Home modification interest grows as more seniors age at home

With up to 80 percent of Americans now planning to age at home, an understanding of home modification options is vital to a safe and independent future.

No longer just grab bars and stair ramps, home modifications run the gamut in function, price and style. They can be as basic as decluttering a room or high tech installations of monitors throughout a house.

Home modifications also offer a way to age in place for a fraction of the price of assisted living and nursing homes — which can push upwards of $100,000 a year for a single occupancy room.

Even with the financial savings and safety benefits, the idea of initiating a conversation to “senior-proof” their homes can be difficult for many people to start.

“People are scared to reach out for help,” said Ashley Blackington, an occupational therapist and owner of Home Field Advantage, a Portsmouth company which consults with seniors and families to do home assessments and develop modification strategies.

“They feel like its an admission that the aging process is continuing," Blackington said. "It usually takes either a fear of falling - or a fall - until someone will have a light bulb moment.”

As difficult as it may be to start the conversation, it benefits the homeowner to have a voice in retrofitting their home to meet their individual needs and style.

“Early involvement gives you an opportunity to participate instead of coming home and being surprised it looks like a hospital, instead you are part of making that decision on what happens,” said Blackington.

Some of the most popular large-scale home modifications now include multi-level counter tops, 36-inch doorway clearances, elevators, stair-free entrances and total bathroom revamps.

“I’m a big fan of the walk-in shower,” said Blackington. “Not only is it functional, it gives you a lot more ability to do further bathroom remodels.”

One home modification device that is making a comeback is the chair lift.

“It’s a hot item,” added Blackington, who attributes their renewed popularity to lower cost models and increased use from those in recovery from accidents or surgery.

Although effective, complex modification projects such as stair lifts, standing tubs, and elevators can cost between $3,000 and $10,000 and require a contractor. Fortunately, there are many low or no cost home modifications that can be done today to increase your safety and comfort.

Some simple and effective no cost modifications include things like: removing throw rugs, bundling electrical cords to avoid trip risks, removing clutter from stairs and hallways, and setting your hot water to 120 degrees to prevent scalding and save energy dollars.

Another easy and free tip, for people of any age, is to set a chair or table near the front door to place items on when locking or unlocking.

Low cost fixes may require a trip to the hardware store but are just as helpful and achievable. A few to start with increasing the brightness of bulbs and installing nightlights, securing carpets with double-sided tape, adding anti-slip strips and grab-bars in bathtubs and showers, and making sure to have handrails on both sides of stairways.

These are just a few examples of DIY no and low costs home modification projects. For a full list of ideas Blackington suggests doing some online research, contacting AARP, and finding a home modification professional such as a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS).

“People are talking about aging more and about home modifications more,” said Blackington. “There’s a lot of information out there and a lot more opportunities to ask for help and advice.”