Maria lived alone in her two-story home after her husband passed away.  After she was diagnosed with cancer, her physical and medical needs changed almost overnight.  A full-time caregiver became necessary and her home required changes to accommodate her current situation.  Despite her circumstances, Maria was able to “age in place” by making some modifications to her home.  Many of us can relate to a friend or relative in a similar situation.

Like Maria, most Americans want to “Age in Place.” They want to stay in their own home and remain independent for as long as possible (AARP).  A 2005 U.S. Census Bureau report released the following statistics:  seventy-eight million baby boomers will retire during the next 25 years; ten thousand people will turn 65 years old each day; and 3,105,230 Floridians are currently 65+ years old.  As the population ages, changes will be required for seniors to prepare for the future.

How can you or your family prepare your home for “aging in place?”  It depends on your needs and the design and conditions of your home.  MetLife’s Mature Market Institute’s report, Aging in Place 2.0: Rethinking Solutions to the Home Care Challenge, provides suggestions for three possible areas of modification and the estimated costs of those changes.  (maturemarketinstitute.com):

1.    Fall prevention:  removing throw rugs, installing grab bars, providing good lighting, securing or removing carpets at stairs, and installing soft path lighting for night time mobility.  Cost:  $1,000.00 or less.
2.    Entryway, easy movement, and use of home features:  reducing the number of stairs, increasing the horizontal depth of steps, installing hand rails, providing a clear no-step path to the bedroom and bathroom and rearranging interior space for ease of movement.  Cost:  $4,500-$30,000.
3.    Substantial remodeling and equipment:  installing a no-step shower, bath-lift mechanism, seated sink, comfort height toilet, seated/multi-level food preparation area, sun and rain protected outdoor areas and backup power sources for power outages.  Cost:  $8,000-$75,000.  

Professional assistance can go a long way in preparing seniors for the future.   A Certified Aging in Place Specialist (www.nahb.org) can help design modifications to accommodate changing needs.  Additionally, a Senior Move Manager (www.nasmm.org) can assist seniors with downsizing, moving, packing and dispersal of unneeded material.  Implementing the right combination of home and lifestyle modifications may be the first step for you or your family member to “age in place,” both independently and safely.    

Wanda E. Gozdz, is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist and a Senior Move Manager. She is President of Golden Age Living, LLC., a licensed, insured and bonded company specializing in helping seniors. Toll free:  (888) 607-4650  E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Visit:  goldenageliving.com/survey and register for a free 15 minute consultation.

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