Is it Time to Modify My Home?

Use our quiz to help determine when changes will make your home safer and suitable for long-term living.

If you're like most older adults, you want to stay independent and remain in your own home for as long as possible. To help you age in place successfully, it may be a good idea to make changes to your home that can help you stay self-sufficient and safe.

Many home modifications help prevent falls and other accidents, according to Monique Caruth, P.T., D.P.T. She is the spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

These changes may have other benefits too. For example, she says, some upgrades can help you conserve energy and use your body as efficiently as possible. These include:

• Auto or motion-sensitive lighting
• Bath chairs
• Lower kitchen cabinets (or simply placing important items within reach)
• Removable shower heads

The key is to plan for your aging and recognize it is a wonderful and celebratory part of your life, says Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging.org.

"The fact that we are aging longer is something that we should celebrate, but it is also something we should plan for. And if we plan for it, then we can avoid crises," she notes.

You may not know exactly when, why or how the needs of you or your partner will change. But you can predict some things that will be helpful for most older adults in the future.

Here are basic questions to ask yourself regarding your health and your current living situation. Answer each true or false question honestly to help you decide if it's time to modify your home. Share your answers with your doctor at your next checkup - and ask them to help you better understand your fall risk and ways to stay safe.

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1. True or false: Your doctor will let you know when it is time to change your set-up at home.

Answer: False.

Many times, doctor's appointments are quick. And you likely only talk about symptoms that bother you or conditions you're at a higher risk of getting. Unfortunately, most doctors won't know you need support unless you are honest with them about falls or unsteadiness.

"One in four seniors will fall every year, but most won't report it to their doctor," says home modification and accessibility specialist Catia Garrell. She is a co-founder of ThriveforLife.com, which is a company that offers home accessibility solutions. This is a missed opportunity because there are many expert-recommended ways to lower your chance of fall-related injuries.

Ask your doctor to prescribe you a home visit and evaluation with a physical or occupational therapist, says Garrell. This type of visit may be covered by your health insurance provider. A professional can help you identify possible problems in your home. And they can help you start thinking about the next steps if you can no longer use your stairs or high cabinets. Being prepared gives you time to make changes or redesign your home.

2. True or false: I cannot modify anything inside my home because I’m a renter.

Answer: False.

Many renters are not aware of their rights. You are likely allowed to make safety improvements, but you must pay for them, according to Garell.

It's a good idea to talk to your landlord or managing agent about changes you wish to make. You may need permission depending on where you live. "It is much easier to do before you have a health crisis," she adds.

Many landlords will welcome changes such as:

• Banisters
• Bathroom grab bars
• Doorway threshold ramps
• Wheelchair ramps

As the population ages, many of these additions are often considered upgrades. But remember, landlords also have the right to ask you to remove additions when you move out, Garell says.

3. True or false: I should make changes because I have Parkinson’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease, or another degenerative disease.

Answer: True.

If you (or your partner) have a serious illness or are at high risk of developing a degenerative disease, you should take steps to make your home safer.

There is usually no exact timeline that tells you when you'll notice changes in your health or home needs. But planning is part of the process of accepting a diagnosis. Preparing for changes can even help you feel empowered.

Your doctor can prescribe a home evaluation with a specialist, such as a physical or occupational therapist, who can help come up with a plan for changes that will help you better manage your condition. If you're prepared ahead of time, it may be less difficult for you or your caregiver," says Garell.

4. True or false. I should modify my home if I live alone and don’t hear well.

Answer: True.

There is new research that shows hearing is linked to balance and hearing loss may raise your fall risk. In fact, people with mild hearing loss are nearly three times as likely to fall.

If you live by yourself and don't use a hearing device, it might be time to start modifying your home. Like your vision, your hearing gets worse over time. Most people need some hearing help as they age. About 30% of adults over age 60 experience hearing loss; after age 85, that percentage jumps to over 40%.

People who fall when they are alone are more likely to experience "long lies," which is when they remain on the floor for a long time. This unpleasant situation can lead to short- and long-term physical and mental effects. These include fear of falling and loss of independence.

Besides lowering fall risk, home modifications such as voice-activated phones can make it easier for you to call for help if needed.

5. True or false: The damaged floors or old staircase won’t be a problem for me.

Answer: False.

Many people put off home repairs like this. And while you may work around these flaws now, they may trip you up in the future.

"Many who choose to age in place are unaware of the problems and dangers their home presents," says Julie Overton. She is a senior learning and development specialist at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. This is because they slowly changed their activities and living patterns as they aged.

“We all develop patterns, routines, and habits that are comfortable and familiar to us over time so we may not recognize the need to make changes that address our home’s safety,” she says.

Warped flooring or an unsteady staircase can lead to accidents on the stairs. And this is one of the top fall locations that land seniors in the emergency room.

The repairs may not be as extreme (or expensive) as you fear. Contact your state and/or local area on aging to see what resources are available to you. Also ask your doctor to prescribe you a home visit and evaluation with a physical or occupational therapist.

6. True or false: My daily medications won’t cause me to fall in my home.

Answer: False.

You are likely aware that alcohol use can increase your risk of falling. But you may not realize that some prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can also cause you to lose your balance. Review all the medications you take with your doctor or pharmacist. They can go over possible side effects with you. If you take medications, it is smart to fall-proof your home as much as possible.

7. True or false: Cognitive decline or memory issues are a good reason to safety-proof my home.

Answer: True.

Mild cognitive impairment becomes more common as you age. This includes problems with judgement, language, and memory. Brain and physical exercises may help slow down mental decline.

Research suggests that seniors with mild cognitive issues may fall nearly twice as often as healthy individuals. And other factors can make the problem worse such as:

• Fear of falling
• Symptoms of depression
• Trouble doing more than one task at a time

If you experience these problems, it may be time to modify your home to avoid falls.

Scoring: How’d You Do?

If you aced our quiz, congratulations! You have a good appreciation for the dangers of falling as you get older.

If you are concerned about any of your answers to the questions, talk with your doctor, as well as your loved ones. Many home accidents and mishaps are preventable and there are resources available.

Recommended reading:

• Your Room-by-Room Guide to Preventing Falls
•  5 ejercicios que ayudan a evitar las caídas
• Prevent Falls at Home: Your 6-Step Plan

See our sources:
Fall prevention: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Home modification tips: National Council on Aging
Hearing loss: Ear and Hearing
Hearing and fall statistic: National Council on Aging
Hearing help: American Academy of Audiology
Long lies: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity
Falling on stairs: American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
Physical activity: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Cognitive decline: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy

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