No matter when the older person’s home was built and regardless of whether it is modern or traditional in style, it likely was designed for young adults and their young families. As adults age their homes also grow older, but most are not updated to accommodate the resident’s changing needs. Home adaptation or modification can provide friendlier elder living enabling the aging occupants to continue to live in the comfort of home.
The focus in making a home elder-friendly should always be on increasing and improving the following five elements:
- Self-sufficiency/self-reliance
- Mobility
- Safety
- Security
- Comfort/convenience
It is probably not possible to make any home accident-proof and so that should not be the main goal of home modification. Where possible, emphasis should be placed on preserving and strengthening the capabilities of the older person rather than on coping with limitations or disabilities. This is particularly important if a family member introduces the concept of home modification. The elderly relative must recognize and accept the need for change and should be involved as much as possible in the process. It would be contrary to the goal of enhancing independence to foist unwelcome changes on a reluctant older person. The exception, of course, would be someone suffering from dementia who is unable to meaningfully participate in such decision making.
One way to begin explaining the need for and process of home modification to an older person is to illustrate the use and practicality of some small items. Purchasing several independence-enhancing products as holiday gifts and demonstrating their use might help overcome future resistance.