Hearing the words Theres no place like home, takes a lot of us back to the movie The Wizard of Oz with Dorothy tapping her bright red heels together.
As we age, most prefer to age in place referring to living at home.
Our homes are our safe havens as well as place that provide freedom, memories, and often financial advantages if the home is owned. However, some features that once were easily navigated as part of everyday life stairs, bathtubs and kitchens can become a hazard.
Im reminded of a family member who returned home from a hospital stay. Due to weakness, a walker was required for a short while. All of a sudden walking paths needed reworked, either by rearranging furniture or removing clutter. It wasnt a concept that any of us had thought much about before his return home.
Changes in abilities, regardless of how they occur, do not need to prevent people from living life to its fullest potential. Most aspects of the home can be altered to make them safer and easier to use while maintaining independence.
Some modifications can be minimal in cost. Adding a well-placed grab bar or removing a few throw rugs can decrease the chances of a person falling. Placing a chair at the end of a hallway is simple and inexpensive. Putting a handrail along the length of a hallway is a simple modification. Dont forget to consider upgrading lighting in the dimmer areas, especially around spaces where steps are involved.
Costly modifications can include a bathroom remodel or constructing a ramp entrance to the home. Major renovations are often dismissed as an option, due to their cost. However, when compared with the cost of care services, the dollars spent on the home become easier to accept.
For instance, the cost for assisted living care services averages $3,950 per month in our more rural areas of Kansas. Nursing home care services for a semi-private room are in the $5,400 per month range. Also, assisted living accommodations are not always available in our rural Kansas communities.
Assessing the needs of a home is an easy first step. Going through the house room by room can keep the process from being too overwhelming. Ask yourself, What adjustments can be made to make that space safer and more accessible.
To jump start the assessment process, contact your Southwind District Extension Office or go to www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu and look for Simple Home Modifications for Aging in Place MF 3058. A simple assessment form is included with a fact sheet.
