Living in Your Home After Retirement

November 20, 2019

As baby boomers age, many are opting to stay in their homes instead of moving after retirement. If you are among the growing population of aging adults, it is important to make sure your home has both long and short-term solutions to ensure your safety and comfort throughout your golden years. Here are several tips to help make sure any environment is optimal for aging in place, a home designed for independent living.

Lighting: Without proper illumination throughout your home, you may be exposing yourself to a potential slip and fall. According to the Washington State Department of Health, approximately one-third of people aged 65 and older who live in their own homes fall at least once a year. Night or security lights inside and outside your home allow you to safely walk around when it is dark.

Kitchen: There is an array of appliances to improve your ease of use around the kitchen. Lever-handle faucets with a pull-out spray, a raised dishwasher to avoid back strain and a side-by-side refrigerator with slide-out shelves are options. Other modifications to your kitchen, such as installing a pull-out cutting board or larger cabinets with drawer pulls can make cooking in your home more enjoyable.

Bathroom: The right type of fixtures in your bathroom can create a barrier-free environment. Lever handles on faucets and a slide-bar-type hand-held shower are attractive options for boomers. You may want to install a curbless shower. Not only does this type of adjustment help you from stepping over something, but curbless showers can also be rolled into with a wheelchair if necessary.

A builder or remodeler with a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) designation can help you or your loved one find customized designs.