How To Decide If Age-in-Place Home Modifications Are Worth the Cost
Even though most people would prefer aging in place in their current home, is it the best option for yourself or your loved one? Yes, they’ll get to be in a familiar place, but sometimes the cost of updating their home to allow them to safely age in place, can make a big dent in their nest egg. Plus, their neighborhood will more than likely continue to change with once familiar friends and neighbors moving away, making it difficult to maintain vital social connections. So, what’s the best option for aging in place?
When considering their options, older adults who may have at first wanted to stay in their home, look to senior living communities like Freedom Village as a way to get the lifestyle they want, without the time, expense or construction mess of making necessary home modifications. To help you make a more informed decision, here’s what you would need to do to age in place in your home and what it could cost.
The Importance of Staying Safe at Home
The number one cause of serious injury among older adults is falls, so ensuring you reduce trip hazards and add safety features should be a top priority. Because mobility begins declining once people reach their late 70s, many homes lack accessibility features which is why you’ll want to plan for ways to make your home easier to get around. Here are some home modifications you should consider:
- Grab bars: Install grab bars or railings in high-risk areas like bathrooms and bedrooms for additional support and to prevent slip and fall injuries.
- Bathroom changes: Bathrooms are filled with hard surfaces and even lifting your foot a little bit could cause you to lose your balance. To further reduce your chances of falling, consider installing a walk-in shower.
- Kitchen changes: Configure sink, stove and countertops to allow for them to be used while seated.
- Outdoor ramp: Adding a ramp isn’t just for wheelchair access. Ramps eliminate the need to navigate steps, which can make maintaining balance difficult, even with a banister.
- Add smart home technology: Items like medical alert, home security and remote monitoring or communication systems are very helpful. You may also consider adding controls for lights, entertainment systems and blinds that can be controlled with your smart phone or a remote.
- Replace faucets: Touchless faucets on kitchen and bathroom sinks are great for people with arthritis or grip issues. You can also replace twist faucet handles with levers.
- Update flooring: Carpet should be securely attached and no more than a half an inch thick. Remove rugs as they are a major tripping hazard. In the bathroom, use non-slip tile.
- Improve lighting: You’ll want to make sure your hallways and bathrooms are well-lit. Install bright nightlights and use table or floor lamps for sitting areas. Put adhesive tape lights under cabinets to provide extra countertop light.
- Replace doorknobs: Installing lever-style handles will make them easier to open than round doorknobs. If you have round kitchen cabinet doorknobs, you may want to switch them out with bar- or lever-style handles.
Understanding the Cost of Modifying Your Home
For an idea of what aging in place costs, here are some home modification examples:
- Install ramp at entrance: This can cost anywhere from $875 to $1,750.
- Install entry hand grails: This can cost anywhere from $700 to $1,200.
- Widen entry door: This can cost anywhere from $200 to $7,000.
- Widen hallways without structural changes: This can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,400 per doorway.
- Widen hallways with structural changes: This can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $40,000.
- Install entry hand grails: This can cost anywhere from $700 to $1,200.
- Widen entry door: This can cost anywhere from $200 to $7,000.
- Install lever taps on faucets: This can cost anywhere from $150 to $330.
- Remodel bathroom: This can cost anywhere from $6,600 to $28,000.
- Walk-in shower: A basic walk-in shower can cost between $3,000 and $15,000. More elaborate showers with features like built-in seats, benches or multiple shower heads can cost upwards of $20,000.
- Kitchen countertop height adjustment: This can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000.
- Adding night lights and better lighting: This can cost anywhere from $100 to $500.
- Adding non-slip flooring: This can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000.
- Medical alert systems: This can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per month.
- Smart home devices: This can cost anywhere from $100 to $500.
NOTE: These modification costs don’t account for home maintenance and upkeep. Housekeeping, laundry, cooking, cleaning, lawn care and other general repairs should also be factored into your plans.
Comparing the Monthly Costs of Your Home with Senior Living
Before you decide to stay in your home, it’s important to compare your current expenses to senior living, because it may be more affordable than you think. Be sure to consider all your monthly expenses like:
- Rent or mortgage
- Property taxes and insurance
- Homeowner association fees
- Cable, internet and utilities
- House cleaning services
- Home maintenance and repairs
- Transportation (upkeep, insurance, gas, etc.)
As a homeowner, you’ll also have to plan for unexpected costs, such as replacing broken appliances, repairing the sewer line or patching up a damaged roof. At Freedom Village, our community and lifestyle is purposely designed to support you as you age, and our monthly costs are more predictable and manageable. So, you won’t have unexpected expenses, plus, you’ll have access to higher levels of on-site care including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation if ever needed.
Enjoy a Lifestyle Focused on Freedom
Ready for maintenance-free living in a home that’s designed for successfully aging in place? Consider Freedom Village. We’re just a short walk from downtown Holland and feature an active, engaging lifestyle with all the safety features, amenities and services you need. To learn more, contact us here or use our Community Assistant chat feature to schedule your visit today!
