Myths about retirement housing can lead to poor decision-making and even pose dangerous risks. As a Home Health Physical Therapist and Certified Aging in Place Specialist, I hear these misconceptions frequently. Let's shed some light on these common misunderstandings about aging in place homes and finally set things straight!
MYTH #1: You must live in a single-story home.
While a one-story home can be convenient, it's not a necessity. Multi-level homes can be adapted to be amazing homes for aging in place. By creating first-floor living spaces or installing a stair glide, elevator or other stair alternatives, most homes can be made accessible for senior-friendly living.
One of the biggest challenges can be creating an accessible bathroom on the first level of a two-story home when single-level accommodations are desired. Powder rooms or guest bathrooms generally have a tiny footprint. Finding space to enlarge or relocate the bathroom for accessibility can be difficult.
MYTH #2: A large house is essential.
Bigger isn't always better….or necessary. Smaller homes can be just as functional and often more cost-efficient to modify since there is less square footage. Although an open-concept design is often ideal, even compact homes with multiple rooms can be adapted. It will likely require more renovation and creative planning. A big advantage of an open floor plan is fewer barriers, making navigation with an assistive device such as a walker or wheelchair easier.
One feature often found in larger homes is a guest room or in-law suite. This multi-use space can be instrumental to successfully aging in place because it could provide caregiver accommodations, among other uses.
MYTH #3: Living in a 55+ community means your home is ready for aging in place.
This is a common and misleading assumption. Just because a home is in a 55+ community doesn't mean it has all or even the most basic features for aging comfortably. I've worked with many clients in these types of communities, and most homes still require significant modifications to achieve the accessibility needed to successfully age in place.
For example, a no-step entrance is crucial, yet many homes in these communities lack even this basic feature. Every home should have at least one step-free entrance to accommodate mobility limitations that often occur with age, including using assistive devices such as a cane, walker or wheelchair.
MYTH #4: Aging in place designs are unattractive and look like a hospital.
‘I don't want my home to look like a nursing home’ or ‘I don’t want it to look like an old person lives there.’ Sound familiar? Many people envision long, clunky ramps and hospital beds, but that doesn’t have to be the reality.
With thoughtful planning, functionality and style can coexist beautifully. Utilizing universal design concepts and aging in place design adds the necessary functionality. Once this foundational function is in place, virtually any design style can be used to fit your preferences.
But the key is to plan ahead—waiting for a medical crisis often results in hurried decisions that compromise aesthetics. Today's market offers an abundance of stylish and functional options. The challenge is knowing where to look and what will work best for your unique home environment. Adding an extra layer of complexity are necessary considerations and modifications for disease processes such as Parkinson’s or arthritis.
MYTH #5: Any contractor can handle aging in place home modifications.
Think again. Specialized knowledge is crucial for achieving the outcome you desire and deserve. Contractors who are Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) have a better understanding of the unique home improvement needs of older adults.
The challenge is that few builders, contractors and handymen have this specific training from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) so depending on where you live, they may be hard to find.
While other builders can certainly do the work, I’ve found quite a few contractors who aren’t open to the detailed solutions needed for age in place home remodeling, preferring to stick to their usual methods.
That’s where I come in - by combining my medical background with my CAPS expertise, I provide personalized consultations that offer a distinct advantage.
I consider your current health conditions and physical abilities as well as anticipate disease progression and future needs to recommend personalized solutions for the best home modifications, strategies, and product selections for your unique situation.
This approach is akin to choosing a specialist doctor over a general practitioner for specific health concerns—it ensures tailored solutions that anticipate the progression of health conditions over time.
Choosing the best consultant and the right contractor can make all the difference in creating a home that truly supports aging in place.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Creating a home for aging well involves a blend of detailed planning and specialized expertise. With the right approach, the outcome can be both functional and beautiful. Ready to transform your home? Let's chat and explore how we can create a Home Fit for a Lifetime, perfectly tailored for your journey ahead.