An Aging in Place Checklist to Create a Safe and Cozy Home
Aging in place for seniors is often desired because of the comfort, independence, and quality of life it can offer. For many people, staying in a familiar environment is critical to maintaining mental health and well-being. That’s why it’s essential to have an aging in place checklist to ensure your home is safe and accommodating. At Menno Haven, we strive to make aging in place a possibility.
Menno Haven’s mission and commitment are to nurture the human spirit, provide passionate service, and demonstrate God’s love. With our expertise and reputation as a trusted retirement community, we can foster that sense of comfort and support seniors need. Consider this aging in place checklist and how it could help you.
1. Assessing Home Safety
Start with a comprehensive assessment of the home’s safety to find out if independent living is possible.
- Fall prevention: Look for ways to prevent falls, such as installing grab bars and non-slip mats in showers and bathrooms and using adequate lighting throughout the home.
- Stair safety: Ensure stairs are in good condition with a strong, reliable handrail running its length. Consider handrails on both sides. For those with limitations, stairlifts are a life-changing investment.
- Bathroom safety: Using walk-in tubs and shower chairs can minimize falls in wet conditions. Also, consider a toilet with a raised height to make sitting and standing easier.
- Fire safety: All homes should have working smoke detectors, fire extinguishers (that your family member knows how to use), and clear emergency exits.
2. Ways to Enhance Comfort and Accessibility
The following strategy on your aging-in-place checklist is to focus on improving accessibility and overall comfort:
- Furniture arrangement: Minimize excessive furniture to ensure clear pathways throughout each room. Place items frequently needed, like the remote for the TV, in an easy-to-grab area.
- Lighting: Utilize proper lighting throughout the home, especially at night.
Temperature control: The use of programmable thermostats can provide a higher level of comfort. Make sure the home is properly insulated as well. - Accessible storage: Move items from high shelves to lower ones. Minimize clutter but place what’s needed within reach, including using Lazy Ssusans and cabinets that are lower to the ground.
3. Incorporate Technology
Technology can enhance the quality of life of your family members. Some of the best technologies to incorporate in this aging-in-place checklist include:
- Medical alerts: Whether it is a device worn around the neck or on their phone, medical alert systems detect falls and risks so that help can be called quickly.
- Smart lighting: Voice-activated lighting can minimize the risks of walking through a dark room. Also, use automated thermostats.
- Medication tools: Use phone apps or an alarm system to remind people to take their medications on time. Ensure a medication schedule is written out clearly.
When to Consider Additional Support
Even in the most ideal environment, there comes a time when the most comprehensive aging in place checklist cannot provide you with all that you need. When the home is falling behind in cleanliness, or a person’s health and mental well-being are at risk, it’s time to seek additional support.
Menno Haven’s At Home Care
With Menno Haven’s non-medical in-home care services, there’s help for many of the needs a person has, including routine cleaning, organizing, decorating, packing, and gardening.
Personal assistance can also be critical. This may include wellness check-ins, hands-on assistance, pet care, cooking, groceries, bathing, and much more.
Finding the Right Help to Age in Place
Aging in place is an option for many people if they get some help with the tasks that become more challenging. You don’t have to navigate this on your own. Contact Menno Haven to find out how we can offer the guidance and support you need to thrive.