Mention aging in place home modifications, and it’s easy to picture a contractor tearing out the bathroom, widening every doorway, and handing you a bill approaching the price of a new car. Major renovations can certainly become necessary, but they aren’t always the smartest (or first) place to spend money when preparing a home for later life. The National Institute on Aging recommends several comparatively simple changes, including better lighting, secured flooring, grab bars, and nonslip surfaces. The CDC similarly emphasizes reducing household hazards because falls can have serious consequences for older adults, including hip fractures and hospitalization. Instead of assuming you need a $50,000 remodel, start with these seven changes that address problems you’re much more likely to encounter every day.
