As those who are retired or approaching retirement continue to declare a preference for aging in place, there may be challenges for those who are unsure of how or when to start making plans. A range of home health, renovation and senior care experts at U.S. News & World Report.
For reverse mortgage clients who wish to use loan proceeds to achieve their age-in-place goals, a reverse mortgage loan officer may be asked to perform home improvements and other preparations due to the high-touch nature of reverse mortgage origination. LOs often occupy a position of trust among borrower clients.
To facilitate the goals of aging in place, early planning is key. One expert explains that it should start as soon as possible.
“Making small changes now can help you avoid rushing into big changes later when your ability is limited,” says home health care professional James Bowdler.
Stacey Eisenberg, a senior care specialist in Texas, adds that contacting a professional geriatric care manager can also provide a more complete assessment of the potential hazards of aging in place that could be corrected with some kind of renovation or renovation .
For families with children or young adults, what is normal may prove dangerous later in life, especially as we age and mobility becomes more challenging. Architect Diana Melichar says widening doorways, removing clutter (including rugs that can cause tripping) and improving lighting in your home can make a difference.
“Older adults often have less mobility and physical flexibility, and their senses are diminished,” she said in the column.
Another potential hazard is the presence of stairs, especially if the master bedroom or other living space is on the second floor, she added.
“Adding a first-floor master bedroom suite to your home is ideal,” she says. “If that’s not possible, then adding a gondola or elevator is a second option.”
Other factors that can help achieve aging-in-place goals include replacing door handles with lever handles, which are easier to operate for people who have or may have arthritis. Bathrooms are a common target for renovations because it’s easy to slip and get injured if you have mobility issues; non-stick mats and extra rails and handles can help mitigate some of the risk.
Smart home technology is also an increasingly common tool for home care. Some experts say that in addition to voice-operated digital assistants and speakers, motion sensors that automatically activate lights and Internet-connected devices that allow users to monitor activation status could help achieve the goal of aging in place.
