The 5 Best Home Improvements for Aging in Place

Senior life looks a little different these days. As many Baby Boomers reach retirement age and beyond, most stay active and independent. Aging-in-place has become a popular trend, especially here in Southeastern Wisconsin, where many neighborhoods and communities are senior-friendly.

If you or someone you love hopes to stay in their home for the long haul, several home improvements make aging in place easier for all family members.

Why Age-in-Place?

Aging-in-place refers to the preference of many of today’s older adults to live in their own homes for as long as possible. Rather than moving to retirement communities, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home, people are choosing to maintain their independence, comfort, and social connections in their own houses.

Aging in place is especially popular in walking-friendly neighborhoods and close-knit communities like Wauwatosa, Waukesha, Glendale, and Shorewood. The older generations live longer, healthier, and more social lives than ever before. Many older Wisconsinites see no reason to relegate themselves to the rocking chair (rather than rocking out at Summerfest, enjoying the Lakefront, and cheering on the Brewers and Bucks).

Senior life can be vibrant and active. It’s also often more cost-effective. With technological advancements and improved home health care and support, seniors can get what they need right at home. Home modifications and in-home care are often much less expensive than long-term facility care, making a significant difference for many.

Better still, aging-in-place can reduce stress on older adults and foster their emotional and psychological well-being. Staying in their own home allows seniors to maintain their social networks and community involvement. It’s one of the best ways to ensure your future needs are met. With so many positives, it’s no wonder it’s become a natural preference.

Whether you’re reaching a “certain age” or caring for your older parents, there are a few ways to make aging in place possible. Many of the steps to maintaining independence in your golden years include home modifications to ensure safety, emergency preparedness, and continued accessibility.

Here are the best home improvements and aging-in-place renovations you can make for a happy quality of life.

1. Installing a Low-Maintenance Exterior

Few people love the scraping and painting process involved in maintaining a wooden exterior finish. An aging exterior can lead to many repairs and home improvement projects that can eat up your valuable time and energy (not to mention require dangerous ladder work).

Take the stress out of maintaining your home’s exterior by choosing an exterior finish that’s easy to maintain. Siding is a great solution that lasts for years. There’s virtually no upkeep required, and it can greatly improve your home’s curb appeal (and value).

Roofing is another exterior project that you shouldn’t procrastinate on. If your roof is showing signs of disrepair, take the worries off your plate with a durable new roof. Leaks, wood rot, and other issues can cause a lot of undue hassles, whereas a new roof will be maintenance and worry-free.

Your home’s exterior finish update will add value to your home. It will take a lot of stress off your mind in the upcoming years and lessen the need for exterior maintenance. It provides a good opportunity to check for wood rot, insulation problems, and leaks to ensure your home is safe and sound.

2. Getting Easy-to-Operate Windows and Doors

Updated windows and doors are another important update to aid in accessibility for seniors. There are many benefits to updated windows and doors: security, ease of cleaning, ease of opening, and lowered energy costs.

Security is crucial for everyone’s well-being. Older folks need windows and doors that are easy to lock securely and safely. That rickety sliding door or hard-to-open window can end up being a safety and security hazard.

Our windows and doors are secure and easy to operate. Many of our windows open to the inside for easy cleaning as well. You won’t believe the convenience and simplicity of using these updated windows. The most common thing we hear from our customers is, “I don’t know why I waited so long!”

The other place where window and door updates really make an impact is your energy bill. Retirees may be dependent on a fixed income, and lowering those utilities can really help you save (and keep your home comfortable).

3. Adding Senior-Friendly Bathroom Upgrades

One of the most important home updates that seniors can make is in the bathroom. Features like lower thresholds, curbless showers, and grab bars can make a huge difference when stepping in and out of the shower. Non-slip flooring offers easier access even with limited mobility.

At Weather Tight, we offer bathtub replacements and tub-to-shower conversions. These updates can make your bathing space much more accessible and comfortable. Additionally, they can make your bathroom more attractive too.

When it comes to the bath—the space where you get clean—hygiene is everything. If your tub has seen better days, a new bathing space update can make a world of difference. It can also be much easier to maintain and clean.

We have several aging-in-place modifications for bathtub replacement and bath-to-shower conversions. Built-in shelving, seating, and grab bars offer plenty of support and comfort as you prepare for the day. A walk-in shower lowers the risk of falls or mishaps on slippery surfaces.

A bathtub or shower update can also increase the value of your home. It’s a seemingly minor update that offers a significant payoff. People appreciate the fresh, clean appearance and modern or classic feel of our bathtub updates.

4. Updating and Improving Lighting

Lighting increases visibility and safety in a home. One of the biggest concerns for seniors is tripping and falling. Proper lighting helps prevent accidents and assists with sight impairment as well.

Add brighter, energy-efficient LED bulbs in key areas like the hallways and bathrooms. Consider task lighting and under cabinet lighting in workspaces as well. Motion sensor lights can make life more secure, too. Look for larger light switches and accessible electrical outlets, especially on the first floor.

Another way to improve the lightscape in your home is by updating your windows. Full-frame window replacement allows you to significantly increase the glass space in your windows, letting in additional light and making the whole room feel more spacious. Adequate lighting makes a big difference for older individuals, especially in dark areas of the home, where they need to avoid trip hazards and other concerns.

Outdoor lighting is also a good idea. It can increase security and offer a significant increase in safety. An accessible home will ensure that no matter what your physical abilities are, you enjoy comfortable and safe easy access to your house.

5. Considering Smart Home Technology

Today’s seniors are comfortable with technology and understand the value of tech. Home updates such as smart thermostats and lighting systems offer remote operation and additional peace of mind.

Voice-activated assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home can help make life much more convenient, too. Many people are surprised at how comfortable they are with voice-activated technology once they start to use it.

Finally, medical alert systems and monitoring devices can help those with health and mobility challenges navigate their home life with safety and confidence. These devices help with independence, and should something occur, it’s a big relief to know that emergency response is available at the push of a button.

Update Your Home Today for Peace of Mind Tomorrow

At Weather Tight, we can help you make many of these home updates. Enjoy low-maintenance exterior finishes. Take the stress out of the storm season with a new roof. New windows and doors improve your home’s comfort, safety, and value. Let in more light and makeover your bathtub, too.

Home updates are often quite affordable and worth the investment. If you plan to stay in your home for years to come, why not make it as comfortable and customized to your needs as possible?

Reach out today for a no-hassle quote. We can help you prioritize home updates and make sure you’re ready to feel right at home during your vibrant senior years.