Medical advancements and preventative healthcare have increased the average American's lifespan by nearly two decades in the last century. Today's seniors are experiencing more active, independent lifestyles than ever before which has created a strong shift toward aging in place. According to the Health and Aging Foundation, roughly half of all nursing home residents are over the age of 85 while the University of Michigan found that 88% of Americans between the ages of 50 to 80 intend to remain in their homes long term.

Aging in place can be a great comfort for seniors, provided they have a safe environment that accommodates their needs. However, the U of M National Poll on Healthy Aging revealed that much of the 50+ population had yet to prepare for this undertaking. Nearly half of the respondents said they'd given little or no thought to the steps they'd need to take in order to grow old in their home. The AARP reports that only 34% of those middle-aged or older believe that their home has the necessary features for safe senior living.

February is National Senior Independence Month. Whether you're preparing for your own needs or those of an older relative who wishes to remain in their house, it's important to make modifications before they become an urgent necessity. Consider these improvements as you work toward a suitable home for aging in place.

preventing falls

• Make sure paths throughout the home are well lit and cleared of objects. Take special care to keep stairs free of clutter. Stairs should have sturdy rails and banisters and be equipped with non-skid treads.
• Remove throw rugs or use rug grippers to prevent sliding.
• Apply non-slip wax to floors.
• Remove wheels from furniture.
• Modify bathrooms to include grab bars, zero threshold shower entries, and shower chairs. Use rubber-backed bath mats and non-skid decals.
• Improve visibility with under cabinet lighting. If needed, lower light switches to no higher than 48 inches from the floor. Replace toggles with rocker switches and ensure there are ways to turn lights on at both the top and bottom of staircases. Add task lights, nightlights, or motion sensor lights throughout the home.
• Use tape or contrasting colors to mark changes in the floor level.
• Secure cords behind furniture or use covers and cable clips.
• Make sure there is supportive seating throughout the home and consider adding an electric chair lift.
• In homes with basement laundry, repurpose a main level area into a laundry room.
• Repair trip hazards along driveways and walkways. Make sure landscaping is trimmed and walkways are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
• Evaluate ramp installation at exterior doors and add threshold ramps. Handrails should be present on both sides of entry stairs.
• Have the senior carry their cellphone on them or equip multiple cordless phones throughout the house. Falls often happen when people are rushing to answer a call.

improved accessibility

• Add grips to doorknobs or replace standard knobs with levers. Replace drawer and cabinet knobs with pulls. 
• Add swing-clear hinges to doors and, if necessary, hire a professional to widen doorways for mobility aids.
• Use a Lazy Susan for easier kitchen access.
• Install a comfort-height toilet or accommodate an existing toilet with a seat riser.
• Install a handheld shower head and a conveniently placed niche so bath products are easy to reach.
• Raise outlets.
• Find an easily accessible location for trash receptacles and make sure a path is cleared for seniors to take them to the curb.
• Provide timers or thermometers with flashing lights so those who are hard of hearing know when meals are ready.
• Adjust bed heights. Ideally, seniors should be able to sit on the edge of the bed with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
• Create kitchen counters with varying heights to accommodate both sitting and standing.
• If possible, move the master bedroom to the first floor and install a bathroom.

must-have security features

• Keep emergency numbers near phones in large print. Include 911, poison control, healthcare providers, and family/friends that can be reached during an emergency.
• Water heaters should be set no higher than 120 degrees F.
• Periodically test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Install alarms with flashing lights.
• Make sure the senior has at least 2 ways to exit the home in the event of a fire.
• Install a window panel or peephole at exterior doors. Check doors and windows to ensure that locks are sturdy and easy to operate.

utilizing smart home technology

• Wireless doorbell cameras can notify homeowners when someone is at their door and offer seniors a way to talk to visitors before letting them into the house.
• Smart lighting and plugs can be scheduled to turn on/off at certain times each day. These items can also be voice enabled or accessed via smart devices.
• Smart window blinds can adjust according to a schedule, changes in light or temperature, or by using a smartphone.
• Smart home security systems alert occupants to activity around the property and some can be activated to contact emergency services. Smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are also helpful in case the senior is out of the house or hard of hearing. Some alarms can be paired with lights that automatically turn on when an issue is detected.
• Keyless entry provides access to the home using a smartphone, code, or fingerprint. Many of these devices also provide peace of mind as you can lock your doors remotely.
• Water sensors detect leaks and can prevent extensive damage by catching the issue early. Some sensors are even able to shut off water valves in order to immediately stop the leak.
• Amazon Alexa devices can be used like Life Alert to call or text your saved emergency contacts. Access this feature by saying, "Alexa, call for help." Authorizing certain contacts to drop into your Alexa device can also provide an additional layer of monitoring. 

The good news is that it's becoming increasingly more common for homebuilders to incorporate universal design features into their properties. The goal of universal design is to create environments with more accessibility, thus reducing or eliminating the need for modifications as physical needs change. However, most US homes still require some prep work for senior independence. Use this guide as a checklist when preparing to age in place.