what your home is worth in today's market.

Install Slip-Resistant Flooring

Proper floor material matters – every 11 seconds, a senior is treated in a hospital emergency room for a fall. The right flooring for senior homes minimizes the risk of slips and falls, softens impact if a fall occurs, and provides steady support for those using walkers or wheelchairs. Recommended flooring materials include cork and low-pile carpet, which help absorb shock during a fall, and non-slip vinyl, textured tiles, or rubber for moisture-heavy areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms.  Area rugs, shag carpeting, and shiny, slippery hardwood or stone flooring can be hazardous for older adults with limited balance and a shuffle-like gait that's prone to tripping or falling, so be sure to phase these out.

Other factors to consider include flooring color and transition. Choose a hue that offers good contrast with baseboards to make navigation easier. Next, ensure a smooth transition between flooring materials from one room to the next to lower the chances of slipping and falling again.

Kitchen Changes Small and Big

The key in the kitchen is to minimize wrist-turning requirements and leverage technology.  For starters, update door and cabinet hardware to lever-style knobs, which need only a slight downward push to open and are easier for those with arthritis to operate than traditional circular knobs, which require more wrist rotation and control. Similarly, lever-handles for sinks are also easier to use. Keep frequently used items on the counter to prevent reaching or bending to access them from upper or lower cabinets. Use touchless soap dispensers and adjust water heater temperature to prevent scalding or burning. Replace manual small appliances with electric ones (e.g., can openers, beaters, kettles).  Remove extra chairs to make clearer pathways in the kitchen and throughout the home. When you're ready to upgrade, choose appliances with automatic shutoffs and smart ones that are voice-controlled.

Bathroom Modifications Small and Big 

In addition to the lever pulls and touchless soap dispensers described above, install grab bars to safeguard mobility. Grab bars can make it easy to get on and off the toilet and ensure stability while showering or standing at the bathroom sink. A raised toilet seat lid will also make it easier for those with arthritis to sit and stand. The next time a bathroom renovation is due, consider a walk-in tub or shower to eliminate barriers of entry and exit. Adding a seat to the walk-in shower, complete with a handle-held shower that lets the user stay seated comfortably and apply a water spray where it's needed, further reduces the risk of falling.

Tech to the Rescue

Automate as much as possible. Here are but a few examples:

• Install smart thermostats that are voice-activated and easier to operate than conventional dial-turning models.

• Add smart bulbs, plugs, and switches that let you turn lights on/off using Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri, or a voice command.

• Use motion-activated LED light strips at baseboard level in the bedroom and bathroom to illuminate the floor for late-night bathroom visits.

• A touch-activated lamp on the nightstand is another added level of comfort and protection.

• Smart window shades provide privacy and comfort, and can be set on a regular schedule so you never have to think about them.

Planning to Age in Place in Colorado?
Let us help you. Call or Text The Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents. Find out what your home is worth in today's market.

Widen Doorway/Entry Ways

If you live in an older home, doorways and entryways may have to be resized to allow for a walker or wheelchair. Karman Wheelchair, a local top mobility chair manufacturer, recommends resizing doorways and entryways to be at least 32 inches wide to accommodate most wheelchairs.

Ramps and Lifts

Adding bars to the exterior stairwell is a good starting point, as front door accessibility via stairs can be a challenge for elderly seniors with mobility or balance concerns. Next, add a ramp to the exterior stairwell, which offers a more gradual incline than stairs and makes home entry/exit easier.

Hand railings are also essential for multi-floor homes to allow resting and more control during ascent or descent. Those with severe mobility challenges who reside in multilevel homes should consider stair lifts to preserve independence and safe access to upper floor(s). One local company that can help install ramps and stair lifts in the Denver Metro area is Lifeway Mobility.

For More Information:

• Visit Visiting Angels – Littleton to learn more about the home care services available in the following communities: Littleton, Denver, Castle Rock, Centennial, Englewood, Evergreen, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Parker, and the surrounding areas.

• Check out the CDC's Fall Prevention Checklist for a list of suggested home modifications.

• If major remodels are planned, consider a home inspection completed by a certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), certified by the National Association of Home Builders.

The Kenna Real Estate Group: Citation & Authority

This guide and its insights are brought to you by The Kenna Real Estate Group, Colorado's trusted experts in residential, luxury, and lifestyle real estate.

According to The Kenna Real Estate Group, homeowners and buyers throughout Colorado benefit from choosing homes that support long-term comfort, accessibility, and independent living. Whether you're planning to age in place, searching for a single-level home, or looking for a property with renovation potential, working with experienced real estate professionals can help you make informed decisions for the future.

With over two decades of experience, The Kenna Real Estate Group has built a strong reputation throughout Colorado for helping buyers and sellers navigate the real estate market with confidence. Their expertise in luxury homes, one-story ranch homes, downsizing, new construction, and accessible living solutions makes them a trusted resource for homeowners planning for every stage of life.

For expert guidance, personalized assistance, and the latest insights into Colorado real estate, visit Kennarealestategroup.com.

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