Source: https://www.chestnuthilllocal.com/stories/aging-in-place-prepare-your-home-ahead-of-time,37088
1. The Urgency and Unexpected Nature of Aging-in-Place Needs
Many individuals are "caught off guard" by the sudden necessity for home modifications.
- Prevalence of Risk: "Anyone age 55 or older has a good chance of needing new hips, knees or shoulders by their mid-60s." This highlights a significant demographic at risk.
- Demographic Context: In Philadelphia, "the 55 and older adult population represents 26% of our population, or as AARP puts it, one in four of Philly’s nearly 1.6 million residents," emphasizing the scale of the need.
2. The Desire and Benefits of Staying Home
"Aging in place is top of mind for many seniors." This reflects a strong preference among older adults to maintain independence and remain in familiar surroundings. While support organizations exist, "older adults who wish to stay put will eventually need to consider home modifications or even new construction to accommodate physical limitations."
3. Essential Home Modifications for Accessibility and Safety
Proactive planning involves assessing current home layouts against potential future needs. The AARP’s “HomeFit Guide” provides a crucial "checklist of questions designed to allow seniors to think wisely about how living independently for longer." Key considerations include:
- Step-free access: "Is there a step-free entrance into your home?" and "Do you have a shower with a step-free entry?"
- Main-level living: "Is there a bedroom, full bath, and kitchen on the main level?"
- Wider doorways: "Are the interior doorways at least 36” wide?"
- Kitchen accessibility: "Does the kitchen have a work surface you can use while seated?" and "Are the kitchen cabinets and shelves easy for you to reach?"
- Lighting: "Are your exterior walkways and entrances well lighted?" and "Are stairway light fixtures located at both the top and bottom of the stairs?"
- Fall prevention: "Do all your area rugs have nonslip grips to prevent tripping or slipping?" and "Are there nonslip strips or nonslip mats in the bathtub and/or shower?"
- Bathroom fixtures: "Does your bathroom have a lever-, touch- or sensor-style faucet?"
- Safety features: The author's personal struggle to find "grab rails" for their shower highlights the often-overlooked need for essential safety installations.
4. Professional Resources and Certifications
Homeowners are not alone in navigating these complex decisions. Specialized expertise is available:
- Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS): These professionals are trained to understand "the unique needs of the older adult population, examining common barriers and the appropriate aging-in-place home modifications."
5. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as an Alternative Housing Solution
Beyond modifying an existing main home, ADUs offer a distinct option for elder housing:
- Definition: ADUs are "self-contained living spaces" that are "either attached to or located on the same property as a main dwelling unit." They typically include "a separate entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living area."
- Purpose: They can allow an older family member to "live independently but close to family," as exemplified by a "650-square-foot single-story apartment addition" designed by Krieger + Associates Architects. This project "won a 2022 Chrysalis Award for Remodeling Excellence."
- Zoning Considerations: A critical factor for ADU development is "Zoning... It is essential to consult local zoning codes to obtain proper permits before beginning any ADU project."
