It’s a fact of life: as you age, your body changes. And a home that may have worked for you in your 40’s likely no longer makes sense in your 70’s or 80’s. And though many seniors choose to downsize, move in with their adult children or make the transition into an assisted living facility — those aren’t the only options available.

Your home is an important part of your life, something that you put a lot of money and energy into throughout your mortgage. So you are likely a part of the 90% of seniors 65 and up that want to stay at home for as long as they can (source: AARP). And with a few simple home modifications, that dream can become a reality. No matter if you can’t get up the stairs like you used to or if your memory loss means you leave the oven on from time to time, there are specific updates you can take on to make your home work for you.

Below, the team at Hippo has highlighted easy home upgrades you can make based on your ailments, allowing you more time at home where you belong.

Home upgrades for limited mobility

A common issue faced by seniors is a change in mobility. As you get older, it can become harder (and not to mention more dangerous) to complete physically demanding tasks such as climbing the stairs, reaching for something on the top shelf, or taking a shower. But that doesn’t mean you have to throw in the towel! There are quick changes that can be made throughout your home to make getting around much easier and prevent any slips or falls.

Take a look at the high-traffic areas of your home. Think the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and stairway. Installing things like pull-down shelves, walk-in tubs, lower bed frames and ramps or lifts can make all the difference in maintaining your independence for as long as possible. And luckily, most of these installations can be done for cheap by a home remodeling expert (or a few grandkids if you’re lucky!).

Hearing or vision loss upgrades

If you’ve experienced vision or hearing loss, you know how difficult it can be to maintain the same standard of living you had before. While your current home may not be equipped to send you alerts in the way that you need, there are simple upgrades you can make that help to solve that problem. Technology has expanded in recent years, and there are plenty of devices catered to these needs that don’t take long to permanently add into your home. See the graphic below for suggestions on how to prevent intruders, fires, and unexpected injuries.

Devices like smart doorbells, screen readers, task lighting, and motion sensor lights can make a huge difference in how you get around your home at all hours of the day. Even smaller changes like painting the walls a light, matte color or adding in light switches that glow in the dark can help prevent trips or other injuries that can occur from lack of vision. And to protect yourself against fires, upgrade your smoke detectors to versions with light and sound, so you can be sure you’ll always know when it goes off.

Modifications for memory loss

One of the scariest issues you can deal with as you age, memory loss affects everyone in some way or another. While some only forget what appointments they have to go to for the week, others can forget to turn off the stove or the bathtub, leading to major damage to their home. Though sometimes seniors experiencing memory loss do best in care facilities, that isn’t always the case. If your memory issues are minor, or you just want to update your home in anticipation, below are some ideas for how to help you stay on track.

Upgrading your appliances to their smarter counterparts is one of the easiest ways to combat the issues that occur with memory loss. Smart appliances and devices like ovens, refrigerators and faucets can turn off for you and prevent any major damage from occurring. Other devices like smart speakers act like a virtual assistant, reminding you of upcoming appointments or to take your daily medication. It’s also recommended to cover any radiators or electrical outlets to avoid accidental burns or shocks.

As you grow and change, so should your home. With a few simple tweaks, and a few trips to the electronics store, you can get your home working for you in no time at all. In need of a helping hand? Let us assist you in finding a local service provider to get the job done.

Finally, consider hiring home care services, if your loved one needs around-the-clock care and you cannot leave him or her alone at home. Conditions such as Alzheimer’s or advanced sensory impairment may put your loved one at risk despite home upgrades.

About LUKE ARMSTRONG