Whether you’re planning ahead for your own later years or helping a friend or family member adapt to limited mobility and other age-related challenges, home modifications can make daily life easier and help people stay in their homes longer.
Some home modifications are meant to make the home more functional, while others add safety. Either way, these changes come with real costs. GOBankingRates did the research to find the home modifications that can make aging-in-place possible and spoke with Denise Chadwick Wright, CEO of Birmingham Green, who shared insights on the upgrades to focus on.
Unless otherwise noted, all costs are sourced from Angi. Here are five home modifications worth making if you’re planning to age in place.
Home Safety Systems
While many standard safety measures, like smoke detectors, will already be in the home, adding home safety systems makes aging-in-place safer. Wright said, “Simple safety measures, such as smoke detectors and specialized devices for those hard of hearing or visually impaired, can be lifesaving.” Consider installing these items:
- Smart smoke detectors: These models connect to an app, allowing alerts to be managed remotely rather than only at the device itself. A three-pack typically costs between $30 and $110.
- Bed or pillow shakers: These devices connect to a home alert system and physically shake the bed when an alarm is triggered, providing an important warning for those with hearing impairments. Prices start at $17, though some models require compatibility with an existing safety system.
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Upgraded Technology
Technology is a ubiquitous part of daily life, and when integrated into a home, it can make the aging-in-place process much safer. It also helps to ease the minds of family members who want to stay connected to their loved one. Wright said some technologies to consider are Wi-Fi-enabled smart devices, security systems, lighting and wearable devices.
- Smart Home devices: Like Amazon Echo Show, connect to other products like Ring cameras, Fire TVs, robot vacuums, smart lights, and more. It costs $89.99.
- Smart watches: These devices allow wearers to make calls or send messages in case of an emergency, even if they can’t reach a phone. Prices range from about $30 to $300 or more, depending on features.
Safety Handrails
Handrails are required on staircases, but they can also help in other areas as mobility becomes more limited. Installing handrails by the toilet, in the shower, and near any elevation change supports residents as they move through the house. Stair railings cost between $50 and $650 per linear foot.
Generators
If the power goes out, a generator offers a layer of protection for those on oxygen or who use power-dependent devices. Wright recommended having one as a backup power source for a home. Whole-house generators, on average, generally cost between $1,600 and $8,000. Portable generators are a lower-cost option, with some models available for as little as $134 at stores like Lowe’s.
Chairlifts
For homes with multiple stories, Wright recommended chairlifts to assist aging adults using canes or walkers access the upper floors. This is nice because it allows residents to continue to stay in their bedroom, minimizing the number of changes happening around them as they age. Chairlifts cost between $2,000 and $9,000 if the stairs are straight. Curved stairs or stairs with landings require more labor and materials and will cost more.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: These 5 Home Modifications Can Make Aging-in-Place Possible — Here’s What They Cost
