4 easy home modifications for aging safely in place

(BPT) - According to the Pew Research Center, 84 million adults ages 65 and older will make up 23% of the population by 2054, a 35% increase from the current 18%. This rise in numbers could be a concern for you or a loved one and encourage you to start making the necessary changes needed to ensure everyone's safety with aging in place.

"The concept of aging in place is being able to live in your home and community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of your age, income and physical ability," said Florence C. Macauley, Certified Aging In Place Specialist and Waterpik™ Showers partner. "Choosing to age at home requires careful planning, thoughtful consideration, and open conversations with your family to ensure your living environment is equipped to handle any cognitive and functional changes you may experience."

Unfortunately, a study out of the University of Michigan found that not enough people are making those considerations. The study revealed 88% of Americans hope to age in place, but only 15% have thought about the types of changes they'll need to make at home to do so safely. A fall or other accident at home can significantly disrupt your or your loved ones' living situation.

It's important to do all you can to prevent that by making adjustments and modifications in your home for aging safely in place before you (or your aging parents) need them. This way, you'll be prepared to enjoy your golden years in the comfort of the home you've worked hard to create throughout your career.

Macauley, a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and Executive Home Modification Specialist, shares her top tips for aging safely in place.

1. Install grab bars in the bathroom. They should go next to the toilet, the sink, and on the walls of the tub or shower to add stability. Grab bars make it easier to get up and down and provide firm support to prevent falls. Additionally, built-in support arms on a raised toilet seat can make it easier for seniors to get up and down. You can also look for a seat with bidet functionality, which adds not only a little bit of luxury but is also a big help with hygiene for people with limited mobility.

2. Add an adjustable shower head. Florence Macauley recommends the Waterpik™ ShowerCare Pivoting Hand-Held Shower Head. "The shower head has a 180-degree pivoting head, which makes it easy to bathe yourself or someone else," said Macauley. "With two docking stations that allow standing or seated showers and a conveniently placed shut-off valve on the handle, it allows for quick action in case of an emergency while showering. The five spray settings offer a wide range of comfort options suitable for everyone, and the extended hose length increases range of motion to reach all necessary areas during bathing." It also features intensity control on the handle, including PowerPulse Therapeutic Strength Massage, which is clinically shown to help soothe muscle tension, increase flexibility and promote restful sleep. The ShowerCare shower head is universally designed to seamlessly integrate into any modern bathroom, available in chrome and white finishes, functioning as a modern shower head for all members of the household.

3. Rearrange furniture with clear walkways in mind. Make sure you have a clear path from the living room to the kitchen, or the bedroom to the bathroom and all exits of the home. Do you use a walker, cane or wheelchair? The path should be cleared enough for any assistive device to move freely. Anything in the way? Rearrange or move it out. While you're at it, install motion-activated lights in hallways for late-night trips to the bathroom.

4. Retire the throw rugs. It's very easy for people to trip or walkers to get hung up on the edges of throw rugs, causing seniors to have to push and maneuver to get where they're going. This can cause people to stumble. If you are set on keeping your area rugs, make sure to tape down the edges with two-sided tape.

By making these home modifications now, before they're needed, you can remove the urgency from the situation and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones can age safely and comfortably at home.