5 Common Questions About Aging-in-Place

As we age, we may find that the homes we once loved and felt comfortable in may become difficult to navigate. Aging-in-place renovations can help modernize your home while also making it safer. We'll answer some of the most common questions our team receives regarding aging-in-place projects.

1. What Is Aging-in-Place?

Aging-in-place is the concept of staying in your own home during your senior years rather than relocating to a senior living facility as you age. It involves modifying or remodeling your home so it can accommodate your changing needs as you grow older and may become more physically or mentally limited. Aging-in-place is about adapting the home to meet your evolving needs — not the other way around.

2. Why Do People Want To Age in Place?

There are several reasons why people may wish to age in place rather than move into a retirement home or active living community. These include:

• Autonomy: Aging in place allows for more independence and autonomy for the homeowner since there are no set schedules to follow like in senior care facilities.
• Comfort: By choosing to age in place, homeowners avoid the need to move and sort through or redistribute their possessions. There’s also no need to adjust to a new or unfamiliar living environment.
• Cost: Additionally, the cost of aging-in-place renovation projects are often much lower than senior living facility fees. The average cost of an aging-in-place project is less than $10,000, while senior living communities can cost up to $4,000/month, depending on your location.

3. Why Do People Start Aging-in-Place Renovation Projects?

In our experience, we’ve encountered many different reasons why people start aging in place renovation projects, including:

• Limitations: A change in your physical or mental capacity as you age is only natural and is a good reason to consider starting an aging-in-place renovation.
• Modernization: The desire to modernize a home for ease of use or style is also a common reason why people begin aging in place remodels.
• Family: An in-law or older adult who plans on moving into or continuing to live in an independent home may also require an aging-in-place renovation.

4. What Changes May Be Needed for Your Home To Age in Place?

There are several changes that may be required to ensure your home is suitable for aging in place. These include:

• Adding a shower bench
• Adding raised toilets
• Adding slip-resistant flooring
• Adding wheelchair ramps/accessibility
• Converting bathtubs/showers to be walk-in/no-step entry
• Expanding doorways/hallways
• Installing brighter/level lighting and nightlights
• Installing handrails and grab bars
• Lowering countertops and shelving/rounding corners
• Lowering sinks/adding a touch-free or lever-handled faucet
• Switching out lower door knobs with lever handles
• Utilizing smart home technology (i.e. auto shut-off appliances, motion-sensitive/timer lighting, emergency response systems, etc.)

5. When Should Someone Start an Aging-in-Place Renovation Project?

Our advice? Don’t wait until you or your loved one’s health starts to deteriorate. There may not be enough time to renovate your home, and you will be left making a quick (and costly) decision to move into an assisted living facility out of necessity. Think about current mobility issues and how they might progress over time. If needed, ask a medical professional for their opinion and whether they feel this adjustment will be necessary in the near future.

Make sure to plan ahead if you or your loved one wants to be physically involved or make decisions during the design process. Maintaining a comfortable home that you love and helped create is equally as important as staying safe and sound in your space.

Bonus Question: Where Can I Hire an Aging-in-Place Remodeling Team in New Hampshire?

Aging-in-place services can modernize your home and make it safer at the same time. By making the necessary changes, you or your loved one can continue to live in a comfortable and familiar environment without sacrificing independence, autonomy, or safety.

If you live in southern New Hampshire and are considering an aging-in-place project for your home, Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel can help. Our team specializes in aging-in-place renovations and can help you make the necessary changes to your home so you can stay put without sacrificing safety or comfort.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you age in place with our award-winning remodeling solutions! Please call our Salem location 603-898-0868 or our Nashua location 603-769-3344.