Aging in Place Begins Early. Homeowners are getting older, and to continue on in their current house, improvements are necessary.
“Aging in place,” however, is not just about adding railings and ramps—in fact, 46 percent of homeowners aged 75-plus began improvements early with the expectation that they would grow older, but stay put, according to a HomeAdvisor report. The most common remodels, the report shows:
- Add Lever-Style Doorknobs
- Add Pull-Out Shelves
- Add a Smart Fire Detection System
- Add a Smart Security System
- Replace Stone/Tile With Carpet/Wood
Homeowners at an earlier stage, aged 55-75, are also making modifications, but not necessarily due to aging concerns (though they are, fortuitously, ideal for just that). These include adding automated features like a programmable thermostat or voice activation, and, in bathrooms, grab bars and higher toilets.
holistic” movement is occurring
According to HomeAdvisor, a “holistic” movement is occurring—a comprehensive, and, at times, preventative, approach to living over the years. Early on, that could mean addressing issues that could be unsafe, like a cracked walkway. Later, that could mean cutting clutter and organizing (accessible storage, for example), or eliminating labor-intensive chores, such as adding gutters that clean themselves. The outcome is a lifestyle that is not only beneficial currently, but also crucial down the line, when age can impede the ability to carry out chores and upkeep.
Other key improvements to consider, the report shows:
- Lighting
- Modifications in Shower (Bench, threshold)
- Moving Master Bedroom to First Floor
- Ramps
- Wider Doorways
Source: HomeAdvisor
Seniors may consider a reverse mortgage:
A Reverse Mortgage is a mortgage offered to men and women over the age of 62; It makes it possible for Seniors to convert a part of the of their home into cash.
‘Aging in Place’ Begins Early: Report
Was provided by Art Di Segna, a recognized leader in his field. Art can be contacted via email at Art@FineHomesOfTexas.com by phone at (281) 415-5888 or Contact Me. Art has helped hundreds of people move in and around many Houston towns for the last 14 years.
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Original article by Suzanne De Vita is RISMedia’s online news editor