According to a 2023 U.S. Census Bureau report, 4 million U.S. households with an adult aged 65 or older had difficulty living in or using some features of their home. Officials with AARP are recommending older homeowners make adjustments to make home living safer and more accessible.
Rebecca Delphia is the Senior Advisor of AARP’s Livable Communities Local Change program. She said when looking at home modifications for older adults, it is best to follow the concept of universal design.
“Universal design means creating an environment that can safely accommodate all individuals from a toddler discovering his or her mobility to an adult using a walker or a wheelchair. This concept of universal design can allow us to successfully remain in our homes or age in place and can be a good fall prevention strategy,” said Delphia.
Delphia said modifications can range from inexpensive quick fixes to more costly modifications that need to be completed by a professional.
Quick fixes can include rearranging furniture to create more open pathways, removing clutter and tripping hazards, and adding additional lighting. More complex fixes could be adding railings to steps, widening doorways, and adding a stairlift.
Mike Watson is the Director of AARP’s Livable Communities. He said it is important to keep paths clear of tripping hazards, both indoors and outside.
“We all love yard decorations. I had a grandmother and grandfather who were big on yard gnomes. We want to ensure that while those yard gnomes or the flamingos or the bird feeders are important and bring a lot of joy and character to your yard, we're keeping them out of paths, the walkway so that we're not tripping on things when they fall over in the wind, and really keeping a conscious eye on ensuring that there's no obstacles. Reducing those hazards of tripping and falling,” said Watson.
AARP said to check with local and state programs to receive information about home modification assistance.