Home modifications can help seniors age in place

As Americans grow older, modifications to their homes can be a key to increasing their independence, comfort and safety, according to Marsha Alexander, an environmental design specialist with the University of Missouri Outreach & Extension.

"Many older people tend to adjust to the deficiencies in their homes rather than attempt to modify them," Alexander said in a release.

"However, a recent AARP survey showed that more than half of older Americans have modified their homes to help them age in place,'" she added.

The most common improvements cited in the AARP study were additional lighting, limiting living quarters to one floor, replacing knobs with lever faucets, and adding handrails and grab bars.

Alexander said most modifications can be purchased at local hardware stores and are easily installed.

Examples include door knobs with levers that operate with a push, grab bars in the shower, by the toilet and by the tub, single lever faucets that are easy to turn on and off, and flexible, hand-held shower heads.

Other modifications may include adjustable rods in the closet, handrails on both sides of the staircase and outside steps, brighter and focused staircase lighting, and electrical outlets 27 inches above the floor. More complicated, but popular, modifications are walk-in showers with seats and grab bars.

"If you need to hire a handyman, or contractor, get recommendations from friends who have had similar projects completed," Alexander said.

Other hiring tips include:

sure the contractor is licensed and bonded.

Be specific about changes you want in advance.

Ask for a written agreement with only a small down payment, and make the final payment only after the project is completed.

Check with the local Better Business Bureau regarding the contractor's reliability and performance record.