According to AARP, three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age. Unfortunately, a much smaller percentage actually plan for that. If you are considering remodeling your current home to make it more senior-friendly or are looking to downsize to a home that can help extend your time there, here are ten features that can you should be aware of.

Senior Realtor Deb McCutcheon recently shared these in a seminar for the Triangle Chapter of the National Aging in Place organization. As someone who worked with the elderly as an occupational therapist for years, she is well-equipped to know what is important.

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  1. Entry Way
    Covered entrance; well lit; minimal to no steps up to the home; may require zero-clearance threshold if in wheelchair/ walker. (door thresholds no more than ¼” high).   No ramps at front of home (OK in back if not visible from street).
    1. Garage
      Attached garage; zero-clearance is ideal, can install electric lift if needed.
      1. Wider Doorways
        36” doorways needed for wheelchairs; 32” for walkers. Barn-style or sliding doors eliminate the door swing hinderence. Lever-style door handles.
        1. Main level living
          Ranch-style homes or at least Master-on-Main and one other bedroom downstairs. Some prefer stairs as form of exercise; install handrails on both sides of steps, add slip-resistant treads to all steps.
          1. Bathrooms
            Zero-clearance shower with grab-bars, bench seat, hand-held shower head.
            Raised, elongated toilets (17 ½” high vs. 15” makes a big difference). Reverse swing on door.
            1. Flooring
              Non-slip flooring: LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) or textured tile; eliminate carpet and throw rugs.
              1. Lighting
                Increase wattage of bulbs; install rocker switches at wheelchair height; motion-sensor lights outside for security; hallway & stair lighting; task lighting in kitchen/ work areas.
                1. Low Maintenance
                  Vinyl siding and soffits; newer construction; HOA for lawn, gutters & exterior care; consider purchasing a Home Warranty policy.
                  1. Community Resources
                    Proximity to family & close friends; near bus line or other public transportation; sidewalks; near groceries/ food, shopping, library, Senior Centers.
                    1. Technology:
                      • Amazon Echo - ~ $100
                        • Ring Video Doorbell- ~ $180, (over age 75, 46% of females and 23% of males live alone).                                 
                          • Sensi-Smart Thermostat -~$130, voice-controlled, works w/ Echo
                            • Wemo Light Switch - ~ $50, controlled by phone app
                              • Smart Refrigerator - ~ $3500, order groceries, reads recipes
                                • Med-Minder Pill Dispenser - ~ $65
                                  • Stove Guard CookStop- ~ $600, turns stove off if left on
                                    • Robotic Vacumn Cleaners -
                                      • Robotic Lawn Mowers - ~ $1000
                                        • Automatic Door Systems – “ Home Automation”
                                          • Approach Wall Cabinet Lift System – raises cabinets up and down
                                            • Strobe light on Smoke Detectors

                                              Deb McCutcheon is a Realtor with the special designation, Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES). Deb is also an Occupational Therapist.  Her combined expertise can help clients find homes to age-in-place safely and comfortably.