Rightsizing for Aging In Place — Insights on Creating A Living Environment that's Accessible, Safe, & Comfortable for Aging In Place

Aging in place, the concept of remaining in our own homes as we grow older, versus downsizing, offers many benefits, including familiarity with your home and neighborhood, health & well-being, consistency, cost management, independence, and a sense of belonging. 

To ensure an accessible, safe, comfortable, and suitable living space for aging in place, it's essential to consider rightsizing your home. Let’s explore insights and practical tips for rightsizing, including decluttering, making home modifications for accessibility and safety, and creating a functional and safe space. 

1. Decluttering Your Home: 

Decluttering your home is one of the first steps in rightsizing for aging in place. 

Over the years, we accumulate so many belongings, some of which may no longer serve a purpose or could even hinder our mobility. Start by going through each room in your home and asking the following questions about each of your belongings — ‌

•  Do I love this piece? Is it serving a purpose? 

•  Does this piece represent a family story that needs to be preserved?

• Can I give this piece to a family member or friend?

• Can I donate this piece to someone who needs it more than I do and can appreciate it in the years to come?

• Can I sell this item?

• Is it time to throw away this item?

Start with the easier rooms, drawers, & closets and work up to the more challenging spaces. This is a big project. Pace yourself and consider working with a professional downsizing company such as WayMaker that can facilitate the decluttering process with sensitivity and respect.

    a. Cataloging the sentimental pieces — antiques, photographs, the kid's artwork, letters, jewelry, etc.  Some of your belongings hold special memories but can also take up valuable space. Keep only your most cherished pieces for your home. When it comes to sentimental excess, you might want to consider capturing the stories of those items by using software or applications like Artifcts. 

Here’s how Artifcts works — ‌

• Select a sentimental belonging.

• Take a photo, video, or even audio.

• Write a story about the piece.

• Save the media and story - share access to it with your family and invite them to also share their memories.

We find that most families just want to ensure the story lives on for generations.  Once they know the story is saved and shared, they find it easier to let go of the physical item — giving it to other family members, donating it, selling it, or even throwing it away.  By using Artifcts, you can preserve valuable family memories and pass them on through the generations without the need to take up excessive space.

  b. Shredding Old Paperwork and Documents: 

As part of decluttering, it's crucial to manage your paperwork and documents. Sort through your files and determine what needs to be kept and what can be shredded. Important documents such as legal papers and medical records should be retained.  Some legal documents such as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, Social Security cards, etc. should be kept indefinitely.   Financial statements should also be kept, but a good rule of thumb for those is anywhere from 3–7 years, depending on what it is.  Outdated bills, irrelevant paperwork, and notes can be safely shredded. 

To minimize paper coming into your home, consider switching to online statements going forward.  

You can do the shredding at your local recycling center, or you might consider utilizing a professional shredding service that can come to your home to ensure sensitive information remains secure. Another alternative is to invest in a reliable shredder for the home and do it there.  

When it comes to giving your belongings to family and friends, be sure to set a deadline for those items to be retrieved or arrange for shipping the pieces off to them by a certain date.  For items to be donated in your community, arrange a pick-up or drop-off at your favorite non-profits or thrift stores.  You can also look to part with these items by posting them as “free” on your neighborhood Facebook page or local area “Buy Nothing” pages.  

As for selling your belongings, consider selling them through local or national auction houses, online auctions, Facebook Marketplace, consignment stores, etc.  

For items that are truly trash, you can pay for a local junkhauler to pick them up and dispose of them.  You might also want to look into dumpster rentals or Bagster.  Some city garbage removal services also offer curbside large item pick-up for a fee.

Now that you've decluttered your home, re-design your space with the sentimental pieces you've kept, such as special antiques and photos. Place them in prominent areas in your home that'll add comfort and enjoyment to your space.

Decluttering your home opens the door to living a simpler, more minimalist life, focusing less on the material and more on what’s most meaningful in your life. It’s a great way to open the door to a new beginning in your life.

2. Home Modifications for Accessibility and Safety: 

Now let’s turn our focus to accessibility and safety in your home.

To age in place successfully, it's essential to make necessary home modifications that enhance accessibility and safety. 

These modifications can range from simple adjustments to more extensive renovations, depending on your needs and budget. 

It’s important to walk through your home, room by room, and assess the details — everything from flooring, light switches, lighting, electrical outlets, cords, etc.  We'll touch on some specific areas below:

  a. Entrances and Pathways: 

Ensure that entrances and pathways are well-lit, provide protection from the elements, and are free from obstacles.  Make sure walkways are free of cracks and holes.

Consider installing handrails or ramps to assist with mobility, especially when navigating steps. Non-slip flooring and removing tripping hazards, such as loose rugs, are also crucial for preventing falls. 

  b. Bathroom Safety: 

The bathroom is a high-risk area for accidents. Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or bathtub. Consider replacing a traditional bathtub with a walk-in shower or installing a shower seat for added convenience and safety. Non-slip mats and adequate lighting are essential as well.   Consider using locks that can be opened from both sides to allow for access in case someone falls.

  c. Kitchen Adaptations: 

Make your kitchen more user-friendly by adjusting countertop heights, installing pull-out shelves, and ensuring easy access to frequently used items. 

Consider lever-style handles for faucets and appliances to accommodate individuals with limited dexterity.  A rubber mat by the sink area can help prevent slipping on wet floor.  Make sure that “on” and “off” switches on appliances are clearly marked — especially electric and gas cooktops.

 d. Emergency Preparedness: 

Prepare for emergencies by having a well-stocked first aid kit readily available. Install smoke ‌and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of your home. Consider investing in a personal emergency response system (PERS) that allows you to push a button to call for help in case of an accident or medical emergency.

3. Creating a Functional & Safe Space:

In addition to decluttering and home modifications, creating a functional and safe space is crucial for aging in place.

  a. Clear Pathways and Organization: 

Ensure that pathways throughout the home are clear and unobstructed. For example, consider hooks on a wall for hanging coats and bags instead of a standing coat rack that might tip over easily if knocked into. Remove unnecessary furniture or rearrange it to create wider walkways. Implement organizational systems, such as labeled storage containers and shelves, to make it easier to find and access items. 

b. Adequate Lighting: 

Good lighting is essential for aging eyes. Focus on optimizing as much natural light as possible in your living spaces. Install bright, energy-efficient lighting in key areas, including hallways, staircases, and task-oriented spaces like the kitchen and workspaces. Consider motion-sensor lights for added convenience and safety, including on the toe kick part of a cabinet in the kitchen or bathroom. 

Conclusion:

Rightsizing for aging in place is a proactive approach to creating a living environment that supports accessibility, safety, functionality, comfort, and independence as we grow older. 

Embrace the opportunity to create a living environment that not only meets your current needs but also adapts to future changes, allowing you to age gracefully in the comfort of your own home and live a simpler, more meaningful life.

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If you are considering aging in place, please reach out to us at WayMaker. We can help with the decluttering of your home with respect and patience.

WayMaker 

Guiding Your Journey. Lifting the Burden.

Honoring Your Life Story.

Lighting Your Way to New Beginnings.

Your Journey is our Mission.

WayMakerDMM.com 

Reach out to Melanie at (770) 954-6622