Aging in Place: Simple Home Adjustments for Comfort and Independence Later in Life

Want to stay in the home you love for as long as possible?

You’re not alone. In fact, 78.4% of adults aged 60+ say that they would like to remain in their home for as long as they can.

Here’s the problem:

Most homes weren’t designed with ageing in mind. Steps become stairs. Faucets become stiff. Little household fixes slowly turn into huge projects.

The best part? You don’t have to renovate your whole place. There are just a few easy changes you can make to create a safer, cozier home that’s easier to live in.

Here’s how to do it…

Inside This Guide:

Water Softener Installation: The Upgrade Nobody Talks About
Make Floors And Stairs Safer
Turn Your Bathroom Into A Safe Space
Light Up Every Room
Small Kitchen Changes That Add Up
Plan Ahead Before You Need To

Water Softener Installation: The Upgrade Nobody Talks About

This one might surprise you…

Grab rails and ramps spring to mind first. But your water supply also has a huge impact on your daily comfort levels at home.

A lot of the UK has hard water running through its taps. Which is water full of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Leaving crusty limescale build-up on your taps, showerheads, kettle and inside your boiler over time.

Which is where water softener installation comes in handy. The softener filters out those hard minerals before the water reaches your taps preventing limescale build-up. The unit sits under your kitchen sink and attaches to your mains water supply, so it needs careful installation to avoid leaks. If it’s not your cup of tea then it’s easy to find a plumber who can test your water, recommend the correct size softener and fit it for you in one visit.

So why does this matter as you get older?

Soft water helps with 3x everyday struggles:

– Harder to turn taps: Scale can build up on taps and valves making them stiff to turn. This can be really annoying if you have arthritis or weak hands.

– Weak showers: Blocked showerheads mean low water pressure and more time spent scrubbing.

– Dry skin: Many people complain that hard water causes dry, itchy skin. Skin also becomes thinner and more delicate as you age.

Bonuses: Less scale build-up means your boiler, kettle and washing machine do not have to work so hard. Fewer repairs, and lower bills.

Less scrubbing. Smoother taps. Kinder water.

Make Floors And Stairs Safer

Falls are the big ones.

The NHS states that around 30% of over 65s suffer a fall every year. The figure increases to 50% for those aged 80 or above.

And falling down hurts… more than your body. It can destroy your self-esteem and independence in one day.

The great thing about tripping hazards is that most of them are easy (and inexpensive) to eliminate. Take a walk around your house and keep your eye out for potential trouble spots:

– Loose rugs and curled-up mat edges

– Trailing cables across walkways

– Clutter left on the stairs

– Uneven or worn carpet

Then look at your stairs. Have a rail on both sides so you always have something to hold on to going up and down. If your stairs become too daunting there are stairlifts that are worth investigating. They are a lot less expensive than remodeling and moving to a bungalow. You can stay in the home you love.

It really is that simple.

Turn Your Bathroom Into A Safe Space

Here’s something most people don’t consider…

The bathroom is arguably the most dangerous room in the house. Slippery floors, hard surfaces and confined spaces are a dangerous combination.

Replacing your bath with a walk in shower ranks amongst the most worthwhile upgrades. Say goodbye to struggling over the side of your bath. Add a fold-down seat and you’ll be able to shower, seated whenever you like.

Then add these simple extras:

– Grab rails beside the toilet and inside the shower

– A non-slip floor or anti-slip mat

– A raised toilet seat

– A thermostatic shower valve to stop sudden bursts of hot water

The water softener? Pays dividends here as well. Soft water ensures that glass screens, tiles and shower trays stay free from limescale. Less bending and scrubbing to keep your new bathroom sparkling.

Win-win, right?

Light Up Every Room

Good lighting is one of the cheapest safety upgrades out there.

As you age you require more light to see. Dimly lit hallways and dark stairs make it far too easy to trip.

Here are a few easy hacks. Replace old bulbs with brighter LEDs. Install motion sensing night lights between bedroom and bathroom. Ensure stair light can be turned on from both top and bottom.

No more fumbling around in the dark!

Don’t neglect the exterior of your house either. A lamp near the front door will illuminate where you toss your keys and help you see stairs, puddles or ice on dark winter nights.

Small Kitchen Changes That Add Up

Kitchens see a lot of activity throughout the day. That’s why a few simple swaps can make a big difference.

Drawer pulls are much easier on sore hands than twist knobs. Store dishes, cups and cookware on shelves between waist and shoulder level. This eliminates reaching up and bending down.

Think about it:

Every time you reach for the top cupboard you risk toppling over. Keep everyday items within reach and store those rarely used items on the highest shelves.

Plan Ahead Before You Need To

This is where most people slip up…

According to that survey, older adults say remaining independent at home is “very important” (92.4%). However, over 50 percent said they rarely give it any thought until something becomes a problem.

Don’t wait until something fails or it’s an emergency to get work done. Last minute work costs more money and is more stressful. Scheduled work can be budgeted for over time.

Schedule like tasks together. If you are getting a walk-in shower installed, schedule your water softener installation then too. One trip. Less clutter. Less inconvenience.