Safety Tips and Advice for Aging In Place In Style

Categories: Appliances, Bathrooms, Cabinets, Countertops, Fixtures, Hardware, Kitchens, Tile

As Dorothy famously said, “There’s no place like home.” That sentiment is especially true for the majority of older Americans who want to age without a change of address.

According to a 2024 survey by AARP, 75% of adults aged 50 and older wish to stay in their current homes for as long as possible. For some, this preference is motivated by a sense of comfort and community or a desire for independence; for others, it’s a matter of affordability or a lack of alternative housing options that meet their needs.

Regardless of the reasons to stay put, careful consideration and planning are required to ready a home for later chapters of life. This prep work may seem daunting, with no yellow brick road, ruby-red shoes or magical wizard in sight. Instead, follow the golden rules to your golden years: the best practices to prepare your residence for years to come.

Bonus: An influx of new tools, innovative technology and other home improvement resources helps simplify the process.

Start Earlier Than You Think You Need To

The best time to begin reducing age-related risks in your home is before an accident happens. The National Institute on Aging recommends proactively inspecting every room, one by one, to declutter and fix any potential issues, such as tripping hazards, loose railings or poor lighting. On the website (nia.nih.gov), a free Home Safety Checklist is available to download, which identifies exactly what to look for and prevents anything going overlooked.

For example, even if your home is already equipped with traditional smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, it may be time for an upgrade: Low-frequency sounders by PLACE Home Solutions (available locally at The Home Depot) are proven to be more effective in an emergency for alerting those with hearing loss and sync with apps on smart devices for easy control from anywhere.

Getting a head start on the NIA’s checklist will also help you save properly to afford any necessary repairs—and have adequate time to check with current state Medicaid, Veterans Affairs or other local agencies that may provide financial assistance.

Devote Extra Attention (And Budget) To The Bathroom

More brittle bones and a lack of balance in aging adults mean that falls not only become more common for older people, but they can also lead to more serious injuries and big medical bills. (Hospital costs for fall-related injuries average $30,000, with the total often rising with a patient’s age.) Of course, a healthy diet and exercise can support strength and stability, but it’s also important to reduce the risk of falling—especially in bathrooms, where an estimated 80% of falls happen at home, according to UCLA Health.

In Northeast Atlanta, TruBlue Home Service Ally is a handyman and home repair service that specializes in helping busy adults and seniors live a worry-free life through specialized home maintenance plans. This extends from routine to-do list chores and seasonal work to installing modifications, such as grab bars
near showers and toilets, and zero-entry shower renovations. TruBlue Home Service Ally can send a certified specialist to your home for a free, 75-point assessment that examines every detail down to the doorknobs, then offers quotes for any home modifications recommended.

Choose Appliances That Work For You, Not Against You

Between the kitchen and the laundry room, we rely on many hardworking appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and microwaves to make our daily lives easier. However, what is defined as “easier” may look drastically different for a person in their 80s than for someone decades younger.

“Aging-in-place design is about maintaining independence, dignity and comfort at home, while blending smart technology with thoughtful ergonomics,” says Amy Chernoff, vice president of marketing and appliance expert at AJ Madison Home & Kitchen Appliances, a national retailer with a 12,000-square-foot showroom in Sandy Springs. “Appliances play a quiet but crucial role in that mission.”

In the kitchen, reduce the likelihood of spills and burns by opting for drawer microwaves with one-touch opens, induction cooktops with automatic shut-off if no pan is detected and wall ovens installed at counter height to avoid bending to lift hot dishes. Modern French-door refrigerators keep frequently used groceries at eye level, plus offer alerts if a door is left ajar. Other thoughtful features, like ovens with side-swing doors and telescoping racks, along with rounded countertop edges, slip-resistant flooring and ergonomic drawer dishwashers with front-facing controls, complete the environment.

For the laundry room, consider installing front-load washers and dryers on sturdy pedestals that minimize straining joints. Automatic detergent dispensing, easy-grip knobs and simplified displays with large fonts and bright lights also benefit those with reduced vision or dexterity.

Overall, Chernoff also points out that aging-in-place design should never feel clinical. By making small tweaks—such as matte finishes that resist fingerprints or smart features that can be synced with voice assistants or monitored remotely for caregivers if desired—homeowners can stay secure without sacrificing style or function.

Don’t Forget Your Entryways

Did you know research shows 55% of homeowners use their garage as the main entryway? For people aging in place, that means the garage is also a critical access point, where safety and security are top priorities. To improve accessibility, the experts at Garage Living offer practical solutions like anti-slip flooring, motion-sensor lighting and wall-mounted organization. Visit the Marietta showroom or schedule a complimentary in-home design consultation to begin planning your garage makeover, from junk removal to installing ramps and handrails for improved mobility.

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