Aging in Place

For most of us, our preference in retirement is to live in our current residence as long as possible. It’s where the kids grew up, where our social circle is, and where we are the most comfortable. The question that needs to be considered is whether or not that home is really the best place for you to age in over the long term.

• Is the master bedroom, bathroom and utility room all on the main floor or are the bedrooms upstairs and the laundry in the basement?
• How about the entry to the home? Is it level with little or no threshold or are there stairs?
• What about the counter and cabinet height in your kitchen and bath? Are they suitable if at some point you need a walker or wheel chair? 

There are a number of factors to consider as you plan for the next stage in your life.  You will also want to consider how close your home is to support services.

• Is there a family member living nearby in case of an emergency?
• How about the proximity to medical and dental services, a pharmacy, or your church?

The most important factor as you develop an aging in place strategy is timing. You want to make your evaluation and decision before a health crisis or set back forces the issue. You don’t want to be told by your doctor as you are being released from a hospital or rehab center that you need to find a new place to live. If you need a more age friendly home, the time to make that move is before a crisis occurs.    

Some practical tips for assessing if your current home is “Aging in Place” friendly can be found at http://www.ageinplace.org/practical_advice/making_your_home_senior_friendly.aspx