Tips for Aging in Place

Promoting Your Safety and Mobility at Home

With more older adults planning to age in place and stay in their homes longer, it’s important to make your living environment more accessible and accommodating for your changing needs. Here are some considerations to take into account.

1. Eliminate trip hazards: Remove loose rugs, clutter, or other objects that may cause falls. Secure any loose cords or wires and ensure that floors are even and well-maintained.
2. Install handrails and grab bars: Install handrails on staircases, both indoors and outdoors, to provide support while going up and down. Additionally, consider installing grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet and in the shower or bathtub area to prevent slips and falls.
3. Improve lighting: Adequate lighting is crucial for older adults to navigate their homes safely. Increase the brightness of lighting fixtures, especially in hallways, stairways, and entrance areas. Consider installing motion-activated lights or nightlights for better visibility during nighttime.
4. Modify bathroom features: Make the bathroom more accessible by installing a raised toilet seat, if necessary, and consider installing a walk-in or curbless shower to avoid the need for stepping over high ledges. Installing a handheld showerhead and non-slip mats can also enhance safety.
5. Create a bedroom on the ground floor: If possible, arrange for a bedroom to be on the main floor of your home to avoid the need for frequent stair use. This can be achieved by converting a den or office into a bedroom if needed.
6. Improve accessibility in the kitchen: Lower countertop heights, install pull-out shelves, and place commonly used items within easy reach. Consider replacing knobs with lever-style handles on cabinets and faucets to make them easier to open and close.
7. Consider mobility aids: Assess the need for mobility aids such as walkers, canes, or wheelchairs, and ensure that doorways and hallways are wide enough to accommodate them. Remove any obstacles that may hinder your mobility within your home.
8. Enhance communication and security: Install a reliable home communication system that enables easy communication with emergency services or family members in case of an emergency. Consider adding security features like doorbell cameras or home security systems to improve safety.
9. Prioritize regular home maintenance: Stay proactive in maintaining your home, ensuring that repairs are promptly addressed, and that your home environment remains safe and functional.

We highly recommend reaching out to the Home Repair Resource Center in Cleveland Heights. They are a nonprofit organization that looks for ways to empower Cleveland residents with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain their homes. Their Senior Program offers personalized assistance to homeowners ages 62+, including help applying for financial assistance for repairs, help with reviewing contractor estimates, and inspection of completed work.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our team.