Projects to help you to continue to live independently

Special to 318 Forum

As you get older, you don’t have to leave your home for a shared living environment.

Instead, make a few targeted home improvements and you’ll greatly extend the time you can continue to live independently. This has become known as “aging in place.” Projects in the bathroom or exterior of your home may be smaller in scale, while changes to the floor plan will likely involve a larger budget.

Floor Plans

Essential living spaces should be situated on the main floor, including a full bathroom. Arrange furniture to minimize the number of required steps, making sure that all rooms have generous clear spaces for maneuvering. Hallways should be well lit and at least 36 inches wide. Entrances should also be spacious; experts recommend a width of 32 inches. Interior doors should likewise be 32 inches wide, with lever-style door hardware that is easy to open.

Bathroom Improvements

Equip bathrooms with adjustable or variable height counters, wall supports and removable base cabinets. You should have at least one wheelchair-accessible bathroom on the main level, with added space around the toilet, shower and tub to provide for a grab bar. Incorporate shower seats into all new designs.

Install toilets that are higher than standard measurements to help with the transition from sitting to standing.

Outside the Home

Consider replacing high-maintenance lawns and gardens with options that require less upkeep. Choose native plants and shrubs, as they tend to be more manageable. Build or renovate decks and any balconies with durable materials, rather than cheap wood, so they’ll last longer. Make sure there is easy access to outside areas, installing a ramp and non-slip flooring if necessary.

Other Projects

Install thermostats, light switches and other controls where they are easily accessible, positioned no higher than 48 inches from the floor. Position electrical outlets where they are easy to reach, with a recommended height of 15 inches from the floor and at intervals closer than 12 feet apart if possible. It’s smart to install both audio and visual strobe light systems to indicate when someone is at the door or when smoke or carbon monoxide alarms have been activated. Connect the switch directly to emergency services, including police, EMS and fire. Take advantage of modern security systems that can monitor lighting and climate control.