Chances are you have lived in your home for a number of years and don’t want to move simply because you are getting older. However, most homes aren’t built for the aging individual to begin with, which means you’ll need to make some adjustments to ensure your safety and comfort when aging in place. 
Outside the Home Your home’s exterior is the first step to ensuring a safe environment for anyone who needs to be a little more careful on their feet. If you don’t already have a flat walkway, it is a good time to create one with concrete. Avoid walkways that are gravel or have stepping stones with gaps between them. If stairs become too hard for you, consider having a ramp built to make it easier to enter the home. In the Bathroom Most accidents in the home happen in the bathroom where slippery floors or stepping in and out of the shower poses hazards for those who have balance issues. If you focus on only one room in your home to prepare for aging in place, this should be it. Slippery floors should be traded out for a non-slip material or covered in bath rugs to make slipping less likely. Grab bars next to the toilet make it easier for someone to get up and down without losing balance. Finally, consider installing a walk-in shower and tub, which prevents the need to step over the side of the bathtub and risk tripping. In the Kitchen Don’t forget about the kitchen. Install cabinet shelves that pull down or up to make it easier to reach things. A new dishwasher at a higher level as well as a shallow sink that is easier to reach into also make the kitchen safer and more comfortable for seniors. Appliances should be outfitted with larger numbers and letters for easier visibility. When considering renovations for aging in place, always work with professional home contractors. Doing so ensures the work is done correctly the first time and saves you money.
